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[Kingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura talks PS3 musical freedom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kingdom-hearts-composer-yoko-shimomura-talks-ps3-musical-freedom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kingdom-hearts-composer-yoko-shimomura-talks-ps3-musical-freedom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kingdom-hearts-composer-yoko-shimomura-talks-ps3-musical-freedom/#commentsFiled under: ,


While video game music is no longer simply the series of 'beeps' and 'boops' it was in the past, it has nonetheless remained one of game design's -- groan -- unsung heroes. This isn't lost on tune-focused Music4Games, and in a recent interview with Kingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura, she spoke out on a number of topics, including her thoughts on creating music for the PlayStation 3.

According to Shimomura, who is responsible for the tunes we'll be humming along to in Square Enix's upcoming Final Fantasy Versus XIII for the PS3, composing on Sony's current platform is much less limiting than it was in previous generations. "With the PlayStation 2, sound production...was a constant battle with memory and limitations," she recalled, adding that "with the PlayStation 3, I'm expecting to have it sound the way I please, without limitations." It's encouraging to hear someone at any level talk about creating content on the PS3 that doesn't involve the words "difficult" or "costly." However, with Square Enix continuing to play coy with regards to when its decade of Final Fantasy will actually kick off, it may be some time before our ears ring with the fruits of Yoko Shimomura's musical labor.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura talks PS3 musical freedom originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composerfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-versus-xiifinalfantasyfinalfantasyversusxiiikingdom-heartskingdomheartsmusicPS3square-enixsquareenixyoko-shimomurayokoshimomuraMon, 02 Jun 2008 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Fusion makes Mushroom Kingdom Hearts a reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/super-mario-fusion-makes-mushroom-kingdom-hearts-a-reality/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/super-mario-fusion-makes-mushroom-kingdom-hearts-a-reality/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/super-mario-fusion-makes-mushroom-kingdom-hearts-a-reality/#commentsFiled under:


You may remember last year's April issue of EGM particularly well, as it included the breaking news on a hot new title making its way onto the Nintendo Wii: Mushroom Kingdom Hearts. Then again, you might remember the chorus of angry Nintendo/Disney/Square Enix fanboys screaming when they realized that the announcement was one of EGM's annual April Fools' Day pranks. If you also smacked your head in realization when the initial excitement subsided, we've got great news for you (and this time, it's on the level).

JudgeSpear has lovingly crafted his take on the game-that-never-was, titling it Super Mario Fusion: Mushroom Kingdom Hearts. Much like the legit Square Enix franchise, Fusion features a dimension-hopping Mario, and worlds based off of other video game franchises, including Halo, Sonic, Doom, Castlevania, Ghouls and Ghosts, Mega Man, and a handful of other Nintendo titles. Using familiar controls similar to those of Super Mario World, and a new gunplay mechanic using Covenant weaponry, this programmer has created a Frankengame that is definitely worth checking out.

A demo for the game is available on his site. Sure, it's still a tad buggy, but it's free, and it's probably the only time you'll see Mario packin' heat. We hope.

JoystiqSuper Mario Fusion makes Mushroom Kingdom Hearts a reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmhalojudgespearkingdomheartsmariomegamanmodsmushroomkingdomheartssupermariofusionSun, 20 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rad keyblade auction also benefits Child's Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/rad-keyblade-auction-also-benefits-childs-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/rad-keyblade-auction-also-benefits-childs-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/rad-keyblade-auction-also-benefits-childs-play/#commentsFiled under: ,

We love helping sick kids as much as the next staff of surly bloggers, but even our moral compass is being tested by this eBay listing for an incredible Keyblade replica. We'd like to say the best part is that 35% [Update: In their FAQ, the seller says 100%] of the funds raised are going to Child's Play. But alas, we're pretty sure that the best part is the above video from the listing that features one of our favorite things: Cosplayers who've just lost the game of Chicken they've been playing with e-infamy and insanity and have ended up splattered all over the internet. Happy holidays, kids.

Of all the images the video, we're especially terrified of Pikachu holding a sword. Because, you see, even if you're properly grounded and insulated against electricity -- he's still got a sword.

[Thanks everyone who sent this in.]

JoystiqRad keyblade auction also benefits Child's Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childsplaycosplaykeybladekingdomheartssquareTue, 27 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS07: New Kingdom Hearts games coming to DS, PSP, mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-new-kingdom-hearts-games-coming-to-ds-psp-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-new-kingdom-hearts-games-coming-to-ds-psp-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-new-kingdom-hearts-games-coming-to-ds-psp-mobile/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Disney/Square/Enix fans will be happy to know that three new Kingdom Hearts titles are on the way, as Square Enix announced brand new titles in development for the DS, PSP, and mobile phones at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show.

1UP reports that these will be three entirely different titles, although all three will share the theme of "time." Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep will be headed for the PlayStation Portable as a single-player action-RPG romp in the same vein as its PS2 brethren. Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days for the Nintendo DS is a full-3D game starring Roxas from KHII, and featuring simultaneous four-way multiplayer.

The final title, Kingdom Hearts: Coded, is being developed for mobile phones, and features the original Kingdom Hearts cast in a story that appears to take place in between the first and second PS2 games.

JoystiqTGS07: New Kingdom Hearts games coming to DS, PSP, mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSkingdomheartsMobilePSPsquareenixtgstgs07Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:50:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS07: Square Enix announces Kingdom Hearts: Birth of Sleep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-square-enix-announces-kingdom-hearts-birth-of-sleep/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-square-enix-announces-kingdom-hearts-birth-of-sleep/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-square-enix-announces-kingdom-hearts-birth-of-sleep/#commentsFiled under:


Square Enix has unveiled a trio of new Kingdom Hearts titles for gaming on-the-go. Though none of them are Kingdom Hearts III, the PSP title Birth of Sleep appears to be a single-player adventure similar in style to KH2. According to 1UP, the main character looks eerily similar to Zack from Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core: FFVII.

No release date was given for Birth of Sleep. Square Enix also announced KH: 358/2 Days for DS and KH: Coded for mobile phones.
[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTGS07: Square Enix announces Kingdom Hearts: Birth of Sleep originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthofsleepkingdomheartssquareenixtgs07Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:22:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS07: Kingdom Hearts confirmed for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/kingdom-hearts-confirmed-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/kingdom-hearts-confirmed-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/kingdom-hearts-confirmed-for-ds/#commentsFiled under:

There's some great news for Kingdom Hearts fans and DS owners -- the handheld is indeed getting a KH game, and it's apparently not a follow-up to the GBA title. Details are sketchy out of TGS at the moment, but the game is going multi-version for multiple platforms (as rumored). It seems the DS exclusive, which is known as Kingdom Hearts 358/2 is the "darkest" of the bunch, according to IGN. Brief trailers for the DS title, as well as those for the PSP and mobile phones, were shown behind closed doors at the show, and no release dates have been mentioned as yet. The only other thing we know at this time is that the events in all games take place near those in Kingdom Hearts 2.

JoystiqTGS07: Kingdom Hearts confirmed for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>358/2Kingdom-HeartsKingdomHeartsSquareEnixTGS07Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: (A) Kingdom Hearts game slated for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/rumor-a-kingdom-hearts-game-slated-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/rumor-a-kingdom-hearts-game-slated-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/rumor-a-kingdom-hearts-game-slated-for-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Way back in May, Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura said the company faced a difficult decision about where to send the next Kingdom Hearts title. When faced with choosing between the DS, the PSP, and mobile phones for your multi-million dollar franchise, what's a company to do?

Clearly, they should make multiple games -- not just multiple versions -- and cover all the bases. Rumor has it that there are three different Kingdom Hearts games in the works: Kingdom Hearts for Playstation 3, Kingdom Hearts 0 for PSP, and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories 2 for the DS, which we assume is a follow-up to the GBA title. As rumors go, this one seems pretty viable, and we anticipate confirmation within the next few days ... unless Square Enix has an entirely different game afoot when it comes to this franchise.

JoystiqRumor: (A) Kingdom Hearts game slated for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chains-of-MemoryKingdom-HeartsKingdomHeartsTue, 18 Sep 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumors: Okami Wii, Kingdom Hearts prequel and 'GTA Batman']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/rumors-okami-wii-kingdom-hearts-prequel-and-gta-batman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/rumors-okami-wii-kingdom-hearts-prequel-and-gta-batman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/rumors-okami-wii-kingdom-hearts-prequel-and-gta-batman/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The latest issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly has once again provided some juicy rumors care of the Quartermann column. Q has added some kindling to rumorang fire of Okami for the Wii, suggesting that Capcom is already developing an upgraded port.

On the Square Enix front, rumor has it that Kingdom Hearts has a "series of prequels currently in-the-works for a number of consoles and handhelds." That would fall in line, at least partially, with what Tetsuya Nomura said back in May that the next KH game would not be KHIII but rather a spin-off for portables.

The third rumor presented is that "a popular studio" is working on an open-ended, Grand Theft Auto-style title based on Batman.

JoystiqRumors: Okami Wii, Kingdom Hearts prequel and 'GTA Batman' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmancapcomkingdomheartsokamirumorsquareenixWiiWed, 29 Aug 2007 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix opening US merchandise store midnight tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/square-enix-opening-us-merchadise-store-midnight-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/square-enix-opening-us-merchadise-store-midnight-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/square-enix-opening-us-merchadise-store-midnight-tonight/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you've got any marrow or plasma to spare, you'd better go get it sucked out now because at midnight tonight, Square Enix opens the online merchandise store to the United States. The online store has been available to Japanese consumers for quite some time now, offering everything from Dragon Quest stationary to replica Gunblades from Final Fantasy VIII.

The US store will have a modest opening, sticking mostly to figurines. A full list and descriptions of featured items are available after the break.

Continue reading Square Enix opening US merchandise store midnight tonight

JoystiqSquare Enix opening US merchandise store midnight tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonquestfinalfantasykingdomheartsmerchandisesquareenixMon, 20 Aug 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix launching US online store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/square-enix-launching-us-online-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/square-enix-launching-us-online-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/square-enix-launching-us-online-store/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Role-playing game powerhouse Square Enix have put up a teaser site for an upcoming online merchandise store. Though we're not expecting software titles to be sold, figurines from Dragon Quest, Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy are likely (we saw a huge display of fine-crafted figures from those series at Tokyo Game Show last year) and probably clothing with various logos.

Our prediction for best-sellers? Anything with a Slime character on it: key chains, styluses, plush dolls, etc. Our prediction for worst-sellers? Anything sold with actual slime on it. Ew. No date has been given for the grand opening of the store.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqSquare Enix launching US online store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon questDragonQuestfinal fantasyFinalFantasykingdom heartsKingdomHeartsslimesquare enixSquareEnixWed, 20 Jun 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix teases us with upcoming Kingdom Hearts news]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/square-enix-teases-us-with-upcoming-kingdom-hearts-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/square-enix-teases-us-with-upcoming-kingdom-hearts-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/square-enix-teases-us-with-upcoming-kingdom-hearts-news/#commentsFiled under: ,

A short interview was conducted with some members of the Square Enix PR department by the folks over at RPGamer. While there isn't that much truly invigorating information, we thought it'd be nice to bring you up to speed on some of the anticipated titles that, we hope, make their way onto the PS3. Also of note are Square Enix's tentative plans for the PlayStation Store. Enticed? Summary below.

  • The PS Store is too young to decide if content is worth posting, says Square Enix. Would we really want another version of a Final Fantasy game anyway? We'd love to see something like Einhander make its way onto the store, though ...
  • The next Kingdom Hearts title (they didn't specify whether it would be the third main installment or another off-shoot title) will get announced at the Tokyo Game Show.
  • Also not-yet-officially-announced is a special party hosted by Square Enix on June 26. It will take place at the PlayStation Store in San Fransisco. More details on that later.

We're fairly sure that the Kingdom Hearts announcement will be for an offshoot title for a handheld. Not sure why; just a gut reaction. As for the PS Store, while it is young, it will never get older if developers don't give it worthwhile titles. In fact, in our latest podcast, we sort of touched on the topic -- Japan is getting a ton of PS One titles and we've gotten none for the past couple of months. Surely this will change soon, Sony?

JoystiqSquare Enix teases us with upcoming Kingdom Hearts news originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kingdom HeartsKingdomHeartsPlayStation 3Playstation3PS StorePS3PsStoreSonySquare EnixSquareEnixMon, 04 Jun 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FF Dissidia magazine scan reveals Smash-ing possibilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/ff-dissidia-magazine-scan-reveals-smash-ing-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/ff-dissidia-magazine-scan-reveals-smash-ing-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/ff-dissidia-magazine-scan-reveals-smash-ing-possibilities/#commentsFiled under: ,

Digg!

Here is Dissidia, the newly announced Final Fantasy game for PSP. Our less-than-infantile understanding of Japanese makes it difficult to decipher a recently leaked Japanese magazine scan. We understand that it's a one-on-one 3D "battle" game -- could this game be a fighting game, in the style of Smash Brothers? The pictures certainly allude to that. It isn't Ehrgeiz like we predicted, but we think it's pretty darn close. The game will reunite characters from across the franchise, including the Warriors of Light from the first Final Fantasy, and Zidane and Kuja of Final Fantasy IX fame.

Nomura's Kingdom Hearts-esque character designs are in full effect, and the title appears to have some console-quality graphics. It may not be what most of us expected, but we can't wait to find out more.

[Via NeoGAF; Thanks, Jamal!]

JoystiqFF Dissidia magazine scan reveals Smash-ing possibilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidiaehrgeizfightingfinal fantasyFinalFantasykingdom heartsKingdomHeartssmash brossmash brothersSmashBrosSmashBrotherssquare enixSquareEnixWed, 09 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Kingdom Hearts game coming to portables]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/next-kingdom-hearts-game-coming-to-portables/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/next-kingdom-hearts-game-coming-to-portables/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/next-kingdom-hearts-game-coming-to-portables/#commentsFiled under: ,

Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura recently told Famitsu that the next installment in the Kingdom Hearts franchise won't be gracing consoles and won't even be Kingdom Hearts III. Instead, portable gaming enthusiasts look to be the ones who are lucking out, as he said the next title in the franchise will be another spin-off set to grace handheld platforms. "[It] would be hard to choose if to make the game for the PSP, NDS or the cell phone," he said, leaving us a bit puzzled in the statement's wake.

Why would it be a hard decision? For one, a spin-off title from the franchise already released on the GBA, so there is some familiarity with Nintendo's hardware on his side. Plus, the Nintendo DS is the hottest handheld on the market, so wouldn't it be in his company's best interest to bring it here? Sure, we can understand the difficulty of deciding between the DS and cell phones, but we really don't think the PSP is in the running much, unless it looks to be a graphically-heavy title.

JoystiqNext Kingdom Hearts game coming to portables originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitekingdomheartslitenintendonintendodsnintendodslitesquareenixFri, 04 May 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Kingdom Hearts to be portable spin-off, not KHIII]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/next-kingdom-hearts-to-be-portable-spin-off-not-khiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/next-kingdom-hearts-to-be-portable-spin-off-not-khiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/next-kingdom-hearts-to-be-portable-spin-off-not-khiii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

king mickeyEver wonder what "King" Mickey was really doing in the World of Darkness -- or how he got his mitts on that keyblade? Well, Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura has told Famitsu that the next Kingdom Hearts game will explain just that, CVG reports. Nomura isn't talking Kingdom Hearts III (as EGM speculated), but rather a spin-off entry bound for portability. "[It] would be hard to choose if to make the game for the PSP, NDS or the cell phone," teases a rough translation of Nomura's comments to Famitsu.

The designer hinted that the side-story would play "slightly different" than the rest of the Kingdom Hearts series. "I want to ... change the system a little," said Nomura, adding, "The multi-developing makes me want to put it on something else [other than consoles.]" Sounds like Nomura isn't interested in sharing any one game on multiple platforms. So when can we poll the rest of Square Enix on this issue?

JoystiqNext Kingdom Hearts to be portable spin-off, not KHIII originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phoneCellPhonedskingdom heartsKingdomHeartsMobilepspsquare enixSquareEnixTetsuya NomuraTetsuyaNomuraFri, 04 May 2007 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: New Dead or Alive will be PS3 exclusive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/rumor-new-dead-or-alive-will-be-ps3-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/rumor-new-dead-or-alive-will-be-ps3-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/rumor-new-dead-or-alive-will-be-ps3-exclusive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Insert your own jiggling pun here, EGM is reporting the rumor that Team Ninja's crafting a new Dead or Alive title that will be exclusive to the PS3. There's no word on if this is a new branch of the series or the Dead or Alive 5 that alleged joker, smoker and midnight poker Tomonobu Itagaki confirmed last November.

Also slipping from Quarterman's silver tongue: Capcom may be working on a new version of the original Mega Man, remade for the PlayStation Network (what's the appropriate gift for the 100th Mega Man? Glass? Sapphire?). Oh, and, lest we forget, Q says a new Disgaea for PS3 and a new Kingdom Hearts (not Kingdom Hearts 3) are on the way. What's that? You want more? Well, only the first hit is free: You'll have to buy this month's EGM for more details.

JoystiqRumor: New Dead or Alive will be PS3 exclusive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-or-Aliveegmkingdomheartsmegamanps3quartermanWed, 02 May 2007 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura talks Kingdom Hearts: could it go to PSP?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/nomura-talks-kingdom-hearts-could-it-go-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/nomura-talks-kingdom-hearts-could-it-go-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/nomura-talks-kingdom-hearts-could-it-go-to-psp/#commentsFiled under:

Digg!

Kingdom Hearts Network has translated a recent issue of Famitsu. This particular issue is of interest because there is an interview with Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura. In the interview, Nomura talks about the future of Kingdom Hearts: "The announcement time of a new KH project might be announced soon."

Of particular interest to PSP owners: "The multi-developing makes me want to put it on something else without thinking. If we follow this idea, it would be hard to choose if to make the game for the PSP, NDS or the cell phone."

Not the best translation, but I think we all get the idea. Kingdom Hearts on PSP could be the best team-up for PSP owners since Final Fantasy and Disney.

[Via DCEmu]

JoystiqNomura talks Kingdom Hearts: could it go to PSP? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kingdom heartsKingdomHeartsnomurasquare enixSquareEnixtetsuya nomuraTetsuyaNomuraTue, 01 May 2007 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[We have information on Kingdom Hearts not-3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/weve-information-on-kingdom-hearts-not-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/weve-information-on-kingdom-hearts-not-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/weve-information-on-kingdom-hearts-not-3/#commentsFiled under:

We know that the next Kingdom Hearts game isn't going to be a direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts 2. We were imagining that it'd be a spin-off like Chain of Memories and we figured right. Sora will not be involved in this spin-off and it won't be on the PlayStation 3. Chances are it'll be stuck on a portable system. Either the PlayStation Portable or the Nintendo DS. Following the trend, it's more likely to pop up on the DS, though going to the PSP would really put an A-list title in its library.

So what does the game entail? Oh, darn, that would've been a great pun if I waited. Anyway, you'll get it. You'll play through the story of how Mickey came into possession of a keyblade and what went down in the world of darkness. There's going to be a pretty big focus on Roxas (or Sora-X if you like that better... Breath of Fire 2 really started the whole Name-X thing. Awesome). We'll keep you posted on the new information as they become available.

JoystiqWe have information on Kingdom Hearts not-3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kingdom HeartsKingdomHeartsSquare EnixSquareEnixTue, 01 May 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/07/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/07/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/07/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-14/#commentsFiled under:

PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com.

Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to the VIDEO folder. These high resolution 480x272 videos require firmware 3.30 or above.


Kingdom Hearts (Birth By Dream)
Download MP4 (22.5MB) | Download JPG

The following videos are featured after the break: Halloween, Lair [PS3], This is Living, Illegal Tender

Continue reading PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 14

JoystiqPSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halloweenillegal tenderIllegalTenderkingdom heartsKingdomHeartslairtheatrethis is livingThisIsLivingSat, 07 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts creator working on new series, not KH III]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/kingdom-hearts-creator-working-on-new-series-not-khiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/kingdom-hearts-creator-working-on-new-series-not-khiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/kingdom-hearts-creator-working-on-new-series-not-khiii/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura (Sony-era Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts series) has told Japanese magazine Dengeki PlayStation that his next project would not be Kingdom Hearts III but a new series. "So it probably won't be just one title," he said.

Nomura told us to expect multiple Kingdom Hearts announcements this year. Hidden trailers notwithstanding, we've heard nothing (Mushroom Kingdom Hearts was an April Fool's gag), so it sounds like the next KH projects will be moving forward without Nomura. Given the design precedent he set, we hope the future project director and producers can improve upon the current template.

Nomura's new series is purported to share some similarities (like character design, natch) with Kingdom Hearts. According to EuroGamer, a full announcement from Square Enix is expected later this year.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts creator working on new series, not KH III originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneykingdom heartsKingdomHeartsnomuraPS2PS3squaresquare enixSquareEnixtetsuya nomuraTetsuyaNomuraTue, 03 Apr 2007 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura remains vague on Kingdom Hearts 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/nomura-remains-vague-on-kingdom-hearts-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/nomura-remains-vague-on-kingdom-hearts-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/nomura-remains-vague-on-kingdom-hearts-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kingdom Hearts 3. The very mention of this title sends a large cluster of people into a spiral of shame and happiness that makes absolutely no sense. How could they possibly enjoy a game riddled with cutesy Disney characters, they might ask themselves. The answer is simple: because the games are awesome. Tetsuya Nomura knows this, so he's remained fairly tight-lipped on the next entry in the ongoing tale of the Keyblade and its wielder (who knows who it may be in the next game). He's still tight-lipped, but a few details emerged that are worth mentioning.

Nomura calls the next game "a new series" which can be kind of confusing. He decided to clear it up by adding this: "the next title won't just be Kingdom Hearts III. If it were III, we wouldn't call it a new series." So, if it's not KH3, but it is, then what is it? He speaks of Xehanort and Sora, how they may or may not be involved in the next game. Our thought? There's no more Disney to explore, so they're going to move it onto a more Square-Enix world -- or perhaps loop in movies that aren't specifically Disney. What do you guys glean from this?

JoystiqNomura remains vague on Kingdom Hearts 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DisneyKingdom HeartsKingdomHeartsPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonySquare-EnixTue, 03 Apr 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario + Disney = Mushroom Kingdom Hearts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/mario-disney-mushroom-kingdom-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/mario-disney-mushroom-kingdom-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/mario-disney-mushroom-kingdom-hearts/#commentsFiled under: ,

The April issue of EGM lands on newstands March 13, but the folks at Obvious Diversion have already sampled the goods. The big "news" is Mushroom Kingdom Hearts for Wii. According to the magazine that never lies, it's Kingdom Hearts sans Final Fantasy characters with Nintendo's Mushroom Kingdom folk in their stead. Over 41 characters will be featured in the game that's set to make more money than the Sultan of Brunei could ever dream of.

EGM's April issue is a famous launching ground for concepts that seem too good to be true. Remember how excited we were when the realistic Wind Waker remake was announced? Wait. That was an April Fools joke? Think what you may, but EGM hasn't officially confirmed Mushroom Kingdom Hearts as a prank. You might want to place a pre-order this weekend. Go ahead, we dare you.

JoystiqMario + Disney = Mushroom Kingdom Hearts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aprilfoolsegmkingdomheartsnintendoprankssquare-enixwiiSat, 10 Mar 2007 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3 visuals due out by year's end]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/kingdom-hearts-3-visuals-due-out-by-years-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/kingdom-hearts-3-visuals-due-out-by-years-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/kingdom-hearts-3-visuals-due-out-by-years-end/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tetsuya Nomura sat down with Famitsu and, among other things, talked about that mysterious trailer unlockable at the end of Kingdom Hearts 2. You know, with the apparently more "Square-Enix" take on the franchise? Those knights seriously look straight out of the designs from Final Fantasy IV. We know that Kingdom Hearts 3 exists, but up until now we've had no idea what to even look for.

Nomura admitted that there are plans to give some visuals of the next KH before the end of 2007. You can speculate that the Tokyo Game Show will reveal a trailer, images, or just some printed information. Not much else to say, but feel free to toss in your theories or ideas here. I had a really good one, but... it's been a while and I've forgotten what it is.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3 visuals due out by year's end originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kingdom HeartsKingdomHeartsPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonySquare-EnixTue, 13 Feb 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts series ships 10 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/kingdom-hearts-series-ships-10-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/kingdom-hearts-series-ships-10-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/kingdom-hearts-series-ships-10-million/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

square enixKingdom Hearts recently joined an elite group of franchises, its three games now accounting for more than 10 million units shipped worldwide. Still dwarfed by a pair of Nintendo franchises, Kingdom Hearts is nonetheless quickly establishing itself as one of the most successful series of all time.

Consider that it's older sibling Final Fantasy -- ranked third among the all-time best-selling franchises -- has managed to move 68 million units; a tall stack indeed, but one that's built on 12 core games dating back to 1987, plus countless spin-offs, remakes, and compilations. To date, Kingdom Hearts (technically considered a FF spin-off) is built on a mere 3 titles; none of which have gone multi-platform (GBA's Chain of Memories will be released for PS2 in an upcoming re-release compilation called Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix +). Kingdom Hearts debuted in September 2002.

Appropriately, Square Enix will soon unveil multiple Kingdom Hearts sequels, affirming that this action-RPG is one of the most sought after series in the business. So which platforms will be blessed this time around? Is the primary series' successor safe in Sony's hands?

JoystiqKingdom Hearts series ships 10 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GBAKingdomHeartsPS2SquareEnixWed, 07 Feb 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts' Sora goes on a homebrew adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/16/kingdom-hearts-sora-goes-on-a-homebrew-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/16/kingdom-hearts-sora-goes-on-a-homebrew-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/16/kingdom-hearts-sora-goes-on-a-homebrew-adventure/#commentsFiled under:

Zelda isn't the only homebrew game to make a splash today. DCEmu's forums brings news about Sora's Adventure, which has no reached "version 0.2." It's still unplayable, as it's still very much a work-in-progress, but the trailer (seen above) shows some exciting potential. From the blurry video grab, we see a Chain of Memories-inspired Sora sprite side-scrolling and fighting enemies. An interesting effort, to say the least--I certainly approve of fan-inspired projects over the stealing bootleggers.

Hopefully, word of this homebrew game will inspire the over-protective Square-Enix (killers of the ambitious Chrono Trigger remake) to get working on an official version of Kingdom Hearts for the rest of us.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts' Sora goes on a homebrew adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewkingdom heartsKingdomHeartssorasquaresquare enixSquareEnixTue, 16 Jan 2007 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Want more Kingdom Hearts? Wait until mid 2007, then...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/want-more-kingdom-hearts-wait-until-mid-2007-then/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/want-more-kingdom-hearts-wait-until-mid-2007-then/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/want-more-kingdom-hearts-wait-until-mid-2007-then/#commentsFiled under: ,

At the Jump Festa event the other week, there was hinted a new Kingdom Hearts project with the sparkly letters "New Project Starting in 2007". Granted, the trailer that revealed the hint had a multitude of games featured, but it seems most likely it was referring to the Disney/Square magic. Now that rumor has been confirmed -- Famitsu magazine got confirmation from the big boys that something is indeed cooking for Kingdom Hearts next year.

Tetsuya Nomura, the game's producer, stated that there are multiple projects slated for the series. Some are games, some will be something else entirely. What other medium could they possibly exploit? Certainly not the animated/CG film industry? Disney has no pull in that area, no sir, no way... What do you guys think the "other" projects could be? Film, comic, theme park? Leave your thoughts and we'll report new details when they surface in mid-2007.

JoystiqWant more Kingdom Hearts? Wait until mid 2007, then... originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DisneyKingdom HeartsKingdomHeartsPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3Square EnixSquareEnixFri, 22 Dec 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More Kingdom Hearts in 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/more-kingdom-hearts-in-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/more-kingdom-hearts-in-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/more-kingdom-hearts-in-2007/#commentsFiled under:

Brace yourself for this one, folks: Square Enix is taking a successful franchise and furthering it with sequels galore. Kingdom Hearts producer Tetsuya Nomura told Famitsu that there will be multiple KH projects in the works, with announcements coming in 2007.

We're not going to make any assumptions as to the future console of choice for Kingdom Hearts 3 (or whatever crafty subtitle they decide), especially after the Dragon Quest DS shuffle. If multiple projects are in order, however, the true successor in the series will probably go to a home console, with portable systems receiving the side stories (see: Chain of Memories).

Square Enix hinted at forthcoming 2007 announcements during their presentation at Jump Fiesta; are these two news bits related or does the RPG giant have more secrets in store for next year? And while we're at it, what Disney movies has the series overlooked in merging the two companies' icons?

JoystiqMore Kingdom Hearts in 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kingdom heartsKingdomHeartssquare enixSquareEnixWed, 20 Dec 2006 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's hottest game video: Link vs. Riku -- FIGHT!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/todays-hottest-game-video-link-vs-riku-fight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/todays-hottest-game-video-link-vs-riku-fight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/todays-hottest-game-video-link-vs-riku-fight/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We wonder how much time these guys spent on this thing. If it was more than one Sunday afternoon, then we fear for their souls. It starts off pretty decent, and the costumes are nifty (check out Link's ears and Riku's hair -- dang), but then we get to the fighting and it just slows. way. down. Watch as I SWING WITH MY SWORD AND THEN ... *tap*. Check out Link's off the rock spin move, eh? He's so proud of it that he does it several times.

The video ends with, "It's not over yet." Dear god, why not? Is there a sequel brewing? Don't get us wrong, it was a nice effort ... just two minutes and 41 seconds too long. Check it out after the jump.

Continue reading Today's hottest game video: Link vs. Riku -- FIGHT!

JoystiqToday's hottest game video: Link vs. Riku -- FIGHT! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kingdom HeartsKingdomHeartsLinkNintendoPlayStationPlayStation 2Playstation2PSPS3RikuSquareTwilight PrincessTwilightPrincessvideoWiiZeldaWed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monotone: Square-Enix colors the mobile kingdom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/monotone-square-enix-colors-the-mobile-kingdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/monotone-square-enix-colors-the-mobile-kingdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/monotone-square-enix-colors-the-mobile-kingdom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MonotoneYou won't find Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuya Nomura's new portable RPG on a Sony or Nintendo handheld. Monotone was developed exclusively for the mobile phone market and is a subscription-based (¥210 per month; under $2) puzzle-RPG, in which the protagonist must restore color and sound to his world (and no, he's not a wolf-god).

For a limited time, Square-Enix is accepting fan-submitted content, presumably to inspire new characters, monsters, and quests that could be added to the game at a later date. There's also an in-game points system, which encourages players to redeem their hard-earned points for ringtones and wallpapers. Monotone is currently available on Japan's DoCoMo network. In other words, you won't be playing it.

JoystiqMonotone: Square-Enix colors the mobile kingdom originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DoCoMoEnixKingdom HeartsKingdomHeartsMobileMonotoneringtoneSquareSquare-EnixsubscriptiomTetsuya NomuraTetsuyaNomurawallpaperMon, 06 Nov 2006 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix commits to no one! Or is it everyone?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/square-enix-commits-to-no-one-or-is-it-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/square-enix-commits-to-no-one-or-is-it-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/square-enix-commits-to-no-one-or-is-it-everyone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sqaure EnixSpeaking with The Wall Street Journal, Square Enix's senior VP Michihiro Sasaki got downright cryptic when asked about his company's next-gen alliances:

"We don't want PlayStation 3 to be the overwhelming loser, so we want to support them. But we don't want them to be the overwhelming winner either, so we can't support them too much."

The statement seems to be a clever way of masking Square Enix's uncertainty about the PlayStation brand. There's no denying that the PS3 price tag will affect the console's user base, and Square Enix clearly doesn't want to commit its franchises solely to a Sony platform that won't necessarily dominant the developing generation of hardware. Of course, Final Fantasy XIII & Final Fantasy Versus XIII are already locks for PS3 -- but ultimately, both could also be released onto other platforms. But then there's Kingdom Hearts, which as 1UP notes, has not been bound to a next-gen platform.

Keep an eye on Square Enix developments. Either the company will spread its franchises across several platforms -- including Xbox 360, if the console starts picking up sales in Japan -- or Square Enix will dive head first into multiplatform agreements, which may be the only economically viable solution.

JoystiqSquare Enix commits to no one! Or is it everyone? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEnixFinal FantasyFinalFantasyKingdom HeartsKingdomHeartsPS3PSPSquareSquare EnixSquareEnixXbox-360Tue, 26 Sep 2006 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New Square Enix games revealed for DS and PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/new-square-enix-games-revealed-for-ds-and-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/new-square-enix-games-revealed-for-ds-and-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/new-square-enix-games-revealed-for-ds-and-ps2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

And quite unbelievably, one of them happens to be a Final Fantasy game. Confirmed by IGN and triumphantly splashed across the pages of Famitsu Shonen Jump, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings will bring the world of Ivalice to the DS. In case you've spent the last year traipsing about a disturbing parallel universe devoid of oxymoronic names, you'd note that the PS2 version is due for a release this Halloween. Judging by the more youthful appearance of the protagonists -- that's Vaan and sandwich soundalike, Penelo -- it would appear that Revenant Wings is a prequel of sorts. It makes sense, since they all die at the end of the PS2 adventure anyway.

No word yet on what the gameplay entails, but given the Ivalice setting, a direct continuation of Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced wouldn't be out of place at all. If it's a more original experience you're after, the second DS game to be announced by Square Enix may do some naughty and unmentionable things to your fancy. It's a Wonderful World looks to be the end result of Kingdom Hearts and Jet Set Radio colliding violently on the freeway. Incidentally, that's exactly what happens at the end of Kingdom Hearts II.

That brings us to the final game shown on the scanned page, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix. The PS2 screenshot reveals a new card-based battle system, possibly indicating some connection to Chain of Memories on the GBA. Square Enix will no doubt clarify once the Tokyo Game Show begins later this month, but until then, feel free to scrutinize every last bit of the full scan.

[Note: This post contains fake spoilers! Thanks, Phantom42!]

JoystiqNew Square Enix games revealed for DS and PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSFinal-Fantasy-12Final-Fantasy-12-Revenant-WingsKingdomHeartsNintendoPS2Square-EnixWed, 13 Sep 2006 19:55:00 EST