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[We can build on this: Why ideas in The Last Story should be embraced by RPG devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/we-can-build-on-this-why-ideas-in-the-last-story-should-be-embr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/we-can-build-on-this-why-ideas-in-the-last-story-should-be-embr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/we-can-build-on-this-why-ideas-in-the-last-story-should-be-embr/#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.
When Hironobu Sakaguchi set out to make The Last Story, one of his main goals was to make something new. It was an approach that made him nervous.

"With this title, I felt strongly that as the creator of the game, I was laying myself bare, and I was anxious about how the customers would respond to my ideas," Sakaguchi said in an Iwata Asks feature released by Nintendo. "At the same time, there are certain unique things I want to do and express, and in the end, I don't think that my approach is mistaken."

In the end, Sakaguchi was indeed vindicated. The Last Story was met with solid reviews, and was praised in large part because of its creative battle system. All told, it's a nice story of a developer breaking out of its comfort zone to create a new and interesting game, and it's worth reading the full interview to see how The Last Story ultimately came out. I don't think it needs to be the whole story though.

It's in part because The Last Story incorporates so many new elements that I would like to see it adopted in some way by other RPG developers - especially strategy RPG developers. The Last Story can't really be pegged in any particular genre; but it does have a fair amount in common with strategy RPGs. It's not grid-based, or even turn-based, but it does place a premium on enemy placement, for example, by making it possible to knock out casters or other hazards using alternative methods.

Gallery: The Last Story

Continue reading We can build on this: Why ideas in The Last Story should be embraced by RPG devs

JoystiqWe can build on this: Why ideas in The Last Story should be embraced by RPG devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AQ-InteractiveHironobu-SakaguchiMistwalkernintendoOpinionthe-last-storywiiWed, 22 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story review: Sakaguchi's experimental side]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/the-last-story-review-sakaguchis-experimental-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/the-last-story-review-sakaguchis-experimental-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/the-last-story-review-sakaguchis-experimental-side/#comments The Last Story appears to flip the script on Dragon Quest. Where Square Enix's seminal RPG series normally seeks to tell new stories within familiar mechanical frameworks, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi's latest effort offers a very (very) familiar narrative while experimenting wildly with its battle system.

The story is vintage Final Fantasy - a collection of traditional role-playing tropes set amid a world featuring an effective mix of medieval and steampunk elements. The hero Zael has a lot in common with the likes of Cloud and Cecil, and his infatuation with a runaway princess brings to mind Final Fantasy IX. There's even a flying fortress ala Balamb Garden from Final Fantasy VIII. For some, it will be charming (I'm in that camp), though others may find it distracting.

Gallery: The Last Story (8/14/12)

Continue reading The Last Story review: Sakaguchi's experimental side

JoystiqThe Last Story review: Sakaguchi's experimental side originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactivemistwalkernintendothe-last-storywiiWed, 15 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker's debut iOS title, Party Wave, catches some surf on iTunes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/mistwalkers-debut-ios-title-party-wave-catches-some-surf-on-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/mistwalkers-debut-ios-title-party-wave-catches-some-surf-on-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/mistwalkers-debut-ios-title-party-wave-catches-some-surf-on-i/#comments MistwalkerMistwalker, the studio started by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, has launched its first game for iOS, Party Wave. No, it's not a game where you wave hello to friends as they walk in the door for your birthday party, nor does it involve coordinating a stadium full of people to move their arms up and down at the correct times. Party Wave is about surfing, one of Sakaguchi's passions.

Party Wave goes for $1.99 on the App Store and works with iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch running iOS 4.1 or better. It's an "action surfing" game that has players control a group of surfers as they navigate an ocean of obstacles.

Mistwalker is working on two other, unannounced mobile titles. Sakaguchi's Wii game, The Last Story, hits North American shores on August 14.

JoystiqMistwalker's debut iOS title, Party Wave, catches some surf on iTunes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hironobu-SakaguchiiosipadiphoneMistwalkermobileparty-waveMon, 23 Jul 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story finally comes to North America on Aug. 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/the-last-story-finally-comes-to-north-america-on-aug-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/the-last-story-finally-comes-to-north-america-on-aug-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/the-last-story-finally-comes-to-north-america-on-aug-14/#comments The Last Story finally comes to North America August 14XSEED has announced an August 14 release date for Mistwalker's anticipated, petitioned-for Wii role-playing game, The Last Story.

All launch copies will include an art book; in addition to that, XSEED revealed the above soundtrack disc as a pre-order bonus from Amazon, GameStop and EB Canada. That's some deluxe treatment for what is sure to be one of the last big Wii games, and it seems to deserve the attention.

JoystiqThe Last Story finally comes to North America on Aug. 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mistwalkernintendopre-order-bonusrelease-datesoundtrackthe-last-storywiixseedWed, 11 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker's first iOS game Party Wave 'nearly completed']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/mistwalkers-first-ios-party-wave-nearly-completed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/mistwalkers-first-ios-party-wave-nearly-completed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/mistwalkers-first-ios-party-wave-nearly-completed/#comments Mistwalker's latest is Party Wave, an iOS game about surfingFinal Fantasy veteran Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker studio is working on three iOS projects at the moment, and the first one has been announced. Party Wave is about surfing, which Sakaguchi describes as one of his passions.

According to the trailer, you flick around the screen to guide surfers through dangers until they reach the "party wave," after which you play a minigame to keep them surfing and away from encroaching bad guys.

Party Wave looks like simple fun, which should make it perfect for the iOS platform. Sakaguchi didn't share a release date or price, but he says "it's nearly completed. Hope many people enjoy it when it's available."

JoystiqMistwalker's first iOS game Party Wave 'nearly completed' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hironobu-Sakaguchiiosipadiphonemistwalkermobileparty-wavereleasestudioFri, 22 Jun 2012 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The creative maturity of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Last Story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-creative-maturity-of-hironobu-sakaguchis-last-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-creative-maturity-of-hironobu-sakaguchis-last-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-creative-maturity-of-hironobu-sakaguchis-last-story/#comments There must be a fascinating behind-the-scenes story as to how XSEED managed to get a hold of the localization rights for The Last Story. Ordinarily, Nintendo has a death grip on the rights to its games: If they don't localize it, no one does. XSEED, for their part, say they "got lucky."

The Last Story is the most recent RPG by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, as well as the natural companion to Xenoblade Chronicles, which arrived last month. Both headlined last year's Operation Rainfall petition, along with Pandora's Tower, forever joining them at the hip. Much like Monolith Soft's opus Chronicles, Sakaguchi seems determined to say something new about the genre he once helped create.

Gallery: The Last Story (Nintendo Conference 2010)

Continue reading The creative maturity of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Last Story

JoystiqThe creative maturity of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Last Story originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AQ-InteractiveHironobu-SakaguchiMistwalkernintendothe-last-storywiiXSEEDWed, 09 May 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker working on three iOS projects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mistwalker-working-on-three-ios-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mistwalker-working-on-three-ios-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mistwalker-working-on-three-ios-projects/#commentsMistwalker, the developer started by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, is taking up mobile development -- or, at least, reaching the result of an experiment started two years ago. In an email to Siliconera, Sakaguchi revealed that "I'm working on three new games on iOS." He'll update fans on their progress via Facebook, a change from his previous tactic of posting Lego models on his own blog.

Sakaguchi's hobbies still figure into the games, though: one will be surfing-related. The other two games are as yet totally unannounced. If you're eager to play some Mistwalker content sooner, The Last Story is coming to Wii this summer.

JoystiqMistwalker working on three iOS projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hironobu-SakaguchiiosiphonemistwalkermobileWed, 21 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hironobu Sakaguchi made this Last Story trailer for you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/hironobu-sakaguchi-made-this-last-story-trailer-for-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/hironobu-sakaguchi-made-this-last-story-trailer-for-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/hironobu-sakaguchi-made-this-last-story-trailer-for-you/#comments
If you've been ignoring The Last Story because you didn't want to get interested in a game you'd never be able to play, well, it's time to start watching trailers. And there's no better place to start than with this European trailer directed by Mistwalker's Hironobu Sakaguchi himself.

Like the European release of Xenoblade Chronicles, this version of The Last Story has quite British voice acting. American publisher XSEED hasn't made any announcements about how it would handle voice recording, but we expect to hear the same accents when the North American version shows up this summer.

JoystiqHironobu Sakaguchi made this Last Story trailer for you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hironobu-SakaguchiMistwalkernintendothe-last-storywiixseedFri, 24 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story is Europe's next Wii RPG, coming Feb. 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-last-story-is-europes-next-wii-rpg-coming-feb-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-last-story-is-europes-next-wii-rpg-coming-feb-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-last-story-is-europes-next-wii-rpg-coming-feb-24/#comments Now that North America has a confirmed release for Xenoblade Chronicles, it's time to start pining non-stop for another Wii RPG. It's either that or be happy, and we can't have that.

Nintendo has officially dated the European release of Hironobu Sakaguchi's The Last Story. It'll be released on February 24, giving Euro players the chance to finish two of the "Operation Rainfall" games before Xenoblade even comes out in North America.

The action-RPG features both a single-player story mode, about a mercenary named Zael aspiring to become a knight, and online modes including co-op and deathmatch for six players.

Continue reading The Last Story is Europe's next Wii RPG, coming Feb. 24

JoystiqThe Last Story is Europe's next Wii RPG, coming Feb. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemistwalkernintendoq1-2012release-datethe-last-storywiiThu, 08 Dec 2011 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story classified in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/the-last-story-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/the-last-story-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/the-last-story-classified-in-australia/#comments We're happy to have some good news about a new regional release of The Last Story, even if it's not the region we would have picked. The Classification Board has rated Mistwalker's Wii action RPG for release in Australia, where its "fantasy violence and mature themes" have earned it an M rating.

The Last Story, of course, is one of the games for which "Operation Rainfall" is campaigning. Depending on your outlook (and your location), evidence of an Australian release can either be an encouraging sign of worldwide plans, or a version of the game in yet another region that isn't North America.

JoystiqThe Last Story classified in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamistwalkernintendooflcthe-last-storywiiMon, 10 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story's 2010 US trademark receives 'Notice of Allowance']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/the-last-storys-2010-us-trademark-receives-notice-of-allowance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/the-last-storys-2010-us-trademark-receives-notice-of-allowance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/the-last-storys-2010-us-trademark-receives-notice-of-allowance/#comments In a nicely timed coincidence, the US trademark Nintendo filed for The Last Story has popped back up, reminding us all that Nintendo made at least a casual overture toward a North American release back in January of 2010 when it filed the document. The Last Story is currently one of the subjects of the "Operation Rainfall" fan campaign.

This week, the trademark was granted "Notice of Allowance," which means it went through its 30-day "opposition period" without any parties opposing the registration of the mark. It has therefore been allowed for registration, but not yet finally registered.

And, of course, even the existence of this trademark doesn't mean Nintendo intends to publish the game here. Companies (including Nintendo) routinely file trademarks worldwide for all of their properties, in case they decide to release them at some point -- or just to prevent others from using the name. Late last month, Nintendo announced it had 'no plans' to localize The Last Story, Xenoblade, or Pandora's Tower.

JoystiqThe Last Story's 2010 US trademark receives 'Notice of Allowance' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mistwalkernintendothe-last-storytrademarkwiiFri, 15 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story's insane 'chat' system revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/the-last-storys-insane-chat-system-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/the-last-storys-insane-chat-system-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/the-last-storys-insane-chat-system-revealed/#commentsMistwalker's Hironobu Sakaguchi and Takuya Matsumoto from co-developer AQ Interactive spoke to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata about The Last Story's online play in a new Iwata Asks interview posted by Nintendo of Japan. The game won't exactly have chat when played online, but it will have a bizarre, kind of useless, but also probably really amusing replacement.

Basically, you'll be able to trigger voice-acted lines from the single-player game in multiplayer. Matsumoto offered the silly example of one of the characters being made to say "Father ... Father ..." repeatedly, which is weird, and hilarious. It would have been even more hilarious had Mistwalker not replaced the placeholder staff voice acting with professionals.

JoystiqThe Last Story's insane 'chat' system revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactiveHironobu-Sakaguchiiwata-asksMistwalkernintendorpgthe-last-storywiiFri, 17 Dec 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story Wii bundle, Uematsu music revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-last-story-wii-bundle-uematsu-music-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-last-story-wii-bundle-uematsu-music-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-last-story-wii-bundle-uematsu-music-revealed/#commentsMistwalker's Wii RPG The Last Story will receive a big push from Nintendo in Japan when it comes out January 27. The company will offer the game in a bundle with a white Wii and Classic Controller Pro for ¥25,800 ($300), neatly packed in a box (pictured above) that buyers may want to hang onto for display purposes. It looks really nice, is what we're saying.

The first run of the game will also be bundled with bonuses including a mini-soundtrack and an artbook. Speaking of the soundtrack, Nintendo also revealed that Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu has created the music for The Last Story (via a Japanese-language Iwata Asks interview with both Uematsu and his fellow Squaresoft veteran Hironobu Sakaguchi). The addition of Uematsu certainly makes that mini-soundtrack more appealing!

JoystiqThe Last Story Wii bundle, Uematsu music revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlejapanmistwalkernintendonobuo-uematsurpgthe-last-storywiiThu, 18 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story has competitive and cooperative online play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/the-last-story-has-competitive-and-cooperative-online-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/the-last-story-has-competitive-and-cooperative-online-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/the-last-story-has-competitive-and-cooperative-online-play/#commentsYes, it's still on the Wii.

The latest Jump magazine, summarized by Andriasang, reveals two online game modes for Mistwalker's surprisingly exciting action RPG, The Last Story. The competitive mode is a battle arena, and the cooperative mode has players teaming up to fight tough monsters -- reminiscent of a certain phenomenally successful series about hunting monsters, perhaps. Both modes support up to six players and are accessed through the game's "Raid Lobby" area.

With players meeting their pals on the internet, it makes sense that you can customize your character. Andriasang notes that players' armor and equipment is visible on their characters, and items can be "painted" to customize their color. The Last Story will be released in Japan on January 27. No plans have been announced for a launch outside of Japan.

Gallery: The Last Story (Nintendo Conference 2010)

JoystiqThe Last Story has competitive and cooperative online play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opHironobu-Sakaguchimistwalkermultiplayernintendoonlinethe-last-storywiiWed, 10 Nov 2010 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story seen in action for the first time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/the-last-story-seen-in-action-for-the-first-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/the-last-story-seen-in-action-for-the-first-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/the-last-story-seen-in-action-for-the-first-time/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've seen little of The Last Story since its January debut: concept art, mostly, with more revealed in a series of developer columns. Today, Nintendo released the first trailer for the Wii RPG, which Mistwalker head and Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi identified as his sole project earlier this year.

The dedication appears to be paying off. We expected something turn-based from Sakaguchi, but Mistwalker seems to be delivering a real-time action RPG with surprisingly fast action. There also appears to be a cover system. The game as seen in this footage reminds us of a quicker, less daunting Demon's Souls.

Earlier this year, Nintendo of America was undecided about whether to localize this game. But, of course, that was before NOA saw this trailer.

Continue reading The Last Story seen in action for the first time

JoystiqThe Last Story seen in action for the first time originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hironobu-SakaguchiJapanMistwalkernintendoRPGThe-Last-StorywiiThu, 08 Jul 2010 09:47:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story's first concept art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/the-last-storys-first-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/the-last-storys-first-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/the-last-storys-first-concept-art/#commentsThe first details about Mistwalker's mysterious Wii RPG The Last Story have been released, in the form of a blog entry on Nintendo's Last Story site. The game takes place on Ruri Island, which, as home to a necessary harbor, has become a wealthy and important city. The affluent island is run by "Lord Arganon," a power-hungry ruler who is well-versed in magic. If we had to guess, we'd say he's going to be the villain.

We still have yet to see real screens or footage of The Last Story, but the blog entry includes concept art of the island, which is quite lovely.

Gallery: The Last Story (Wii)


[Via VG247; All Games Beta]

JoystiqThe Last Story's first concept art originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artHironobu-SakaguchimistwalkerNintendorpgthe-last-storyWiiThu, 11 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi: The Last Story is 'my only project']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/sakaguchi-the-last-story-is-my-only-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/sakaguchi-the-last-story-is-my-only-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/sakaguchi-the-last-story-is-my-only-project/#commentsIt's likely that The Last Story, Mistwalker's new Wii RPG, is the project Hironobu Sakaguchi has been hinting at for a while. In a new blog post, the Final Fantasy creator said that the new RPG is "my only project because I am concentrating on this particular one right now." And then, because that didn't meet the appropriate level of creepiness, he described the game as "raised like a only daughter, but sometimes she was forcedly pushed into the abyss of ravine ... She's sturdy, beautiful and I'd like to nurture her gently."

Yikes. Anyway, the point is that Mistwalker has been at work on the game for a while, and Sakaguchi is working on it directly.

Since The Last Story is Sakaguchi's "only project" right now (except for the Lego creation above, of course), that means that either another team within Mistwalker is working on the iPhone game or it's been put aside until the The Last Story is all grown up.

JoystiqSakaguchi: The Last Story is 'my only project' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyhironobu-sakaguchimistwalkerrpgthe-last-storyMon, 01 Feb 2010 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's 'The Last Story' is new Mistwalker RPG; Xenoblade is Monado]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/the-last-story-is-new-mistwalker-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/the-last-story-is-new-mistwalker-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/the-last-story-is-new-mistwalker-rpg/#commentsWe didn't have to wait long to find out about Nintendo's two mystery Wii games. Xenoblade, as we guessed before, is the new name for Monado: Beginning of the World, the RPG by Monolith Soft, creators of Xenosaga. Nintendo has launched a site for the title, featuring little more than music and a bit of artwork for now. More of the game, as Monado, can be seen in last year's E3 trailer and screens.

Additionally, The Last Story is a new RPG for Wii being developed by Nintendo and Blue Dragon's Mistwalker. According to Andriasang's translation of a statement from an investor meeting, the game is an attempt at a "new form of RPG." The last time Nintendo worked with Mistwalker, the result was Archaic Sealed Heat, which Nintendo didn't bother to localize for North America.

Finally, a Metroid: Other M teaser site has also been newly launched. It doesn't really reveal anything about the game, other than confirming its summer 2010 release in Japan. Interestingly, the game doesn't appear to use the traditional Metroid logo, opting for something much plainer.

[Via Andriasang: The Last Story; Xenoblade; Metroid]

Source - The Last Story teaser site
Source - Xenoblade teaser site
Source - Metroid: Other M teaser site

JoystiqNintendo's 'The Last Story' is new Mistwalker RPG; Xenoblade is Monado originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metroid-other-mmistwalkermonadomonolith-softNintendorpgthe-last-storyWiixenobladeFri, 29 Jan 2010 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker taking a stab at iPhone development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/mistwalker-taking-a-stab-at-iphone-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/mistwalker-taking-a-stab-at-iphone-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/mistwalker-taking-a-stab-at-iphone-development/#comments Aside from updates on how sexy the best 'stache in the business is looking, Hironobu Sakaguchi's site is also good for updates on his many game projects. The latest post reveals a Mistwalker iPhone game is in the works -- a title Sakaguchi says we can all expect to see "soon." As interesting as this news is on its own, it becomes very interesting when seen through the prism of Mistwalker and Microsoft's historical relationship.

Frankly, if it isn't about Andy Gibb-style Sakaguchi surfing on terry cotton waves while trying to keep his K-9 companion from falling into the fluffy ocean, we don't even want to hear about it. OK, we still want to hear about it, but come on. Who wouldn't want to play that?

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqMistwalker taking a stab at iPhone development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleHironobu-SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchiiPodmistwalkerMon, 04 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker's Sakaguchi to discuss new project next Spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/mistwalkers-sakaguchi-to-discuss-new-project-next-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/mistwalkers-sakaguchi-to-discuss-new-project-next-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/mistwalkers-sakaguchi-to-discuss-new-project-next-spring/#comments We've got a double dose of disappointment in Mistwalker news for you today, folks. Not only is Hironobu Sakaguchi's most recent blog post completely devoid of any Lego building advice, but it also appears that the game he's been working on -- a game said to be nearly done -- won't be announced until "around Spring next year."

According to a translation by Siliconera, the Final Fantasy veteran apologized for his lack of communication on the title and the further delay in any real information. Unfortunately, it seems we still have a bit longer before that Lego Lost Odyssey announcement finally occurs. On second thought ... we can actually wait on that news.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMistwalker's Sakaguchi to discuss new project next Spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hironobu-sakaguchilegolost-odysseymistwalkermistwalker-studiossakaguchiMon, 21 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow coming to DS in Spring 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/blue-dragon-awakened-shadow-coming-to-ds-in-spring-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/blue-dragon-awakened-shadow-coming-to-ds-in-spring-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/blue-dragon-awakened-shadow-coming-to-ds-in-spring-2010/#comments
If you've been dying to march Akira Toriyama-designed characters through fantasy landscapes and monster-infested dungeons, you'll be saddened to hear that Dragon Quest IX has yet to be announced for North American release. As if sensing your oddly specific yearning, D3Publisher has stepped in with a US debut for Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow.

Dubbed Blue Dragon: Ikai no Kyojuu in Japan (and published by Namco Bandai, which owns the majority of D3Publisher), the second DS entry in the Mistwalker's role-playing franchise stars a new protagonist, with gender, facial features and clothing determined by your input. Awakened Shadow is set two years after the events of the Xbox 360 game and finds Shu and the gang returning to Blue Dragon's "contemporary" RPG gameplay. Expect to upgrade weaponry, tactically change shadows and skip every scene featuring Marumaro.

Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow is scheduled for release in Spring 2010.

JoystiqBlue Dragon: Awakened Shadow coming to DS in Spring 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-toriyamablue-dragonblue-dragon-awakened-shadowd3d3publisherDSmistwalkerNintendorelease-dateThu, 29 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi: unannounced Mistwalker project in 'finishing stage']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/sakaguchi-unannounced-mistwalker-project-in-finishing-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/sakaguchi-unannounced-mistwalker-project-in-finishing-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/sakaguchi-unannounced-mistwalker-project-in-finishing-stage/#commentsIn late April, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi mentioned on his blog that he was working on a new project, while showing off the totally sweet Lego truck he made in his spare time. Now he's got an update on this mysterious game -- and an update on his Lego modeling.

In the latest blog post, Sakaguchi said, "I am working hard on a new project. Now we are being rushed into the 'finishing' stage. No matter what, I will make it really good...." And judging by the tiny surfing Sakaguchi analog seen above, it appears that as the work picks up on this project, the Lego complexity drops. He's really busy.

And we still don't know what he's busy on! The last Blue Dragon game came out on October 8, so this is something else entirely. We should find out soon ... since it's almost finished, we guess.

[Via RPGSite]

JoystiqSakaguchi: unannounced Mistwalker project in 'finishing stage' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hironobu-sakaguchilegomistwalkerrpgteaserMon, 19 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi hints at new game over therapeutic LEGO session]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/sakaguchi-hints-at-new-game-over-therapeutic-lego-session/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/sakaguchi-hints-at-new-game-over-therapeutic-lego-session/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/sakaguchi-hints-at-new-game-over-therapeutic-lego-session/#commentsMistwalker head (and Final Fantasy creator) Hironobu Sakaguchi is hard at work on his next game. And by "hard at work" we mean "thinking idly about the game while building his LEGO truck."

In a post on Mistwalker's blog, Sakaguchi revealed a few ideas about the upcoming, unannounced project. "Planning to basically put importance on having seamless control of the overall direction of the game, mixed with CG spectacle scenes," Sakaguchi said. "Controls will have a bit of a trick to it, while having a blend of RPG-type strategy and growth. Behaviors based on interaction with the situation around you...wait, I'm not supposed to say more than this... (^^;" He will be able to say more this year, he says.

As for the LEGO truck, Sakaguchi says that LEGO building is something he does when he's "troubled with something," in this case the "graphic settings" for the new game. It's a pretty nice truck.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqSakaguchi hints at new game over therapeutic LEGO session originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 May 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hironobu-sakaguchilegomistwalkerrpgTue, 05 May 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninety-Nine Nights 2 details arrive in short supply]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/ninety-nine-nights-2-details-arrive-in-short-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/ninety-nine-nights-2-details-arrive-in-short-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/ninety-nine-nights-2-details-arrive-in-short-supply/#comments
Ninety-Nine Nights 2 (N3-2 from now on, dig?) is on the way, though we're certain few were asking for it, and the latest issue of Famitsu has revealed the first details. Siliconera says the feelplus-developed title now contains support for two players, and a photo of the article reveals a couple new characters in "Guren" and "Sefia" (at least, we think -- it's all in Japanese!).

The title remains exclusive to the Xbox 360 and is expected to arrive later this year. These are the folks who worked on Lost Odyssey and Infinite Undiscovery after all -- what could possibly go wrong?

JoystiqNinety-Nine Nights 2 details arrive in short supply originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplusmistwalkern3n3-2ninety-nine-nights-2Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker says character art isn't from new game ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/mistwalker-says-character-art-isnt-from-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/mistwalker-says-character-art-isnt-from-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/mistwalker-says-character-art-isnt-from-new-game/#commentsSometimes video game artists draw things ... just to draw things. That's more or less what Japanese developer Mistwalker (Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey) has said in regards to character art added to the gallery section of its web site. The image by Kimihiko Fujisaka could be taken for concept art for a new game, but its creator has put any speculation to rest.

"I'm currently being challenged with Mistwalker's new project," Fujisaka says on his staff page. "This illustration has nothing to do with it, but it's a single drawing I did recently." He also laments the cancellation of his previous project, which very well might have been Cry-On, a collaboration between Mistwalker and AQ Interactive.

Whether it was or not, Fujisaka places some blame on himself, saying, "I was very disappointed in my lack of skill." We say, "Dude, don't be so hard on yourself." Fortunately, he assures Mistwalker fans by declaring, "I'm gonna keep at it." Now that's the spirit!

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMistwalker says character art isn't from new game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cry-onkimihiko-fujisakaMicrosoftmistwalkerXbox-360Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Blue Dragon anime appears from the shadows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/free-blue-dragon-anime-appears-from-the-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/free-blue-dragon-anime-appears-from-the-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/free-blue-dragon-anime-appears-from-the-shadows/#commentsJoystiq PSA: An episode of Blue Dragon anime is available as a free (and 100% legal) download.

The Blue Dragon anime's pilot episode, "The Shadow Comes Forth", can be grabbed from the iTunes Store for free, through March 10. That's a savings of $1.99. We can only hope that watching an episode of Shu search for the Night Master, while attempting to prove he isn't a child, doesn't involve any form of digital disc swapping.

Source - iTunes Store
Source - What They Play

JoystiqFree Blue Dragon anime appears from the shadows originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeblue-dragonblue-dragon-plusmgsmicrosoftmistwalkerrpgWed, 25 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Blue Dragon Plus (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-hands-on-blue-dragon-plus-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-hands-on-blue-dragon-plus-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-hands-on-blue-dragon-plus-ds/#comments After departing from Square Enix, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi started his own studio, Mistwalker. The small company relies on contracted developers to collaborate on projects, while Mistwalker itself remains lean and back-to-basics. Its first project was Blue Dragon, which, despite being released on the Xbox 360, is also back to basics -- a linear, turn-based RPG with (admittedly high-end) Akira Toriyama character designs that recall the Dragon Quest tradition.

Blue Dragon topped Japanese Xbox 360 sales charts, but still didn't necessarily achieve Dragon Quest-like success. So, along with a merchandising blitz that includes manga, anime, a card game, and toys, Mistwalker has taken Blue Dragon to a system that is much more popular in Japan, and much better suited to both the JRPG and Toriyama's cute designs: the Nintendo DS. Surprisingly, despite the move to less powerful hardware, Blue Dragon Plus is a more progressive role-playing experience than its predecessor, and offers elements of post-Dragon Quest presentation.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Blue Dragon Plus (DS)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Blue Dragon Plus (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragon-plusbrownie-brownfeelplusignition-entertainmentmistwalkerrpgFri, 20 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese 360 sales: Blue Dragon on top, console sales on the up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/japanese-360-sales-blue-dragon-on-top-console-sales-on-the-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/japanese-360-sales-blue-dragon-on-top-console-sales-on-the-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/japanese-360-sales-blue-dragon-on-top-console-sales-on-the-up/#commentsFiled under:


It is no secret that the Xbox 360 is not Japan's gaming console of choice. Just look at 2008's software sales and you'll spot just one Xbox 360 game in Japan's top 100. But that doesn't mean Microsoft's Japanese situation is a complete lost cause, because console sales are actually on the rise (year over year) and some games have sold rather well.

Gamezine.co.uk put together a list of the top 30 Xbox 360 games sold in Japan, and sitting proudly on top is none other than Blue Dragon and its 203,740 lifetime unit sales. Rounding out the rest of the top five are Tales of Vesperia, The Last Remnant, Infinite Undiscovery and Lost Odyssey. As far as 360 hardware is concerned, Microsoft has been able to steadily increase console sales year after year, with 2008's total Japanese sales peaking at around 317K units. But don't get confused, the Japanese Xbox 360 situation is still very, very bleak and very, very depressing. These numbers are one of a few "bright spots."

JoystiqJapanese 360 sales: Blue Dragon on top, console sales on the up originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonjapanmicrosoftmistwalkerrpgsalesx3f-twitterxbox-360Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi would 'love to make a Wii game']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/sakaguchi-would-love-to-make-a-wii-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/sakaguchi-would-love-to-make-a-wii-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/sakaguchi-would-love-to-make-a-wii-game/#commentsFiled under:

During an interview with IGN about Blue Dragon Plus, Sakaguchi spoke about a variety of subjects, including bringing his RPG to the Wii, as well as his thoughts on the system overall. "I think the Wii is a wonderful system," he said. "It's very unique, starting with its iconic controllers." When asked about making a game for Wii, he said that Mistwalker has "no plans at the moment," but he "would love to make a Wii game in the future."

We hear you. "Dude, go for it," you say. "Please make it?" you ask. "Love that mustache!" you exclaim. He's a talented guy. We totally get it.

But, what's stopping Mistwalker from undertaking a Wii project? His company has already worked with Nintendo in bringing multiple titles to the DS, so why not make the leap to Wii? Personally, we'd appreciate the injection of JRPG goodness that he'd bring to the Wii. Let's hope he gets around to it sooner rather than later.

JoystiqSakaguchi would 'love to make a Wii game' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonblue-dragon-plushironobu-sakaguchijapanjrpgmistwalkerrpgsakaguchiWed, 14 Jan 2009 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon: Blurry Beasts of the Underworld]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/blue-dragon-blurry-beasts-of-the-underworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/blue-dragon-blurry-beasts-of-the-underworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/blue-dragon-blurry-beasts-of-the-underworld/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We first discovered Blue Dragon: Beasts of the Underworld last month, and now these rather blurry scans from Famitsu have appeared on the interblag. It's difficult to glean much new information from these dim images -- indeed, the original Shonen Jump scans were much clearer -- but Gamekyo whipped out its magnifying glass and located one crucial nugget of information: a Japanese release date of March.

Obviously, whether we even get this Blue Dragon game in the west could depend on whether anybody buys Blue Dragon Plus, so prep your wallets for February 24!

JoystiqBlue Dragon: Blurry Beasts of the Underworld originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beasts-of-the-underworldblue-dragonfamitsuhironobu-sakaguchimistwalkernamconamco-bandairpgsakaguchiscanThu, 08 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab a hanky, 'Cry On' canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/grab-a-hanky-cry-on-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/grab-a-hanky-cry-on-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/grab-a-hanky-cry-on-canceled/#commentsFiled under:


The Xbox 360 has no shortage of role-playing games these days but the Western console has just lost a promised Japanese release. On Christmas Day, AQ Interactive revealed Cry On, the action role-playing game from character designer Kimihiko Fujisaka, has been canceled due to, "the current market environment and forecasts for the future."

A joint venture between Cavia and Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker, Cry On would have been the third title from the famed Japanese creator; Mistwalker previously worked on Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey. A representative for AQ Interactive told 1UP that the studio "deeply apologize[s] for troubling those who were awaiting its release." No screen shots of the game had ever been released since the game had first been announced in 2005. Down and out for now, but something tells us Sakaguchi isn't hanging up the gloves anytime soon.

JoystiqGrab a hanky, 'Cry On' canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactivecanceledcaviacry-onhironobu-sakaguchimistwalkerSat, 27 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AQ Interactive cans Xbox 360 RPG 'Cry On']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/aq-interactive-cans-xbox-360-rpg-cry-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/aq-interactive-cans-xbox-360-rpg-cry-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/aq-interactive-cans-xbox-360-rpg-cry-on/#commentsFiled under: ,


Fans of Blue Dragon's Mistwalker / Artoon dream team may have to hold back some bitter tears following the news that AQ Interactive will hold back the release of Cry On. According to 1UP, the action RPG, meant to be the third of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Xbox efforts, has been canceled due to "the current market environment and forecasts for the future." The company added, "We deeply apologize for troubling those who were awaiting its release."

Whether you consider it a cryin' shame or prefer fans to cry in shame, you can expect Sakaguchi and Friends to unveil more titles in the future. Old habits die hard.

JoystiqAQ Interactive cans Xbox 360 RPG 'Cry On' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AQ-InteractiveArtoonCanceledCaviaCry-OnCryOnHironobu-SakaguchiMistwalkerXbox-360Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker and Namco team up for new Blue Dragon game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/mistwalker-and-namco-team-up-for-new-blue-dragon-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/mistwalker-and-namco-team-up-for-new-blue-dragon-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/mistwalker-and-namco-team-up-for-new-blue-dragon-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


According to the latest issue of Shonen Jump magazine in Japan, the DS is set to receive a second Blue Dragon game, which can best be translated as Blue Dragon: Beasts of the Underworld. Unlike Blue Dragon Plus, this new collaboration between Namco and Mistwalker will be a real-time RPG with full 3D graphics, as opposed to the strategic affair Plus is. Instead of focusing on the main characters from the Blue Dragon franchise, you'll instead control a nameless protagonist.

Blue Dragon: Beasts of the Underworld is currently slated for release sometime next year.

Source - Siliconera translation
Source - Scan from Shonen Jump

JoystiqMistwalker and Namco team up for new Blue Dragon game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beasts-of-the-underworldblue-dragonhironobu-sakaguchimistwalkernamconamco-bandairpgsakaguchiFri, 12 Dec 2008 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon Plus: epic battles, small screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/blue-dragon-plus-epic-battles-small-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/blue-dragon-plus-epic-battles-small-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/blue-dragon-plus-epic-battles-small-screens/#commentsFiled under:


Mistwalker's Blue Dragon Plus bears the distinctive stamp of Akira Toriyama, and at every moment, the game is colorful, even a little cartoony, with bright colors and rubbery characters. Don't mistake that for a lack of epic badassery, however, because these last two trailers for the RPG have been full of one of our favorite things: fighting. Also fire and explosions. Good stuff.

Let's just hope we see a better box.

JoystiqBlue Dragon Plus: epic battles, small screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactiveblue-dragon-plusfeelplusmistwalkerrpgThu, 11 Dec 2008 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New trailer, website bring Blue Dragon Plus out of the shadows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/new-trailer-website-bring-blue-dragon-plus-out-of-the-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/new-trailer-website-bring-blue-dragon-plus-out-of-the-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/new-trailer-website-bring-blue-dragon-plus-out-of-the-shadows/#commentsFiled under:


Mistwalker's Blue Dragon Plus, the DS follow-up to the game for the Xbox 360, has been out for some time in Japan, so we haven't seen much over the past several months. Now that the North American and European releases are approaching, however, the game is starting to pop up again.

Along with this video -- which does an admirable job of capturing an epic feel -- the English-language website is up and is stuffed full of content you can actually read. That's always helpful!

Blue Dragon Plus is slated for March 2009 in both Europe and North America.

JoystiqNew trailer, website bring Blue Dragon Plus out of the shadows originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonblue-dragon-plusmistwalkerrpgThu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A bombastic trailer for Blue Dragon Plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/a-bombastic-trailer-for-blue-dragon-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/a-bombastic-trailer-for-blue-dragon-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/a-bombastic-trailer-for-blue-dragon-plus/#commentsFiled under:


With this new trailer for Blue Dragon Plus, Ignition Entertainment seems to be honoring Blue Dragon and Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi the best way they know how: by releasing a trailer loaded with explosive, colorful CG, and not one second of gameplay. It does its job well, portraying the game as totally serious business.

The trailer originates from the new Blue Dragon Plus website, which currently doesn't have much else on it aside from a story synopsis and a few character profiles. Ignition promises more content in "late November." We can't wait to see more of this game, even though we've been waiting on Blue Dragon for quite some time already.

JoystiqA bombastic trailer for Blue Dragon Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactiveblue-dragon-plusbrownie-brownmistwalkerrpgTue, 28 Oct 2008 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Away: Shuffle Dungeon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/joystiq-hands-on-away-shuffle-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/joystiq-hands-on-away-shuffle-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/joystiq-hands-on-away-shuffle-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One part Soul Blazer, one part Phantom Hourglass - that's Mistwalker's Away: Shuffle Dungeon. The DS title is very much like Soul Blazer in the sense that its hero wanders through lairs in a quest to restore his town, piece by piece (and villager by villager). Meanwhile, shades of Phantom Hourglass trickle in via Away's cartoon visuals and arena-like boss battles. And despite these associations with games of the past, Away: Shuffle Dungeon does offer a unique, avant-garde feature not found elsewhere: shuffling dungeons.

"Shuffling dungeons" entail dynamic changes to the layout of enemy-infested locales as players explore in real-time. A dungeon is displayed on both the top and touch screens; only one screen at a time will shuffle out an area and replace it with a new section. The objective is to arrive on the other screen before the timer runs out; if a player fails to make it in time, the penalty takes them back to the beginning of the floor they're on. The overall effect of this system makes the tedium of regular dungeon crawling go away. The time pressure and the puzzle-connected areas force gamers to think quickly, making things not only challenging, but quite exciting as well.

Gallery: Away: Shuffle Dungeon


Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Away: Shuffle Dungeon

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Away: Shuffle Dungeon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactiveawayaway-shuffle-dungeonDSjoystiqfeaturesmajescomistwalkerTue, 21 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon Plus flaps our way next March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/blue-dragon-plus-flaps-our-way-next-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/blue-dragon-plus-flaps-our-way-next-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/blue-dragon-plus-flaps-our-way-next-march/#commentsFiled under:

Only the twin juggernauts of Wii Fit and Rhythm Tengoku Gold could prevent Blue Dragon Plus from seizing top spot in the latest Japanese charts. Ignition Entertainment will be hoping for similar results when it publishes the big-haired, monster-summoning JRPG to not-Japan, and today it announced a North American and European release date of March 2009, falling in line with its promise of a release this fiscal year.

That's still quite a wait (you could say it will drag on, if you were a blogger looking for a lame joke to brighten up a dry story), though should nicely pad out a traditionally quiet time of the year.

JoystiqBlue Dragon Plus flaps our way next March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactiveblue-dragonblue-dragon-plusjrpgmistwalkerrpgTue, 16 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Away's bosses: better with a friend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/aways-bosses-better-with-a-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/aways-bosses-better-with-a-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/aways-bosses-better-with-a-friend/#commentsFiled under: ,

Famitsu has new screens of some of Away: Shuffle Dungeon's bosses, including the first, the "blue crablike thing" Dave encountered at E3: Shuffle Show Floor. It stabs with its pointy legs, and is only vulnerable in the (conveniently) bright red jewel on its chest. The other bosses shown include a big blue worm who lives underwater (not a blue dragon), and a big ambulatory palm tree monster.

These bosses can be fought alone or in the special "Raid Battle Mode" that uses local wireless. In this mode, two players can take on a harder version of a boss, and earn better loot for doing so.

JoystiqAway's bosses: better with a friend originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awaymajescomistwalkerrpgMon, 25 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Away: Shuffle Dungeon in motion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/away-shuffle-dungeon-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/away-shuffle-dungeon-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/away-shuffle-dungeon-in-motion/#commentsFiled under:


For a game whose central gimmick is a constantly-moving environment, video seems like a natural fit for promotional materials for Away: Shuffle Dungeon. It's easier to explain the "shuffling" of the dungeons by just showing you. And yet there really haven't been many trailers for Mistwalker and Artoon's collaboration.

This one features a bit of everything: cutscenes, battling, and lots of walking around in dungeons that get all messed up before your eyes. The boss battles look particularly epic, with the camera zoomed in and panned down for a more cinematic perspective. It's like the game shuffles between a Zelda: A Link to the Past look and an Ocarina of Time look.

Gallery: Away: Shuffle Dungeon

JoystiqAway: Shuffle Dungeon in motion originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureartoonawaydungeonmajescomistwalkerFri, 08 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST