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[C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/#comments C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers.

The campaign hit a number of stretch goals along the way, which will result in the PC, Mac, Linux and Android game also coming to 3DS, Vita, Wii U and iOS. C-Wars is estimated to launch in late 2013.

JoystiqC-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidc-warsCyberpunkiosipadiphonekickstarterLinuxmacmobilenintendoonipunksonipunks-studiopcplaystationplaystation-vitaroguelikeRTSvitawii-uSun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyberpunk roguelike real-time strategy game C-Wars hits Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/#comments
Chinese indie developer Onipunks Studio kicked off its Kickstarter campaign for C-Wars last week. C-Wars is a roguelike real-time strategy and tower defense-styled game that is currently in its alpha stage of development. The game has players investigating infected areas of a post-apocalyptic world, taking on enemies in Mega Man Battle Network-style RTS combat along the way. The game's site notes that battles are much faster paced with non-stop action being a focal point, as seen in the developer's Kickstarter video above.

Onipunks is offering a free demo of the alpha build of the game on its website. C-Wars is currently sitting at $19,943 in funding, and is seeking $32,000 by May 11 to complete its Kickstarter campaign. The game is coming to PC, Mac, Linux and Android tablets in fall 2013, with the developer considering Wii U and 3DS support, providing enough money is pledged to make that happen.

JoystiqCyberpunk roguelike real-time strategy game C-Wars hits Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidc-warskickstarterLinuxmacmega-man-battle-networkmobileonipunksonipunks-studiopcroguelikertstower-defenseSun, 14 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: FTL: Faster than Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ftl-faster-than-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ftl-faster-than-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ftl-faster-than-light/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, Justin Ma and Matthew Davis of Subset Games describe their quick rise to space roguelike-like fame with FTL: Faster than Light, which recently launched on Steam for PC and Mac.
The Joystiq Indie Pitch FTL Faster than Light
What's your game called and what's it about?

Justin Ma: Our game is called FTL: Faster than Light and we've been describing it as a "spaceship simulation roguelike-like." The focus is on managing a spaceship and her crew as they explore a randomized galaxy. Combat requires you to control the crew to keep your ship running and fight off intruders, balancing your power distribution, and trying to wreak havoc on the enemy ship. In between fights the game is filled with "choose your own adventure" style text-based events with many possible outcomes.

Matthew Davis: The core game can be compared to something like Weird Worlds or Flotilla where the player is travelling to various star systems, encountering events and upgrading their ship. But the combat is focused on the ship interior as opposed to "dogfighting" in space.

What's the coolest aspect of FTL?

Justin: Each element of the game is pretty simple on its own: Blast doors can restrict enemy movement on your ship; oxygen can be vented by opening the airlocks; fire spreads through open doors. When all of these interact you can get some amazing and unpredictable situations. Your crew might be trapped putting out a fire in the weapons rooms while at the same time boarders are trying to break the doors down because they're suffocating after mistakenly sabotaging your oxygen system.

Gallery: FTL: Faster Than Light

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: FTL: Faster than Light

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: FTL: Faster than Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ftl-faster-than-lightIndiejoystiq-indie-pitchjustin-mamacmatthew-davispcroguelikespacesubset-gamesWed, 19 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spelunky surfaces in new screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/spelunky-surfaces-in-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/spelunky-surfaces-in-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/spelunky-surfaces-in-new-screenshots/#commentsThe XBLA version of Derek Yu's subterranean, sidescrolling roguelike Spelunky is looking pretty nice in these new screenshots. Not only is the resolution (and thus, the detail) higher than the PC original, but there are new lighting effects, explosions, and adorable red noses to look at. "I really want Spelunky to be as fun to look at as it it to play," Yu said, "and to that end, we've added lots of little details to the backgrounds to try and make each part of the game feel even more distinct.

Spelunky was originally announced with a 2010 release date. "The game is coming along splendidly," Yu told Joystiq when we checked in, "but it's possible we may slip into 2011. We really want to make sure the game is awesome."

Gallery: Spelunky (XBLA)

JoystiqSpelunky surfaces in new screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>derek-yuindiemicrosoftmossmouthroguelikespelunkyxblaxboxSat, 09 Oct 2010 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB lists Fatal Labyrinth for PS3 and Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/esrb-lists-fatal-labyrinth-for-ps3-and-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/esrb-lists-fatal-labyrinth-for-ps3-and-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/esrb-lists-fatal-labyrinth-for-ps3-and-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The early Sega Genesis roguelike Fatal Labyrinth was released on PC download services last week, but Sega doesn't appear to be done re-releasing it yet. The ESRB listing for the game shows, in addition to its existing PC and Wii (Virtual Console) releases, plans for Mac, PS3, and Xbox 360 versions of the game.

Fatal Labyrinth is actually already available on PS3 and Xbox, as part of Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, but a separate ESRB listing for those platforms suggests a standalone downloadable release, like those given to games like Gunstar Heroes, Sonic & Knuckles, and Phantasy Star II. Good news for those of you who don't want to spend around twenty dollars for the fantastic deal that is the Ultimate Genesis Collection.

JoystiqESRB lists Fatal Labyrinth for PS3 and Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBFatal-Labyrinthmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNRetroRoguelikeRPGSegaXBLAxboxMon, 26 Jul 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Shiren the Wanderer: a primer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/shiren-the-wanderer-a-primer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/shiren-the-wanderer-a-primer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/shiren-the-wanderer-a-primer/#commentsWhile previous Shiren the Wanderer video releases from Atlus have focused on the story, this walkthrough spends more time discussing the basic gameplay of the roguelike -- perfect for those of you who have no idea what we're talking about when we refer to Shiren as a "roguelike" game.

Atlus project lead Scott Strichart also introduces the new difficulty settings -- easy mode allows you to keep your items and levels after dying! -- and the methods of control for AI partners, ranging from fully automated to fully player-controlled. Atlus calls this video a "walkthrough," but it's really more of an overview. In any case, might as well start studying up now in preparation for the February 9 release.

JoystiqShiren the Wanderer: a primer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluschunsoftroguelikerpgshiren-the-wanderershiren-the-wanderer-3videoWed, 27 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Puppets promote Shiren the Wanderer 4 in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/puppets-promote-shiren-the-wanderer-4-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/puppets-promote-shiren-the-wanderer-4-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/puppets-promote-shiren-the-wanderer-4-in-japan/#commentsShiren the Wanderer 3 hits North America on February 9, but Chunsoft and publisher Spike are already preparing to release Shiren the Wanderer 4 in Japan. There, the roguelike dungeon crawler is a big enough deal to warrant television advertising! And that's a good thing, because these TV ads for Shiren 4 (after the break) are absolutely wonderful, featuring puppets(!) of Shiren, Koppa, and monsters in the new tropical island setting.

Of course, if you were to go into this game based on the sunny commercials, you might be a bit surprised when you're murdered repeatedly by monsters, losing all items and progress each time. We hope someone gets the idea to sell Shiren puppets.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Puppets promote Shiren the Wanderer 4 in Japan

JoystiqPuppets promote Shiren the Wanderer 4 in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chunsoftcommercialjapanpuppetsroguelikerpgshiren-the-wanderershiren-the-wanderer-4spikeTue, 26 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New screens and story details for Shiren the Wanderer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/new-screens-and-story-details-for-shiren-the-wanderer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/new-screens-and-story-details-for-shiren-the-wanderer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/new-screens-and-story-details-for-shiren-the-wanderer/#commentsIn a developer blog post, Atlus editor Clayton S. Chan ("the "S" does not stand for 'Shiren'") described the upcoming Wii release of Shiren the Wanderer as a game in which "story plays a huge role," contrasting with previous Shiren games in which just enough story was presented to justify the gameplay.

In addition to exploring the mysterious Karakuri Mansion, Chan said, players can expect to "learn a bit about Shiren's relationship with [characters from his past], and you'll also learn quite a bit about Shiren's father and the ancestors of both Shiren and Koppa." Several post-game side stories will also help expand the storyline.

Shiren will be out on February 9. In addition to the new info posted on Atlus's site, we have screenshots in our gallery which prove that despite the emphasis on story, Shiren is still a traditional roguelike.

Gallery: Shiren the Wanderer (Wii)

JoystiqNew screens and story details for Shiren the Wanderer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusmystery-dungeonroguelikerpgshiren-the-wandererWed, 13 Jan 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The key to Shiren the Wanderer's story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/the-key-to-shiren-the-wanderers-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/the-key-to-shiren-the-wanderers-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/the-key-to-shiren-the-wanderers-story/#commentsA beautiful, atmospheric trailer (after the break) introduces us to the story of the new Shiren the Wanderer ... such as it is. Basically, Shiren's master, knowing that Shiren likes dungeons, gives him the key to the Karakuri Mansion, which is a big dungeon. There's more, like a cursed princess and some time travel stuff, but the essence is that Shiren goes into another dungeon. It's rather lucky for us that Shiren's wanderings are so often directed toward dungeons and dungeon-type environments.

Atlus also highlights Shiren's pal Koppa in the trailer, allowing us to hope that the company will choose to bundle the game with Sega's Koppa Wiimote stand.

Gallery: Shiren the Wanderer (Wii)

Continue reading The key to Shiren the Wanderer's story

JoystiqThe key to Shiren the Wanderer's story originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluschunsoftroguelikesegashiren-the-wandererWed, 25 Nov 2009 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Shiren the Wanderer turns up in February minus online features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/shiren-the-wanderer-turns-up-in-february-minus-online-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/shiren-the-wanderer-turns-up-in-february-minus-online-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/shiren-the-wanderer-turns-up-in-february-minus-online-features/#commentsAtlus announced a North American localization of Sega and Chunsoft's Shiren the Wanderer at E3, and hasn't said much about it until now. The company just dated the game for February 9 and released a bunch of screens & art for the punishing roguelike, along with a bit of sad news regarding the online connectivity.

"Despite our best efforts, the North American version of Shiren will not include the Rescue, Versus, or Item Transfer online features," Atlus's Aram Jabbari said in the announcement. "However, the downloadable dungeon content from the Japanese version will be included on the disc." Jabbari said that Atlus felt compelled to alert fans because "the absence of these features may influence some fans' decision to purchase the game."

The most identifiable feature of any Shiren game -- repeated, unavoidable death -- should remain intact.

Gallery: Shiren the Wanderer (Wii)

JoystiqShiren the Wanderer turns up in February minus online features originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluschunsoftrelease-dateroguelikeshiren-the-wandererThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Mystery Dungeon for WiiWare: first trailer and details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-for-wiiware-first-trailer-and-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-for-wiiware-first-trailer-and-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-for-wiiware-first-trailer-and-details/#commentsSurprise! The WiiWare Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games, first revealed in a McDonalds-distribted flyer, are real, and are headed for Japan on August 4. Players will be able to share save data throughout all three games, so they can level up a persistent team.

The three games (Advance! Fire Adventure Team, Go! Storm Adventure Team, and Aim! Light Adventure Team!) each feature a different set of starting Pokemans. And in this game, your team can cooperate even more than in other Pokemon games, by piling up and attacking enemies simultaneously. The WiiWare game also features the "rescue" ability found in recent Shiren the Wanderer games, in which friends can revive your team over the Wi-Fi Connection.

After the break, we've embedded a trailer that details these features -- and shows off the adorable little Pokemon.

[Thanks, Alilatias]

Continue reading Pokemon Mystery Dungeon for WiiWare: first trailer and details

JoystiqPokemon Mystery Dungeon for WiiWare: first trailer and details originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chunsoftpokemon-mystery-dungeonroguelikerpgwiiwareWed, 15 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: McDonalds reveals Pokemon Mystery Dungeon on WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/rumor-mcdonalds-reveals-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/rumor-mcdonalds-reveals-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/rumor-mcdonalds-reveals-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-on-wiiware/#commentsAccording to what has been identified as a pamphlet from a McDonalds location in Japan, Nintendo is preparing to launch three new Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games -- on WiiWare.

A detail from the pamphlet shows an announcement of the WiiWare release of the three games, along with logos for Mystery Dungeon games called Susume! Hono no Boukendan, Ikuzo! Arashi no Boukendan, and Mezase! Hikari no Boukendan, which translate to Advance! Fire Adventure Team, Go! Storm Adventure Team, and Aim! Light Adventure Group!, respectively.

Since we don't even know if the pamphlet, presumably distributed as a promotion for the Mac de DS program, is real, obviously we don't have any more details about the games, like whether Mystery Dungeon series creator Chunsoft is creating them or if they are all variants of the same base game.

JoystiqRumor: McDonalds reveals Pokemon Mystery Dungeon on WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmcdonaldsmystery-dungeonpokemonpokemon-mystery-dungeonroguelikewiiwareTue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Shiren the Wanderer (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/hands-on-shiren-the-wanderer-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/hands-on-shiren-the-wanderer-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/hands-on-shiren-the-wanderer-wii/#commentsWe read Atlus's late night press release announcing plans to localize Sega's Shiren the Wanderer 3 with utter shock. We had long since resigned ourselves to never seeing the console 3D version of Chunsoft's roguelike, and we were afraid that we had merely dreamed that Atlus had picked it up with plans to release it in 2010. But, sure enough, the game was available for play in Atlus's booth, and we were pleased to have the opportunity to check it out. Full disclosure: we didn't die in our play session, which should give fans of Shiren on the DS a rough idea of how long we were able to play.

Continue reading Hands-on: Shiren the Wanderer (Wii)

JoystiqHands-on: Shiren the Wanderer (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluschunsofte3-2009roguelikerpgsegashiren-the-wandererMon, 08 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The few new features in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Sky]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/the-few-new-features-in-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explorers-of-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/the-few-new-features-in-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explorers-of-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/the-few-new-features-in-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explorers-of-th/#commentsThe official site for Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Sky now features new screenshots and info for Chunsoft's latest roguelike, which is a slightly updated version of Explorers of Time/Darkness. It's the Mystery Dungeon equivalent of Pokémon Platinum, basically -- same game, with a few new Pokemans and new quests. Thanks to the Pokemaniacs at serebii.net who immediately got to translatin', we can all read about the added content.

The critters featured in Platinum will show up in Explorers of the Sky, including Shaymin and the new, wormy Origin Forme of Giratina. At least two new sidequests will be available, which help fill in the game's story. "Genius Igglybuff" stars the leader of the Wigglytuff Guild (in his past as an Igglybuff, and man is this getting weird to write) on an adventure with a Smoochum, a Wooper, and a Budew; "In the Dark Future" follows the game's ending, which means that we probably shouldn't talk too much about it, in the interest of keeping spoilers locked safely away in a Pokéball.

[Via Serebii]

JoystiqThe few new features in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Sky originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chunsoftexplorers-of-the-skypokemonpokemon-mystery-dungeonroguelikerpgMon, 16 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explore Clearer Screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explore-clearer-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explore-clearer-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explore-clearer-screens/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo has started distributing media for Chunsoft's Pokémon Mystery Dungeon threequel, Explorers of the Sky, starting with clearer versions of the screens that debuted in those CoroCoro scans.

To the amazement of nobody, it looks exactly the same as the first two. This was as inevitable as the game itself existing, but hey, you know you'll still be buying it once the localized version is announced. And at least now we get a less blurry look at some of the new starter monsters, such as Riolu and Vulpix. Hit up our gallery for the rest.

JoystiqPokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explore Clearer Screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chunsoftexplorers-of-the-skypokemonpokemon-mystery-dungeonroguelikerpgThu, 15 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon to Explore the Sky in new Mystery Dungeon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/pokemon-to-explore-the-sky-in-new-mystery-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/pokemon-to-explore-the-sky-in-new-mystery-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/pokemon-to-explore-the-sky-in-new-mystery-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The latest edition of CoroCoro is off the presses, and look: new Pokémans!

Okay, well maybe "new" is stretching it. The game you see above is Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Sky, a sequel to last year's respectable Explorers of Time/Explorers of Darkness duo. The screens in the scans posted by Gamekyo are teensy, so we're not sure you'll get much out of those, but there is confirmation on the five starter Pokémon: Vulpix, Riolu, Eevee, Shinx, and Phanpy.

CoroCoro states that Japan will get its hands on the Chunsoft-developed roguelike this spring. While we cross everything for a 2009 release in the west, hit up Gamekyo for the full scans, including some cute Pokémon art.

JoystiqPokemon to Explore the Sky in new Mystery Dungeon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chunsoftcorocoroexplorers-of-the-skypokemonpokemon-mystery-dungeonroguelikerpgTue, 13 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Chocobo vs. chocobo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/ds-daily-chocobo-vs-chocobo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/ds-daily-chocobo-vs-chocobo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/ds-daily-chocobo-vs-chocobo/#commentsFiled under:


With two chocobo-centric games heading to the DS, cash-poor gamers may have to make a terrible decision: chocobo, or chocobo? Oh, the horror! They're both adorable, but one is packed with mini-games based on familiar stories, and the other is based on familiar (as in, old school) gameplay packed with aspects that will kick your ass. Similar in some ways, they are, but in the end? Very different.

If forced to choose, which would be your one chocobo game to rule them all: Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: Maze of Time DS+ or Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch and the Girl and the Five Heroes.

JoystiqDS Daily: Chocobo vs. chocobo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobo-talesmini-gamesmystery-dungeonroguelikesquare-enixSun, 26 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Go Baroque without spending a lot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/go-baroque-without-spending-a-lot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/go-baroque-without-spending-a-lot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/go-baroque-without-spending-a-lot/#commentsFiled under:

Sales on Atlus games have become more common in this hardware generation, but it still feels special and a little bit transgressive to buy an Atlus-published game for less than it cost at release. Of course, novelty is hardly sufficient reason to buy Sting's Baroque, but there's also the fact that it's a pretty good game -- and some people may be starved for a Wii RPG experience by now.

Amazon is featuring both the Wii and PS2 versions of the sorta-roguelike as their Deal of the Day, for a scant $16.98. At that price, you could buy both versions for comparison purposes and still pay less than regular price. Or you could save money!

JoystiqGo Baroque without spending a lot originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonatlusbaroqueroguelikerpgsalestingWed, 08 Oct 2008 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Chocobo dresses up for Halloween in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/chocobo-dresses-up-for-halloween-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/chocobo-dresses-up-for-halloween-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/chocobo-dresses-up-for-halloween-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,


Square Enix has just announced that their adorable rogue-lite, Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon, will launch in PAL territories on October 31. Quite an appropriate release date for a game about dressing up in various Final Fantasy job-related outfits! We also see the appropriateness in a Halloween release in a genre that you should be quite afraid of. It's kind of unfortunate that almost four months will have elapsed between the North American and PAL releases, but at least the release date is cool, right?

Despite the cutesy exterior, Chocobo's Dungeon is still a for-real RPG, and, according to reviewers, one worth checking out for its soundtrack as well as its challenge!

JoystiqChocobo dresses up for Halloween in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocoboeuropefinal-fantasyroguelikerpgTue, 09 Sep 2008 20:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Baroque goes to ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/fanswag-baroque-goes-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/fanswag-baroque-goes-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/fanswag-baroque-goes-to/#commentsFiled under:


Well, our latest giveaway has come to a close and it's about time we crowned a winner. It was a tough decision (not really, we choose the winner via random drawing), but we managed to do it. Who won? It was none other than:
  • comtar, who is a fan of Run Saber
Congrats to our winner and thank you all for entering this giveaway. Better luck next time!

JoystiqFanswag: Baroque goes to ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusbaroquefanswagroguelikerpgWed, 03 Sep 2008 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Get lost in Baroque]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/fanswag-get-lost-in-baroque/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/fanswag-get-lost-in-baroque/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/fanswag-get-lost-in-baroque/#commentsFiled under:


We've got another giveaway for you all, with the prize being one copy of Baroque. Folks who enjoy the roguelikes will likely want to bounce on this one. Or fans of Atlus overall. Either way, free stuff is good stuff.

How do you enter? Simply leave a comment telling us what your favorite Atlus game is. If you've never played an Atlus title before, check out Wikipedia. You can leave one comment per day, between now and 11:59PM ET on Monday, September 1st, which is when the giveaway ends.

As always, this latest giveaway is only open to current and legal residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec). Also, entrants need to be at least 18 years of age. Read up on the official rules right here.

JoystiqFanswag: Get lost in Baroque originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusbaroquefanswagroguelikerpgWed, 27 Aug 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/fanswag-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/fanswag-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/fanswag-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-2/#commentsFiled under:


Hey folks, it's time for another giveaway. This round we'll be hooking up two lucky readers with copies of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. Also, one of those lucky two readers will get a free Pokemon T-shirt that Nintendo sent over with the game. If it isn't your size, we'd suggest you give it to one of your cousins or something.

What's up for grabs:
  • One Grand Prize winner will receive Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time (valued at $35) and one Enter the Dungeon T-shirt
  • One runner-up will receive Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness (valued at $35)
In order to enter, you must leave a comment telling us what your absolute favorite Pokemon is. You can leave a comment once per day, and before entering, make sure you are a legal and current United States or Canadian resident (excluding Quebec) and at least 18 years of age. The giveaway starts now and ends on Sunday, August 10th at 11:59pm ET. Don't forget to give the official rules a read, as well!

Best of luck to all of you and, as always, thanks for reading DS Fanboy!

JoystiqFanswag: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlerfanswagpokemonpokemon-mystery-dungeonroguelikerpgTue, 05 Aug 2008 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania, Chocobo, and Valkyrie coming in October ... to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/castlevania-chocobo-and-valkyrie-coming-in-october-to-japa/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/castlevania-chocobo-and-valkyrie-coming-in-october-to-japa/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/castlevania-chocobo-and-valkyrie-coming-in-october-to-japa/#commentsFiled under:

The Japanese release date for Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia might not seem like useful information to you readers out west, but the desperate, Castlevania-starved gamers among you will at least now know the exact day their import copy will begin its trans-Pacific journey towards their hands -- October 23rd, 2008.

Furthermore, considering that the US release for Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin was only three weeks after Japan's, we also now have a general idea of when Order of Ecclesia will see its stateside release -- mid-November.

Square Enix also has two titles scheduled to hit Japan during the tenth month, Valkyrie Profile: The Accused One (October 2nd) and Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: Labyrinth of Time DS+ (October 30th), the latter being a roguelike remake of Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon.

Perhaps the publisher will keep the promise it made back in March to aim for simultaneous worldwide releases with its new titles? It's unlikely, but we can dream ...


JoystiqCastlevania, Chocobo, and Valkyrie coming in October ... to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniachocobochocobo-talesfinal-fantasykonamilabyrinth-of-timemaze-of-timemystery-dungeonorder-of-ecclesiaportroguelikerpgsquare-enixthe-accused-onetri-acevalkyrie-profileFri, 25 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Like a rogue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/ds-daily-like-a-rogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/ds-daily-like-a-rogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/ds-daily-like-a-rogue/#commentsFiled under:


Yesterday, we spent a little time talking about roguelike games, with the review of Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns. This particular brand of dungeon crawl has been pretty popular on the DS of late, which means, of course, that we've got to ask you if you're into it. Do you enjoy the occasional roguelike experience, or do you find them frustrating? Perhaps uninteresting? Inquiring minds and all.

JoystiqDS Daily: Like a rogue originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeonroguelikeFri, 25 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/review-izuna-2-the-unemployed-ninja-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/review-izuna-2-the-unemployed-ninja-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/review-izuna-2-the-unemployed-ninja-returns/#commentsFiled under:

Izuna may not be the most legendary of figures in the world at large, but around here, she's a star. She's only unemployed in the ninja sense; she's got other gigs on the side. And for a second time, she's back with a roguelike challenge set to kick you all around the dungeons.

Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns is a lot like its predecessor -- it's tough, it requires more than a bit of caution, and there are a lot of silly jokes about boobs and being in a game. If you didn't play the first one, that's okay; feel free to pick up the sequel, as all you'll miss out on is a little bit of the backstory and relationships between characters ... none of which is particularly important. The story of Izuna 2 is merely stage-setting. It gives you something to watch between dungeons.

Continue reading Review: Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns

JoystiqReview: Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusizuna-2joystiqfeaturesroguelikeThu, 24 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explorers-of-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explorers-of-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-explorers-of-sales/#commentsFiled under:

Not all of us are up to the challenge of a brutal roguelike, and that's okay. In fact, that's what roguelike-lights such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon are for. Just because said games don't beat your spirit to a pulp, though, doesn't mean they're not enjoyable, especially for Pokémaniacs.

Today's a good time to become an explorer of time or darkness, as both Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness are being offered as Amazon's deal of the day. Each one is currently on sale for $22.99, and will be until 12:00am PDT. Yet, if you're not familiar with the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, you might want to check out our review of the game (well, games) first.

JoystiqPokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-daydotdexplorers-of-darknessexplorers-of-timepokemonpokemon-mystery-dungeonpokemon-mystery-dungeon-2roguelikerpgMon, 21 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Izuna 2: Hands-on with an Unemployed Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/izuna-2-hands-on-with-an-unemployed-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/izuna-2-hands-on-with-an-unemployed-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/izuna-2-hands-on-with-an-unemployed-ninja/#commentsFiled under:

If you enjoyed Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja (or at least thought you might), then there's good news: the sequel is just as charming, just as engaging, and perhaps even a little more fun than the original. The sequel has a lot of new things, including a second baby step toward making Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns a hair easier on your sanity and frustration levels.

That's right -- while Izuna's games definitely fall under the roguelike label, they're a fingernail easier than the traditional dungeon crawler. That doesn't make them any easier to me, but the hardest of the hardcore may scoff at Izuna's differences, while the rest of us can actually attempt the game without "accidentally" dropping the DS or anything. What's different? In both Izuna 2 and its predecessor, when you die (and will you ever die), you keep your levels. In keeping with the roguelike tradition, you lose everything else, but it's not absolutely everything in a square-one sort of way. Izuna 2 adds something else on top of that: the tag team system. And that's where things get a little sticky.

Continue reading Izuna 2: Hands-on with an Unemployed Ninja

JoystiqIzuna 2: Hands-on with an Unemployed Ninja originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlushands-onizuna-2joystiqfeaturespreviewroguelikeSat, 19 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wark! Two Chocobo trailers waddle into view]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/wark-two-chocobo-trailers-waddle-into-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/wark-two-chocobo-trailers-waddle-into-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/wark-two-chocobo-trailers-waddle-into-view/#commentsFiled under:


Making sure that you get the message -- the message being "Chocobos are really cute; buy our Chocobo games" -- Square Enix has posted trailers for its two recently revealed fall-bound Chocobo titles, Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: Maze of Time DS+ and Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch and the Girl and the Five Heroes.

As you might be able to tell in the promotional clip and the game's title, Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon is an enhanced port of Chocobo's Dungeon (released in the U.S. for the Wii this week) with more focus on Final Fantasy regular Cid. Given the nature of roguelikes, this DS release doesn't look like that much of a "downgraded" experience compared to the Wii version!

The Chocobo and the Magic Storybook clip isn't nearly as epic, but if you're enough of a Chocobo fan to have read this far into the post, you'll likely want to watch it anyway. Jump past the break for more of the flightless, chubby bird.

Continue reading Wark! Two Chocobo trailers waddle into view

JoystiqWark! Two Chocobo trailers waddle into view originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobo-dungeonchocobo-taleschocobotalescidcid-and-chocobofinal-fantasylabyrinth-of-timemaze-of-timeminigamemystery-dungeonportroguelikesquare-enixtrailerWed, 09 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/metareview-final-fantasy-fables-chocobos-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/metareview-final-fantasy-fables-chocobos-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/metareview-final-fantasy-fables-chocobos-dungeon/#commentsFiled under:

Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon is warking on over to the Wii today, and this excites us for two reasons. For one, we're entirely ready for the cuteness overload that is sure to engulf us while playing the game. Seriously, dressing up Chocobos in cute little class outfits? We're not even sure we can handle that level of adorability. The second reason is that it's a roguelike RPG, and we can definitely use some more representation for this niche genre on the Wii.

We don't want to play a bad game, though, so we're interested in seeing what the critics have to say before giving Square Enix our hard-earned $40. If you are, too, then look no further:

1up (B+) found many redeeming qualities about the game, as long as you're willing to embrace the roguelike challenges: "It's difficult, and it's often controller-throwingly infuriating, but the challenge is fundamentally fair -- and the game looks and sounds so good that you'll keep playing to see what comes next. The dungeons are surprisingly pretty for randomly generated affairs, boasting colorful corridors and flashy graphical effects. And the soundtrack is nothing short of amazing, a collection of lush rearrangements of Final Fantasy standbys."

IGN (84/100) thought that this title had a lot of polish, and that Squeenix fans should run to pick this one up: "On the surface, Chocobo's Dungeon appears to be another watered-down entry with its kid-friendly presentation and seemingly simplistic gameplay. But spend a little time with it and layers of depth slowly reveal themselves. This is one of the most engaging, challenging experiences on the Wii, proving that a kiddie presentation doesn't have to mean shallow gameplay."

JoystiqMetareview: Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobos-dungeonfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-fablesroguelikerpgsquare-enixsqueenixTue, 08 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix announces new Chocobo Tales, Chocobo roguelike]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/square-enix-announces-new-chocobo-tales-chocobo-roguelike/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/square-enix-announces-new-chocobo-tales-chocobo-roguelike/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/square-enix-announces-new-chocobo-tales-chocobo-roguelike/#commentsFiled under:



As a promotion for its Virtual World -- yes, it's a virtual world titled Virtual World -- Square Enix held a special event in the beta 3D space unveiling two new Chocobo titles for the Nintendo DS -- Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: Maze of Time DS+ (fall 2008) and Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch and the Girl and the Five Heroes (winter 2008).

Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: Maze of Time DS+, as you can guess, will be a roguelike starring Final Fantasy figures Cid and Chocobo. This will actually be Square Enix's fourth Chocobo Mystery Dungeon entry, an enhanced port of Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon for the Wii, now with new jobs and a storyline told from a new perspective (Cid's).

The chances of this one coming to the U.S.? Given the current "surge" of roguelikes hitting the States, it's very likely we'll get this one! You can preview some of Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon's first screenshots in our gallery below.

The second title, Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch and the Girl and the Five Heroes, follows 2007's Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales, a minigame collection with RPG and card-battling elements. If you remember our favorable review for the original game, we called it "just about the cutest thing ever." Screenshots below!



[Via Duckroll]

JoystiqSquare Enix announces new Chocobo Tales, Chocobo roguelike originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobo-dungeonchocobo-taleschocobotalescidcid-and-chocobohandmaze-of-timeminigamepuzzleroguelikerpgsquare-enixTue, 08 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Relax in Chocobo's Dungeon with screens and videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/relax-in-chocobos-dungeon-with-screens-and-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/relax-in-chocobos-dungeon-with-screens-and-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/relax-in-chocobos-dungeon-with-screens-and-videos/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're one day away from the release of Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon, which can only mean one thing: media blitz. Not that we're complaining; the graphics for this title aren't anything too special, but you can't deny that the Square Enix polish makes the game look pretty. Normally Squeenix charges a little extra for that polish, but not in the case of Chocobo's Dungeon -- the game is retailing for only $39.99 (shock, gasp!). So, we'll look at the shiny new images in the gallery below to our hearts' content.

In addition to screens, Square Enix also gave us some videos to peek at. If you want to see a handful gameplay action (and, more importantly, the Chocobo looking adorable in different class outfits), then just click on the shiny blue "Continue reading ..." link below.

Continue reading Relax in Chocobo's Dungeon with screens and videos

JoystiqRelax in Chocobo's Dungeon with screens and videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobos-dungeonfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-fablesroguelikerpgsquare-enixsqueenixMon, 07 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Create Lulz of the Unemployed Ninja, win stuff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/create-lulz-of-the-unemployed-ninja-win-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/create-lulz-of-the-unemployed-ninja-win-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/create-lulz-of-the-unemployed-ninja-win-stuff/#commentsFiled under: ,

Do you enjoy the Izuna character portrait comics on the official website? If not, you probably haven't read them, because they're delightful. Atlus is now offering a chance for the fans to share their own Izuna comics, and get a shot at some free stuff for doing so!

All you have to do is pick one of four templates (each one featuring interactions between different Izuna characters), add text to a form, and submit your hilarity to Atlus for judging. The winner gets a copy of Izuna 2 and all the posters -- even the one that they didn't pick for Amazon copies!

JoystiqCreate Lulz of the Unemployed Ninja, win stuff originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluscomicsizunaizuna-2roguelikerpgsuccessThu, 03 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chocobo's Dungeon producer on a gentler roguelike]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/chocobos-dungeon-producer-on-a-gentler-roguelike/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/chocobos-dungeon-producer-on-a-gentler-roguelike/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/chocobos-dungeon-producer-on-a-gentler-roguelike/#commentsFiled under:


In an IGN interview, Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon producer Yuki Yokoyama described the game as a toned-down roguelike, made in such a way that "users who have never played a dungeon crawler can enjoy it as well." Item and experience loss after death, then, is gone to make the experience friendlier. Good for new players, but roguelike devotees may be put off!

Square Enix was motivated to return to the Chocobo's Dungeon RPG series, Yokoyama said, after the last Chocobo game on the DS. In Japan, the Chocobo Tales minigame collection was apparently popular, leading Yokoyama to believe it was a good time to make another game in the Chocobo's Dungeon series.

While you're reading about the cutest dungeon RPG this year, be sure to check out IGN's new screens as well.



JoystiqChocobo's Dungeon producer on a gentler roguelike originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobos-dungeonfinal-fantasyroguelikerpgsquare-enixTue, 01 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Izuna 2 QA causes a lot of pink hair pulling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/izuna-2-qa-causes-a-lot-of-pink-hair-pulling/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/izuna-2-qa-causes-a-lot-of-pink-hair-pulling/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/izuna-2-qa-causes-a-lot-of-pink-hair-pulling/#commentsFiled under:

Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns is about more than mini-posters and sexy ninjas -- a lot of work goes into getting a game like this localized. Not only does a good localization team have to focus on the translation, but they also need to fix any bugs or problems that gamers found in the Japanese release. Apparently, fixing bugs for a roguelike is especially hard and frustrating, as you might have guessed.

Here's the Quality Assurance stat breakdown, according to Atlus:
  • Number of testers on Izuna 2: 6
  • Number of DS systems almost thrown against the wall: 6
  • Number of system-type bugs our testers reported: 104
  • Number of text bugs our testers reported: 259
  • Number of times the testers nearly gave the project lead a heart attack with a fake system bug: 3
  • Number of bugs our testers reported to which we responded: "That's not a bug, that's the way this game works:" 17
  • Number of monkeys we could have hired to do their job: 0
The production diary is actually a really interesting read that not only Izuna fans, but also people interested in the localization process should give a look. Besides, we always appreciate more insight on how the other side of the gaming industry works.

Gallery: Izuna 2

JoystiqIzuna 2 QA causes a lot of pink hair pulling originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdungeon-crawlerizunaizuna-2localizationninja-studioqaquality-assuranceroguelikesuccessTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Izuna poster overload!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/izuna-poster-overload/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/izuna-poster-overload/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/izuna-poster-overload/#commentsFiled under:


The Izuna 2 poster situation has officially become ridiculous. Atlus has revealed that the cover of every copy will not feature the same mini-poster on the reverse; rather, each copy will have one of two pieces of arttwork. In addition, they've released the winning design from the Amazon poll.

With the Gamestop-exclusive poster, there are now four different Izuna 2 posters. Each copy ordered from Amazon or GameStop will include two, one of which can be chosen. Crazy people can try to collect them all by ordering one copy from each retailer and just hoping for two different posters on the boxes.

JoystiqIzuna poster overload! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusizunaizuna-2ninja-studioposterroguelikesuccessSun, 29 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chocobo telling a Final Fantasy Fable in Europe this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/chocobo-telling-a-final-fantasy-fable-in-europe-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/chocobo-telling-a-final-fantasy-fable-in-europe-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/chocobo-telling-a-final-fantasy-fable-in-europe-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: ,


Square Enix hasn't had their memories of Europe taken away by some enchanted bell yet. The company has just announced that their roguelike-ish Final Fantasy spinoff game, Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon, will be released "across Europe and PAL territories" in the fall of this year.

The game, a turn-based dungeon RPG about a cuddly Chocobo's adventures in random dungeons created from villagers' lost memories, came out in Japan in December. It is being released in North America on July 8.

Along with the new announcement, Square Enix has released new screens, which can be found in our gallery. And in addition to the totally sweet video above, two more videos of Chocobo in action -- as a black mage and dragoon -- are available after the break.

Continue reading Chocobo telling a Final Fantasy Fable in Europe this fall

JoystiqChocobo telling a Final Fantasy Fable in Europe this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobos-dungeoneuropefinal-fantasyroguelikerpgsquare-enixFri, 27 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Shiren 2 screens are all that and a bag of Shiren chips]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/new-shiren-2-screens-are-all-that-and-a-bag-of-shiren-chips/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/new-shiren-2-screens-are-all-that-and-a-bag-of-shiren-chips/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/new-shiren-2-screens-are-all-that-and-a-bag-of-shiren-chips/#commentsFiled under:



We couldn't decide which was more awesome -- these new screenshots for Shiren the Wanderer DS 2: Demon Castle in the Desert, or the fact that Chunsoft went out of its way in 2001 to promote the original Game Boy Color title, Shiren the Wanderer GB2, with bags of steak-flavored chips (In case you're late to the party, STW DS 2 is a roguelike remake of STW GB2).

So, we went ahead and featured both the crisps and an image of Shiren's long-lost and perpetually hungry brother, Pekeji, in our article image. Hopefuly, publisher Sega will have a similar potato chip promotion with STW DS 2! Even better, maybe they'll eventually localize the chips along with the game?

See also: Shiren GB2, Shiren DS 2 compared


[via Inside Games]

JoystiqNew Shiren 2 screens are all that and a bag of Shiren chips originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chipschunsoftfushigi-no-dungeongame-boy-colormystery-dungeonroguelikesegashiren-the-wandererWed, 25 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix localizes four Chocobo games for immediate release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/square-enix-localizes-four-chocobo-games-for-immediate-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/square-enix-localizes-four-chocobo-games-for-immediate-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/square-enix-localizes-four-chocobo-games-for-immediate-release/#commentsFiled under:


Surprise! Four brand new Chocobo games are available for your enjoyment right now -- exclusively to registrants at the Square Enix Members website. They are, of course, the four adorable web games released in May of last year to promote the Japanese release of Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon.

Now you can read the instructions and understand the nuanced control schemes involved in keeping Jail Bird on top of a stick so he can catch apples in Chocobo's Balancing Act, deftly avoid ice in Chocobo's Snowboard Glide, fly on borrowed wings in Chocobo Flight, and goof off in class in Chocobo's Classmate. Not that you couldn't have figured out how to play those.

JoystiqSquare Enix localizes four Chocobo games for immediate release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobos-dungeonfinal-fantasy-fablesflashminigamesroguelikesquare-enixsquare-enix-membersTue, 24 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop furthers Izuna's new modeling career]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/gamestop-furthers-izunas-new-modeling-career/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/gamestop-furthers-izunas-new-modeling-career/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/gamestop-furthers-izunas-new-modeling-career/#commentsFiled under:

Not only is Atlus including a fold-out poster on the back of the Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns boxart, they're bundling one of two provocative posters with Amazon orders of the game as well.

But even that isn't enough coverage for Ninja Studio's roguelike heroine: GameStop orders of Izuna 2 will ship with yet another mini-poster featuring a more dressed, but no more demure, Izuna than the others. You could probably get away with having someone see this one on your wall.

We predict a minor swell of unopened Izuna 2 copies on eBay shortly after release, sold by people who just couldn't choose a poster.

JoystiqGamestop furthers Izuna's new modeling career originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusizunaizuna-2ninja-studioposterpreorderroguelikesuccessSun, 22 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Izuna's milkshake brings all the boys to Amazon's yard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/izunas-milkshake-brings-all-the-boys-to-amazons-yard/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/izunas-milkshake-brings-all-the-boys-to-amazons-yard/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/izunas-milkshake-brings-all-the-boys-to-amazons-yard/#commentsFiled under: ,

While Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns comes with a spiffy reversible boxart feature, that's not the only bonus male Atlus fans can expect this July. There will actually be another mini-poster included with the game -- a much more risqué poster, at that. Here's the catch: in order to get one with your copy of Izuna 2, you have to order it from Amazon.com (which means the promotion is only available for folks in the U.S.). Atlus tells us that there are only a "limited" number of these special edition copies available, so take that as you will.

Atlus is also holding a voting contest to see which one of two posters (shown in full after the break) will be included with the software. When we last checked, the two options were almost neck and neck, with the first one taking a slight lead.

If your lecherous curious eyes want to see the uncropped posters featuring Izuna and Shino's scantily clad figures, just click past the break.

Continue reading Izuna's milkshake brings all the boys to Amazon's yard

JoystiqIzuna's milkshake brings all the boys to Amazon's yard originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonatlusizunaizuna-2izuna-the-unemployed-ninja-returnslimited-editionmini-posterninja-studioposterroguelikevoteSat, 21 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST