Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[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[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[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[E308: DS Fanboy hands-on with Away: Shuffle Dungeon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-ds-fanboy-hands-on-with-away-shuffle-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-ds-fanboy-hands-on-with-away-shuffle-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-ds-fanboy-hands-on-with-away-shuffle-dungeon/#commentsFiled under:


When I arrived at Majesco's booth on the now very diminished E3 show floor, I saw their offerings and immediately leaped toward Away: Shuffle Dungeon. The demo build only had one dungeon available, as well as the world hub and a boss fight.

Gallery: Away: Shuffle Dungeon

Continue reading E308: DS Fanboy hands-on with Away: Shuffle Dungeon

JoystiqE308: DS Fanboy hands-on with Away: Shuffle Dungeon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awayaway-shuffle-dungeone3-08e3-hands-one308joystiqfeaturesmistwalkersakaguchiWed, 16 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon, Away: Shuffle Dungeon confirmed for U.S.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-dragon-away-shuffle-dungeon-confirmed-for-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-dragon-away-shuffle-dungeon-confirmed-for-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-dragon-away-shuffle-dungeon-confirmed-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under:

As if our recent poll regarding Blue Dragon Plus and Away: Shuffle Dungeon hadn't already put you on the spot enough, now you'll have to choose one for really reals. AQ Interactive's latest financial report confirms that both will hit North America in this fiscal year, and also mentioned a localized version of the Korg DS-10 (which we already knew about).

Incidentally, there's a further four third-party portable games being brought over by Xseed, and Siliconera reckons that those could include Flower, Sun and Rain, Lux Pain, and Dungeon Maker DS. As European versions of the first two have both been rumored, we'd tend to agree!

JoystiqBlue Dragon, Away: Shuffle Dungeon confirmed for U.S. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactiveawayaway-shuffle-dungeonblue-dragon-plusdungeon-crawlerhironobu-sakaguchikorglux-painmarvelousmistwalkersakaguchisrpgxseedFri, 16 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy poll: Away vs. Blue Dragon Plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/ds-fanboy-poll-away-vs-blue-dragon-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/ds-fanboy-poll-away-vs-blue-dragon-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/ds-fanboy-poll-away-vs-blue-dragon-plus/#commentsFiled under:


A struggle has begun in the Nintendo Fanboy offices. We have divided the dungeon we reside in, one half of the staff staking claim to their side, while the remainder of us blog from within the sanctuary of our side. The argument that has split us so? What looks more interesting: Away: Shuffle Dungeon or Blue Dragon Plus?

The conflict has grown so large that it has spilled out onto the site proper, where we hope you, fine reader, can help us resolve it. We've put up a poll (placed past the break to keep the front page tidy and so those who hate polls and having their voices heard won't be bothered with it), so cast your vote and be heard. Help us stop before we sacrifice Chris to our god, Sakaguchi-san.

Continue reading DS Fanboy poll: Away vs. Blue Dragon Plus

JoystiqDS Fanboy poll: Away vs. Blue Dragon Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awayaway-shuffle-dungeonblue-dragon-plushironobu-sakaguchimistwalkersakaguchiWed, 02 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Checking out the new shadows in Blue Dragon Plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/checking-out-the-new-shadows-in-blue-dragon-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/checking-out-the-new-shadows-in-blue-dragon-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/checking-out-the-new-shadows-in-blue-dragon-plus/#commentsFiled under: ,

When we told you about a couple of new characters making their way into Blue Dragon Plus, we never got a glimpse at what role they would in the game proper. Would they be NPCs? Or would they help us in battle?

Well, they're playable characters with their own shadows, as the official site for the game reveals. The "robots" we thought would play a big role in the game turn out to be just one robot, in fact, with its own shadow also.

Both of these new characters' shadows can be found in our gallery below, so be sure to hit it up.



[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqChecking out the new shadows in Blue Dragon Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragon-plusmistwalkerrpgsakaguchiWed, 05 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a face full of these fresh Blue Dragon Plus screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/get-a-face-full-of-these-fresh-blue-dragon-plus-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/get-a-face-full-of-these-fresh-blue-dragon-plus-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/get-a-face-full-of-these-fresh-blue-dragon-plus-screens/#commentsFiled under:

For those of you who have had a keen eye fixed on Sakaguchi's upcoming DS spin-off Blue Dragon Plus (see: pretty much the entire DSF staff) will like to know that our gallery below has been updated with some new screens. Combing over them, we find ourselves floored yet again at how crisp and wonderful the game's sprites look.

Who else is excited for this game?

JoystiqGet a face full of these fresh Blue Dragon Plus screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragon-plusmistwalkerrpgsakaguchiMon, 25 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Develop Magazine: Iwata is a 'Game Changer']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/develop-magazine-iwata-is-a-game-changer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/develop-magazine-iwata-is-a-game-changer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/develop-magazine-iwata-is-a-game-changer/#commentsFiled under:

Develop magazine's "Game Changers" is a list of 25 gaming industry luminaries who are "reshaping the games development business as we know it." At the top of the list: the lovable Satoru Iwata. The Nintendo president was cited as an influential figure due to his instrumentality in the creation of the DS and Wii, which have then led to a massive influx of new console gamers.

Other notable Nintendo-related names on the list include: Mistwalker's Hironobu Sakaguchi, who is creating more titles simultaneously in less time than he ever did at Square, by combining a core creative team with outsourced technical development; and Majesco's Jesse Sutton, who has turned a failing major publisher around with a casual-inclusive, Nintendo-friendly lineup.

JoystiqDevelop Magazine: Iwata is a 'Game Changer' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developdeveloperiwatamajescomistwalkersakaguchiTue, 05 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon DS delayed indefinitely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/blue-dragon-ds-delayed-indefinitely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/blue-dragon-ds-delayed-indefinitely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/blue-dragon-ds-delayed-indefinitely/#commentsFiled under: ,

French gaming site Jeux-France is reporting that the Nintendo DS adaptation of Mistwalker's Blue Dragon has been delayed without a future release window. The title was planned for a March release, although given its original September revelation, we thought the date was a bit suspect.

Despite the indefinite loss of a portable Blue Dragon, fans of Hironobu Sakaguchi's work can look forward to other DS releases from the studio, including ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat (already out in Japan) and Away: Shuffle Dungeon.

[Via DS Fanboy]

JoystiqBlue Dragon DS delayed indefinitely originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonbluedragonDSHironobu-SakaguchimistwalkersakaguchiFri, 11 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu treats us to more Blue Dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/famitsu-treats-us-to-more-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/famitsu-treats-us-to-more-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/famitsu-treats-us-to-more-blue-dragon/#commentsFiled under:


Click image to enlarge

The latest issue of Famitsu didn't only have some interesting stuff regarding Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, but also a spread on Mistwalker's upcoming DS entry Blue Dragon Plus. And, as intrigued as we were when it was initially thought to be a card-based game, we're now even more interested in what the game will bring to the DS. Sakaguchi never disappoints, after all.

JoystiqFamitsu treats us to more Blue Dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonmistwalkerrpgrtssakaguchiscansWed, 09 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Heroes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/ds-daily-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/ds-daily-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/ds-daily-heroes/#commentsFiled under:

No, we're not talking about the heroes you might be thinking of. We're talking about the heroes behind the heroes. The names and faces that make our games come alive. The visionaries, if you will.

Yesterday's unveiling of a release date and the official website for Flower, Sun and Rain inspired a chat amongst the staff about the game's creator, Goichi Suda. You see, around these parts, we simply can't get enough of Suda's work: the wildly imaginative concepts, that inimitable visual style. Hand on heart, Suda's mere involvement in a project means a sale to this blogger is more than likely. We only wish others felt the same way.

But what about you, reader? Is there a particular development guru you look up to? Are you more about Sakaguchi or Shiggy, Molyneux or Mizuguchi? And do you ever purchase a game solely because they played a part in its creation?

JoystiqDS Daily: Heroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentdsdmiyamotomizuguchimolyneuxsakaguchisudaSat, 22 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit step, step, steps its way atop Japanese charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/wii-fit-step-step-steps-its-way-atop-japanese-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/wii-fit-step-step-steps-its-way-atop-japanese-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/wii-fit-step-step-steps-its-way-atop-japanese-charts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Brawn has finally triumphed over its nerdy nemesis brain, with Nintendo's balancercise board bullying Professor Layton away from the top spot in the Japanese software sales chart. In its second week, Wii Fit sold 150,000 units at retail, making for a grand total of approximately 411,000. Less easy to calculate: the amount of damage Japanese exergamers have incurred while knocking things over in their teeny tiny apartments.

Another notable entry in last week's chart is Hironobu Sakaguchi's post-Final Fantasy Xbox 360 epic, Lost Odyssey. It debuted in seventh position with 55,000, a number pointed out by Gamasutra to be over 25,000 less than Blue Dragon's opening week last year. Though the JRPG still fared much better than most Xbox 360 games (what with it actually breaking into the top ten), even Assassin's Creed managed a modest 41,000 units during its first week.

JoystiqWii Fit step, step, steps its way atop Japanese charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lost-OdysseyLostOdysseySakaguchiWiiWii-FitWiiFitXbox-360Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: We're soooo pumped for Blue Dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/ds-daily-were-soooo-pumped-for-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/ds-daily-were-soooo-pumped-for-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/ds-daily-were-soooo-pumped-for-blue-dragon/#commentsFiled under:


Having several friends who're all kinds of knee-deep in the Xbox 360 game Blue Dragon, we found that we too wanted to get our role-play on and started it up. We didn't get far, but the 2 hours or so of the game got us pumped. We genuinely felt that this game could be excellent beyond all comprehension.

And now it's coming to the DS?! Holy hand grenade, we can't wait for it, even if it's a card-based game. How about you, folks? Are you as excited as we are? Or, could you care less?

JoystiqDS Daily: We're soooo pumped for Blue Dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonbluedragonmistwalkerrpgsakaguchiSat, 22 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Odyssey delayed to 2008 in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/lost-odyssey-delayed-to-2008-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/lost-odyssey-delayed-to-2008-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/lost-odyssey-delayed-to-2008-in-us/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lorne Lanning! If you're reading this, be sure to note our continued frustration at typing "Oddysee" instead of "Odyssey" every single time we discuss Hironobu Sakaguchi's upcoming Xbox 360 RPG. The cumulative seconds wasted in correcting every article must surely extend beyond 2008 by now -- much like the English version of Lost Oddysee Odyssey. Confound it!

In Microsoft's pre-TGS conference held in Japan, Mr. Final Fantasy announced that his Unreal-powered tale of turn-based timelessness would be radically altering the meaning of "simultaneous worldwide release" to be more along the lines of "out in Japan on December 6th, then in North America in February 2008." Judging by the release schedule adopted by Mist Walker's most recent RPG, Blue Dragon, a European date for this Odyssey should be found on the same calendar page.

JoystiqLost Odyssey delayed to 2008 in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsfeelplusFinalFantasyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftMistwalkerRPGSakaguchiTGS07UnrealXbox-360Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Archaic Rounded-Up Heat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/archaic-rounded-up-heat/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/archaic-rounded-up-heat/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/archaic-rounded-up-heat/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've experienced a minor explosion of information regarding Mistwalker's Archaic Sealed Heat from different sources around the Internet. We're glad, because, as much as we enjoy staring at scans, we don't know much at all about the game.

First, Siliconera has outlined the battle system, meaning that we finally have some information about how to play Archaic Sealed Heat. It uses a grid-based strategy-RPG system, combined with traditional Final Fantasy-style turn-based combat, combined strategic party movements with the JRPG fighting we've all grown to love.

Bilingual Gamer has also dropped some more real information on us, in the form of a translation of the Story and Character sections of Nintendo's official ASH site. "The cheering turned to screams, and the beast's unearthly sounds echoed throughout the land. A castle shattered and destroyed by flames, the noblemen of the House preparing for their deaths, and voices overshadowed by the fire." Now that's how you start an RPG.

And, in case you don't trust an ASH post without scans, Jeux-France has posted a few scans loaded with screenshots. We feel so much more caught up now! Okay, back to waiting for the game.

JoystiqArchaic Rounded-Up Heat originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashmistwalkerrpgsakaguchisrpgstrategyMon, 13 Aug 2007 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon demo out on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/blue-dragon-demo-out-on-xbox-live-verifying/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/blue-dragon-demo-out-on-xbox-live-verifying/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/blue-dragon-demo-out-on-xbox-live-verifying/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One secret that Microsoft left out of the press conference: a demo for Mistwalker's Blue Dragon is now available on Xbox Live. The enthusiastic description for the 1.1GB download reads as follows: "The Blue Dragon Demo is available! Play the grand adventure in two dungeons filled with Mecha Robos and Ancient Monsters!" Enjoy.

JoystiqBlue Dragon demo out on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueDragonbreakingnewse3breakingnewsmistwalkersakaguchiXbox-360Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Sakaguchi working on Xbox 360 MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mistwalker founder Hironobu Sakaguchi has revealed that he is working on a new Xbox 360 title that is "50% MMO and 50% RPG," according to Total Video Games. Speaking at an anime event in Paris, France, Sakaguchi reportedly said that the project is not previously-announced titles Blue Dragon sequel or Cry On. (Though there has been talk about Blue Dragon 2 going online.)

The announcement has not been confirmed and we have no other details, so consider this a rumor for now. Should the news end up being true, we just hope the 50% MMO and 50% RPG comment doesn't equate to twice the level grinding and only half the story of most genre-oriented games.

JoystiqRumor: Sakaguchi working on Xbox 360 MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragoncry onCryOnhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkersakaguchiXbox-360Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker developing 360 MMO?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/mistwalker-developing-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/mistwalker-developing-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/mistwalker-developing-360-mmo/#commentsFiled under:

Speaking to gaming site TVG at a Paris anime event, Hironobu Sakaguchi apparently revealed that his Mistwalker Studio is currently working on an unannounced MMO title for the Xbox 360. According to Sakaguchi, the new title -- which isn't Blue Dragon 2 or Cry On -- is "50% MMO and 50% RPG." Nothing else is known about the title at this point in time. With both Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey preparing for release this year, we don't expect to hear about any new projects anytime soon. Of course, that doesn't mean we're abandoning hope that we'll hear something at E3 next week.

JoystiqMistwalker developing 360 MMO? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hironobu sakaguchihironobu sakagucjiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudiommosakaguchiFri, 06 Jul 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

We knew that it would be a while after Mistwalker's late 2005 announcement before we'd see Archaic Sealed Heat's release, but with little-to-no new media on the SRPG since its unveiling and half of 2007 gone by without word on its status, it was hard to convince ourselves that the game still existed.

Shonen Jump's latest issue confirms that, yes, ASH is still being worked on for a holiday 2007 release, and that the graphics look just as impressive as ever. Check past the post break for the scanned magazine page to see a sampling of the ASH's artwork, CG cutscenes, and screenshots!

Continue reading New Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game

JoystiqNew Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaic sealed heatArchaicSealedHeatashdshironobuhironobu SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkernintendonintendo dsNintendoDsSakaguchiscanscansshonenshonen jumpShonenJumpsrpgFri, 06 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon demo scheduled for July 20th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/#commentsFiled under: ,


Can't wait until August 28th to play the Xbox 360-exclusive JPRG Blue Dragon? You could always import the Japanese release and stumble your way through three discs of inscrutable Japanese text or, if you can settle for a slightly smaller experience, just download the demo on Xbox Live Marketplace July 20th. The Japanese language Dengeki Online claims a 1.1GB demo will be released overseas (that's over here, folks) on July 20th, containing roughly 120 minutes of playtime. But you'd best make sure you download it in that 2-week window, since the demo will fly away on August 3rd. Now let's see, if we only play for about three and a quarter minutes a day, this demo should just last us until the retail release. Just ...

[Via X3F]

Gallery: Blue Dragon

JoystiqBlue Dragon demo scheduled for July 20th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueDragondemoHironobuSakaguchiJRPGMistwalkerSakaguchiXBLMXbox-360Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon gets dated: August 28th, 24th in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-gets-dated-august-28th-24th-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-gets-dated-august-28th-24th-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-gets-dated-august-28th-24th-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,


We knew Microsoft's Blue Dragon -- the Japanese RPG by famed Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi -- would be barreling into American shores in August, but we didn't know the specific date. Good news for fans of the month of August then, the much anticipated RPG will get in just under the cutoff making an August 28th touchdown for $59.99.

More interesting for European gamers is the August 24th European release date. Originally scheduled for September in that part of the globe, the title has managed to leapfrog the North American release date by four days; however, at £44.99, they're paying nearly $90 for the privilege. We don't think Americans mind waiting. Now, if we only knew when Mass Effect was coming out ...

Gallery: Blue Dragon



Read - Japanese RPG "Blue Dragon" Lifts Its Wings and Flies To Europe

Continue reading Blue Dragon gets dated: August 28th, 24th in Europe

JoystiqBlue Dragon gets dated: August 28th, 24th in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueDragonMGSMistwalkerreleasedatesSakaguchiXbox-360Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi gives tiny Lost Odyssey update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/sakaguchi-gives-tiny-lost-odyssey-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/sakaguchi-gives-tiny-lost-odyssey-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/sakaguchi-gives-tiny-lost-odyssey-update/#commentsFiled under:

Details on the progress of Lost Odyssey are few and far between these days, so we'll take what we can get. According to IGN, Hironobu Sakaguchi, head of Mistwalker, has given a small update on Lost Odyssey to Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu. According to Sakaguchi, the game's background music and packaging are complete. Also, an outside development team known as Feel Plus is currently tweaking the wall system and other gameplay systems. Readers will recall that Lost Odyssey uses a system in which soldiers in the front lines must protect the vulnerable but powerful magic users in the rear.

Sakaguchi notes that there will be new details revealed in the near future. IGN speculates we may hear more at E3. Considering this is one of Microsoft's biggest projects, we're inclined to agree.

JoystiqSakaguchi gives tiny Lost Odyssey update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplushironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchilost odysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseymgsMicrosoftmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmistwalkermistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudiosnobuo uematsuNobuoUematsuRPGsakaguchiWed, 06 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi reveals new Lost Odyssey details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-reveals-new-lost-odyssey-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-reveals-new-lost-odyssey-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-reveals-new-lost-odyssey-details/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to Famitsu (translated by IGN), Hironobu Sakaguchi reveals new details of Mistwalker's current Xbox 360 project Lost Odyssey. The game is now 70% complete, and the development team has reached the "balancing and tuning" phase of production. The music (composed by RPG legend Nobuo Uematsu) is nearly done. Sakaguchi notes that the game's theme focuses on "humanity" and that the music conveys inner emotions. The camera will remain fixed in the game, though there will be cinematic rumbling and focus effects used.

Finally, Sakaguchi reveals more information about Lost Odyssey's combat. Lost Odyssey will use a wall system that requires the front lines to defend those in the rear. This is crucial, as magic users cause the most damage and must be protected (this is in line with what Sakaguchi told us at GDC) Also revealed, certain items will require skills to equip and the game features a crafting system that binds magical items to weapons.

More Lost Odyssey details are expected soon.

JoystiqSakaguchi reveals new Lost Odyssey details originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplushironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchilost odysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftMistwalkermistwalker studiomistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudioMistwalkerStudiosRPGsakaguchiMon, 07 May 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi interview reveals new details on Lost Odyssey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-interview-reveals-new-details-on-lost-odyssey/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-interview-reveals-new-details-on-lost-odyssey/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-interview-reveals-new-details-on-lost-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a recent interview with Famitsu, Mistwalker founder Hironobu Sakaguchi said that their latest project, the Xbox 360 RPG Lost Odyssey, is 70% complete and that they are currently working on tuning, balancing the gameplay and reducing load times.

According to Sakaguchi, in a translated transcription provided to IGN by Microsoft, the game will use a fixed camera but will incorporate cinematic techniques such as "camera vibration and focus effects" to provide realism. In terms of content, Sakaguchi said the primary theme is "humanity." The music, by Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger) is reportedly a big change in style from his previous work on Blue Dragon.

Also discussed is the battle system, which IGN described as a wall system that will "require players to ensure that the front guards protect the rear," that enemies will also "use these formations" and that there are plans to incorporate "analog trigger system for physical attacks" to breach the walls. The description is rather ambiguous and confusing; we've contacted Microsoft for a copy of the translated interview.

JoystiqSakaguchi interview reveals new details on Lost Odyssey originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsufeelpluslost odysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftmist walkerMistWalkerRPGsakaguchiXbox-360Mon, 07 May 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi disses Wii, says Xbox 360 has better games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/sakaguchi-disses-wii-says-xbox-360-has-better-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/sakaguchi-disses-wii-says-xbox-360-has-better-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/sakaguchi-disses-wii-says-xbox-360-has-better-games/#commentsFiled under:

For those who thought that Hironobu Sakaguchi might come back to the loving bosom of Nintendo after his upcoming project with Microsoft might need to take a seat, as the man who was made famous after creating the Final Fantasy franchise has commented that he isn't all that interested in the Wii. Why isn't he interested in the system with the groundbreaking controls and mainstream accessibility? Turns out, he thinks the Xbox 360 has far better games than the competition.

Sakaguchi claimed "The system is intriguing, but right now, I have no plans on making a game for the Wii." He also commented on the Japanese market's complete apathy towards Microsoft's console. stating that there "are a lot of excellent games on the 360, far better games than what's on the Wii or PS3. But not a lot of people in Japan have a clear idea what games like Gears of War are all about." Maybe they don't get it because buckets of blood and the violence of extracting them from your virtual enemies isn't all that important to them? Maybe, just maybe, the Japanese enjoy, dare we say, fun games?

[Via Codename Revolution]

JoystiqSakaguchi disses Wii, says Xbox 360 has better games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>finalfantasyjapannintendonintendowiisakaguchiwiiWed, 02 May 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon sequel may go online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/blue-dragon-sequel-may-go-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/blue-dragon-sequel-may-go-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/blue-dragon-sequel-may-go-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The sequel to the Xbox 360 Japanese RPG Blue Dragon may include online play. Speaking to Japanese website Gpara.com (translated by Eurogamer), Mistwalker producer Hironobu Sakaguchi said that they are in talks with Microsoft about developing a sequel and that, "specifics aren't finalised, but there's a possibility that it will be produced as an online title."

To what extent Sakaguchi is considering integrating online play is unknown; it could be anywhere from online trading to a full-blown MMO. It is pretty much assured Microsoft, with a minimal-at-best library of RPGs for the Xbox 360, will greenlight a sequel to the one title that has so far proven to be successful in Japan.

Blue Dragon will be arriving in North America August 15 and Europe in September.

Gallery: Blue Dragon

JoystiqBlue Dragon sequel may go online originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonmist walkerMistWalkersakaguchiXbox-360Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi praises Xbox, unimpressed with PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sakaguchi-praises-xbox-unimpressed-with-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sakaguchi-praises-xbox-unimpressed-with-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sakaguchi-praises-xbox-unimpressed-with-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

Speaking with GameSpot during GDC, Final Fantasy creator and head of Mistwalker Studio, Hironobu Sakaguchi, had some interesting things to say about his recent projects, Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey, as well as a few choice thoughts on Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, and game development in general. One nice bit of info: There will be a playable demo of Blue Dragon available on Marketplace before the game ships in August (Sakaguchi hopes for a June or July release for the demo).

Continue reading Sakaguchi praises Xbox, unimpressed with PS3

JoystiqSakaguchi praises Xbox, unimpressed with PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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During our preview of Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey on Tuesday, we were lucky enough to score a little question and answer time with RPG luminary, Hironobu Sakaguchi (and his translator). We learned a few things about Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and the differences between them. We learned about the downloadable content in store for Blue Dragon, too. We also got to ask him about what its like to have his own company now (Mistwalker), what's next after Lost Odyssey, the 360's performance in Japan, and Sakaguchi-san's love for Gears of War.

We captured all the audio and now present it for download on MP3 (Fancast subscribers will get it automatically). As an added bonus, we also threw in a bit of the music from Lost Odyssey. Download and enjoy.

JoystiqFancast Xtra -- Q&A with Hironobu Sakaguchi originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonfancastfeelplusGDC-2007gdc07lost odysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftmistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudioRPGsakaguchiThu, 08 Mar 2007 20:45:00 ESTFancast Xtra: Q&A with Hironobu SakaguchiRichard Mitchell19:55xbox, 360, fancast, fanboy, hironobu, sakaguchi, gdc07, gdc<![CDATA[GDC 07: Sakaguchi part 2: Lost Odyssey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/gdc-07-sakaguchi-part-2-lost-odyssey/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/gdc-07-sakaguchi-part-2-lost-odyssey/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/gdc-07-sakaguchi-part-2-lost-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: ,


After getting a first hand look at Blue Dragon, we were informed that we'd also get the first look at the US version of Lost Odyssey. As we've noted, Lost Odyssey will launch worldwide this holiday. We were treated to a brief video of the game in action. The section we saw was still a work in progress and some glitches were evident, but it showed promise. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any gameplay; Sakaguchi told us we'd have to come to Japan for that.

Continue reading GDC 07: Sakaguchi part 2: Lost Odyssey

JoystiqGDC 07: Sakaguchi part 2: Lost Odyssey originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplusGDC-2007lost odysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmist walkerMistWalkerRPGsakaguchiWed, 07 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 07: Lost Odyssey 2007 worldwide launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-lost-odyssey-2007-worldwide-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-lost-odyssey-2007-worldwide-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-lost-odyssey-2007-worldwide-launch/#commentsFiled under: ,

We mentioned it briefly in "Sakaguchi part one," but we felt it worthwhile to post separately as well, so here it is: Hironobu Sakaguchi announced today that Lost Odyssey will launch simultaneously worldwide this holiday. That's right, a game that most of us weren't expecting until 2008 will be spinning in our Xboxen before Christmas. Once we shake off the head asploding nightmare that is liveblogging, we'll post our impressions of Lost Odyssey in "Sakaguchi part two."

JoystiqGDC 07: Lost Odyssey 2007 worldwide launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc 07GDC-2007Gdc07hironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchilost odysseyLostOdysseymistwalkersakaguchiTue, 06 Mar 2007 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon in US this August, Lost Odyssey worldwide by X-mas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

lost odyssey1UP recently scored some face time with Mistwalker head Hironobu Sakaguchi, squeezing some vague release dates outta the man who's brave enough paid enough to develop rpgs for Xbox 360. Word is, Lost Odyssey will launch simultaneously in Japan and the US 'round Christmas time (mid- to late-December) worldwide 'round the holidays, a favorable deviation from the release strategy currently being employed for Odyssey's cutesy predecessor Blue Dragon. While Blue Dragon was released in Japan last December, US audiences are still waiting -- and according to Sakaguchi's estimates, they'll be waiting till August. But Lost Odyssey is apparently being developed with an eye toward Western aesthetics; even the lip-syncing will match English voice actors (the Japanese version will be dubbed).

As for Europe, well, we didn't forget about y'all, but Sakaguchi must have. No word on when Mistwalker's rpgs will go PAL. Update: Blue Dragon's European release is scheduled for September. The original Japanese voice tracks will be available in the US release (unconfirmed for PAL version). Sakaguchi has also revealed plans for an unspecified pre-order bonus (more Zippos?).

Gallery: Blue Dragon



Gallery: Lost Odyssey

JoystiqBlue Dragon in US this August, Lost Odyssey worldwide by X-mas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360BlueDragonbreakingnewsfeelplusGDCgdc07HironobuSakaguchiLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftMistwalkerRPGSakaguchiXbox-360Xbox360Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon busts into Japanese sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/blue-dragon-busts-into-japanese-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/blue-dragon-busts-into-japanese-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/blue-dragon-busts-into-japanese-sales-charts/#commentsFiled under: ,

The first thing you should do when this sort of thing happens is somehow confirm that you're still in the same dimension you were in moments before. Examine newspapers, have a look in the mirror and make doubly sure that nobody is sporting an angry orangutan for a head. With that out of the way, you can return to the matter at hand -- there's an Xbox 360 game sitting in the fourth position of the weekly Japanese software sales chart. With a healthy 80,348 copies sold, it would appear that Microsoft's Blue Dragon is at least making some strides in the publisher's continuing battle against apathy in Japan.

Examining the other bits of the chart on GamesAreFun, it's easy to imagine some of the cheaper headlines that could have been used for this post. "Blue Dragon crushes Zelda in Japanese sales!" While Blue Dragon enters the chart in fourth place, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess has since slid down to 17th in its second week. Post-launch Wii shortages could be to blame, as Wario Ware: Smooth Moves also fails to make it past the 23rd spot. The fact that Tales of Destiny and Final Fantasy VI Advance wind up below Blue Dragon, however, could be seen as more reassuring.

Ah, but what about "Blue Dragon defeated by Pokemon?" In its tenth week, Pokemon Diamond occupies the third slot, with second and first place going to Sega's Yakuza 2 and Gundam SEED: Federation vs ZAFT II respectively. The install bases of the PS2 and DS make those games particularly tough opponents, so to snag fourth spot seems like a solid accomplishment. Keep an eye out for the infamous Japanese hardware sales later today to see how effective Blue Dragon is at shifting consoles.

JoystiqBlue Dragon busts into Japanese sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 04:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonFinal FantasyFinalFantasyJapanese SalesJapaneseSalesMistwalkerSakaguchiXbox JapanXbox-360XboxJapanFri, 15 Dec 2006 04:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Blue Dragon bundles sell out?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/japanese-blue-dragon-bundles-sell-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/japanese-blue-dragon-bundles-sell-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/japanese-blue-dragon-bundles-sell-out/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to YouNEWB.com (we've never heard of them either) a Japanese blog is claiming that Japanese retailer , eDigi, has sold every single Blue Dragon pre-order bundle. What's more, they were reportedly sold out within five minutes. The article doesn't have a lot of specifics. For example, we don't know how many units the retailer had to sell. It could be five or fifty for all we know. So, the info is a little tenuous but good news for Microsoft if true. Would any of our Japanese savvy readers like to take a stab at translating the blog?

[Via YouNEWB]

JoystiqJapanese Blue Dragon bundles sell out? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalker studioMistwalkerStudiosakaguchiWed, 18 Oct 2006 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Japan-only Blue Dragon bundle [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/07/microsofts-japan-only-blue-dragon-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/07/microsofts-japan-only-blue-dragon-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/07/microsofts-japan-only-blue-dragon-bundle/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're wondering why us round-eyes ain't gonna see a price break on the Xbox 360 this holiday, Japan might have something to do with it.

See, Microsoft has put together this sweet, Japan-only Blue Dragon bundle that probably ain't gonna do much to enhance the company's bottom line (read: it's likely subsidized), but will (they hope) juice the 360's pitiable sales in that country.

For just ¥29,800 (approximately $252 at the time of this writing), Japanese gamers will walk off with a basic Xbox 360, the Blue Dragon game itself, a limited-edition faceplate (aren't they all?), and five Blue Dragon figurines, according to the fine folks over at Siliconera.

We've inserted images of the goods after the break.

[Update 1: Post comments have been locked as the bulk of comments posted were off-topic.]

Continue reading Microsoft's Japan-only Blue Dragon bundle [update 1]

JoystiqMicrosoft's Japan-only Blue Dragon bundle [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Oct 2006 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonsakaguchitgstgs06tokyo games showXbox-360Sat, 07 Oct 2006 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft TGS briefing video now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/microsoft-tgs-briefing-video-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/microsoft-tgs-briefing-video-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/microsoft-tgs-briefing-video-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If there is one completely memorable moment for us in the Microsoft TGS press briefing, it was seeing DOAX2 announced as a "sports" title. That ... is hilarious. Xbox.com has posted two videos of the Microsoft TGS briefing. One is the entire briefing, full of Japanese goodness, and the other is only Peter Moore's remarks. The whole conference clocks in at just under an hour. There are no trailers or anything we typically associate with press briefings so, if you don't speak Japanese, we'd suggest you stick with the Peter More video.

The conference does a good job of emphasizing all things Japanese -- complete with Peter Moore humbling himself to Pac-Man creator, Toru Iwatani. Of course, Blue Dragon gets its fair share -- Sakaguchi-san talks it up for quite a while near the end. Perhaps the most bizarre bit is Microsoft's marketing slogan for Japan: "Do! Do! Do!" Let's hope that didn't come from the same marketing team that did all those "playtests" of the original Xbox control.

We'll go ahead and say that things look better than they have in the past for MS in Japan. As usual, it's the games stupid, and Microsoft showed up with more actual Japanese titles than ever before. Will it help? Who knows, but they're definitely heading in the right direction.

[Via Major Nelson]

360 at the Tokyo Game Show:
Today's Marketplace content, 9/21
DOAX2 video makes us feel naughty
Lost Odyssey intro video
Video of Trusty Bell
See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally)

JoystiqMicrosoft TGS briefing video now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragondead or alive extreme 2DeadOrAliveExtreme2doax2hironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchipeter moorePeterMooresakaguchitgstokyo game showTokyoGameShowThu, 21 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS: See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally) [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-see-blue-dragon-gameplay-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-see-blue-dragon-gameplay-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-see-blue-dragon-gameplay-finally/#commentsFiled under: ,


Xboxyde has scored actual in game footage of the would be killer app for Microsoft in Japan, Blue Dragon. Split into two parts, the video shows off the game's graphics and combat system. For the RPG buffs out there, it's worth noting that battles are not random and that enemies can be seen before the player decides to engage them (or not). Beyond that, the game is very nice to look at. We know that a lot of readers will disagree on this point, but these graphics are solid and polished beyond belief. The gameplay, on the other hand, looks fairly standard. There are big chests with items in them, turn-based battles, summoning techniques, and a boss battle (complete with craptastic rawk music).

Granted, the quality of the video makes it difficult to pick apart the intricacies of the combat, but it all looks pretty traditional. Then again, it also looks an awful lot like Dragon Quest -- a game so popular in Japan it's practically a national holiday when a new sequel is released. Will bundling Blue Dragon with a core system be enough to entice Japanese buyers? Only time will tell.

Update: It looks like Xboxyde's servers are getting beaten up by the demand for this video. See the embedded YouTube video after the break.

Update 2: Fixed some weird formatting.

Continue reading TGS: See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally) [update 2]

JoystiqTGS: See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally) [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragondragon questDragonQuesthironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudiorpgsakaguchitgstokyo game showTokyoGameShowWed, 20 Sep 2006 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS: Blue Dragon hits Japan this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-blue-dragon-hits-japan-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-blue-dragon-hits-japan-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-blue-dragon-hits-japan-this-holiday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft's expects their arrangement with legendary game designer, and father of the massively popular Final Fantasy series, Hironobu Sakaguchi to earn them a considerable amount of sales in Japan. Sakaguchi's new studio, Mistwalker, is working on two RPGs exclusively for the Xbox 360: Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey.

Microsoft announced today that Blue Dragon will lead the console's Japanese push this holiday, along with over 110 other games. Microsoft was unable to confirm what percentage of those titles are digitally distributed Xbox Live Arcade games versus retail DVD-based games, though the North American numbers are about 110 DVD-based, 50 XBLA.

As a sign of the strategic importance of the title, they'll begin bundling Blue Dragon with the recently revealed Core version of the console, creating an intoxicatingly affordable package. Like the HD-DVD announcement, there is no release date for regions outside Japan. Blue Dragon will be playable for the first time at TGS, so we'll be sure to get our hands all over it.

Microsoft's TGS press briefing:
HD-DVD add-on hits Japan Nov. 17th for ¥19,800
Xbox 360 to add 1080p support, PS3 to lose bullet point

JoystiqTGS: Blue Dragon hits Japan this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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