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[Square Enix hints, nudges and winks about The World Ends With You sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/square-enix-hints-nudges-and-winks-about-the-world-ends-with-yo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/square-enix-hints-nudges-and-winks-about-the-world-ends-with-yo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/square-enix-hints-nudges-and-winks-about-the-world-ends-with-yo/#comments The World Ends With You is, besides being an excellent name for a My Chemical Romance song, one of the few non-Final Fantasy RPGs from Square Enix to obtain cult classic status. The last we heard of a potential sequel to the teenager-infused romp through Shibuya was in August of 2010, when series artist Tetsuya Nomura said "I definitely want to make a sequel."

Fast-forward about a year, and The World Ends With You protagonist Neku is spotted as one of the many cameos during Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance's Tokyo Game Show demo. Now, Nomura has said that TWEWY supporting character Raimu, who never spoke during the original game, will also be in Kingdom Hearts 3D and will be fully voice acted "out of consideration of the future of The World Ends With You series," according to an interview translated by Andriasang.

If that weren't powerfully tantalizing on its own, Nomura also said that "there probably is something" coming in the series' future, though he couldn't speak in specifics at the time. He also laughed mid-sentence, according to the translation, although there's no context provided to indicate whether the laugh was the playful chuckle of an appreciative artist, or the maniacal cackling of a man manipulating the hearts of thousands. Without this vital context clue, we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

JoystiqSquare Enix hints, nudges and winks about The World Ends With You sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendosequelsquare-enixTetsuya-NomuraThe-World-Ends-With-YouSat, 21 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy Versus XIII getting help from Luminous Engine, Kingdom Hearts 3DS coming next spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-getting-help-from-luminous-engine-kin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-getting-help-from-luminous-engine-kin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-getting-help-from-luminous-engine-kin/#comments
Despite Final Fantasy Versus XIII not appearing in any form at this year's Tokyo Game Show, project director Tetsuya Nomura shared some new details on it with Japanese magazine Famitsu. Apparently, the long-in-development Fabula Nova Crystallis game's lighting has been overhauled with some help from Square Enix' Luminous Engine, while Versus XIII's action is handled by another, unique engine.

More excitingly, Nomura said that he recently ran through the game's entire world map, as well as its dungeons/side quests, and he's "impressed with how expansive everything is." He also spoke to his other project -- Kingdom Hearts 3DS, or "Dream Drop Distance" if you will -- pinning its release to next spring, at least in Japan. So, um, get your keyblades sharpened.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Versus XIII getting help from Luminous Engine, Kingdom Hearts 3DS coming next spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfabula-nova-crystallisfinal-fantasy-versus-xiiikingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distanceluminous-enginenintendoplaystationps3q2-2012release-datesquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraWed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The World Ends With You cameo in Kingdom Hearts 3D notice of 'something' new]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/the-world-ends-with-you-cameo-in-kingdom-hearts-3d-notice-of-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/the-world-ends-with-you-cameo-in-kingdom-hearts-3d-notice-of-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/the-world-ends-with-you-cameo-in-kingdom-hearts-3d-notice-of-so/#comments

Kingdom Hearts producer (and theoretical Final Fantasy Versus XIII lead) Tetsuya Nomura told Famitsu that the appearance of The World Ends With You's Neku Sakuraba in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance portended other things for the character in the future.

According to Andriasang, Famitsu asked Nomura if Neku's appearance provided notice of a sequel to the Shibuya-based DS RPG. Nomura didn't quite confirm a sequel, but he did say that the appearance suggested "something" that Square Enix is working on.

Last year, Nomura said he wanted to make a sequel to TWEWY "when the time is right." Perhaps the time will be even closer to right two minutes from now, when you've watched the new trailer above (featuring Neku).

JoystiqThe World Ends With You cameo in Kingdom Hearts 3D notice of 'something' new originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfamitsukingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendotetsuya-nomuraThe-World-Ends-With-YouWed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy Versus XIII gameplay detailed, trailer re-released in HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-gameplay-detailed-trailer-re-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-gameplay-detailed-trailer-re-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-gameplay-detailed-trailer-re-released/#commentsAn HD version of the recently leaked Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailer has been officially released by Square Enix, giving us a clearer look at the long-awaited game's battle system. Dengeki PlayStation (via Andriasang) offers a bit more insight.

We joked that the game was a "Kingdom Hearts for adults," and in many ways, that comparison holds true. Like the Disney mash-up game, the combat system is party-based, giving you control of at most three characters at once. You'll be able to switch between the different characters, each with its own specialized type of attack. One character, for example, will be able to find enemy weak points and attack them with guns from a third-person perspective. Noctis, the princely main character of the story, is the only one able to use every weapon type in the game. You'll also be able to command vehicles: tanks, cars, air ships and, yes, Chocobos.

If the trailer whets your appetite for more, director Tetsuya Nomura asks that you "forget" about the game for now. Why? With the next update on the game planned for E3 "at the earliest," it's clear that Nomura and company have a long way to go before they're finished. Check out the trailer (again) after the break.

Continue reading Final Fantasy Versus XIII gameplay detailed, trailer re-released in HD

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Versus XIII gameplay detailed, trailer re-released in HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-versus-xiiiplaystationps3square-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 27 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D to feature all new Disney worlds, Nomura says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-to-feature-all-new-disney-worlds-nomura-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-to-feature-all-new-disney-worlds-nomura-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-to-feature-all-new-disney-worlds-nomura-says/#comments Famitsu recently had a chance to chat with Tetsuya Nomura, the zipper-loving director of the Kingdom Hearts franchise. In the interview (translated by Andriasang), Nomura revealed that new "gameplay systems" are in the works for the next iteration of the game, Kingdom Hearts 3D for the 3DS, and that some of these mechanics may even find their way into the long-awaited (but still unannounced) Kingdom Hearts 3.

For example, both Sora and Riku will be playable characters in the upcoming game, and Nomura is promising some differences between the two characters. The reason why Sora and Riku appear as they do in the first Kingdom Hearts game hasn't been explained, with Nomura simply teasing that it is "a secret" and necessary for the story.

Perhaps the most exciting revelation from the interview is Nomura's intention to include brand new Disney worlds for the upcoming sequel. Although Traverse Town and "other original creations" will make a reappearance, it'll be interesting to see exactly what Disney worlds make it into the next game. Frankly, we're not even entirely sure what Square Enix has yet to dig up from the Disney vault.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D to feature all new Disney worlds, Nomura says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneydskingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-3dnintendosquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 18 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3DS development underway, to follow Re:Coded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/kingdom-hearts-3ds-development-underway-to-follow-re-coded/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/kingdom-hearts-3ds-development-underway-to-follow-re-coded/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/kingdom-hearts-3ds-development-underway-to-follow-re-coded/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fans eager for a new Kingdom Hearts console game will have to wait even longer, it seems. In an interview with Famitsu, designer Tetsuya Nomura revealed that the next game in the franchise will be the 3DS game, first unveiled at E3 earlier this year. "Next is Kingdom Hearts 3D," he told the magazine. "The time frame for 3D is after Re:Coded."

According to Nomura, development is already underway on the project and will only accelerate once the Final Mix team is done working on that Japan-only PSP release. "We'd like to announce it as soon as possible," Nomura said of the 3DS game, seemingly ignoring the fact that he was technically announcing the game as he spoke.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3DS development underway, to follow Re:Coded originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-3dnintendosquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 23 Sep 2010 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dissidia: Duodecim Final Fantasy playable at TGS, first screens released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-playable-at-tgs-first-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-playable-at-tgs-first-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-playable-at-tgs-first-screens/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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

Gallery: Dissidia: Duodecim Final Fantasy

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasyfinal-fantasyplaystationpspsonysquare-enixtetsuya-nomuratgs-2010tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2010Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura wants Parasite Eve and its sequel on PSN before 3rd Birthday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/nomura-wants-parasite-eve-and-its-sequel-on-psn-before-3rd-birth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/nomura-wants-parasite-eve-and-its-sequel-on-psn-before-3rd-birth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/nomura-wants-parasite-eve-and-its-sequel-on-psn-before-3rd-birth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Were you thinking that right about now would be a good time to make Parasite Eve and Parasite Eve 2 available via PSN, given the upcoming release of the third game in the series on PSP? Then, dear Reader, you have something in common with series character designer Tetsuya Nomura. He recently tweeted that he wants just that: a digital re-release of the PSOne titles, before The 3rd Birthday -- the game whose success could lead to a PS3 title in the series -- hits Japan.

"Archives versions of the 1st and 2nd [Parasite Eve] are in demand, so I'd like to do something about them before the 3rd is released," reads Nomura's tweet. He's referring to the Japanese PSN equivalent of PSOne Classics, the Game Archives, and we agree: we'd like Nomura to do something about them, too -- only globally, kudasai?

JoystiqNomura wants Parasite Eve and its sequel on PSN before 3rd Birthday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>parasite-eveplaystationps3pspsonySquare-Enixtetsuya-nomurathe-3rd-birthdayTue, 24 Aug 2010 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura 'definitely' wants to make a The World Ends With You sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/nomura-definitely-wants-to-make-a-the-world-ends-with-you-sequ/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/nomura-definitely-wants-to-make-a-the-world-ends-with-you-sequ/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/nomura-definitely-wants-to-make-a-the-world-ends-with-you-sequ/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems all of our training exercises to develop our latent mind control abilities are starting to pay off. After months of attempting to bend the will of Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura to try and get him to create a follow-up to 2008's surprisingly lovable handheld RPG The World Ends With You, the designer recently told Nintendo Power (transcribed by Siliconera) that "I definitely want to make a sequel." See that, Nomura? We're in your mind.

Of course, games at Square Enix are developed in a set order, and Nomura explained he's "very busy working on other titles right now, but when the time is right, I would love to make another installment of The World Ends with You." Now we just have to use our psychic powers to convince Nomura to go ahead and skip all those other games. Then we're going to make him do a funny little dance. Because we can.

JoystiqNomura 'definitely' wants to make a The World Ends With You sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendosequelSquare-Enixtetsuya-nomuraThe-World-Ends-With-YouMon, 09 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura: Kingdom Hearts 3D 'probably' being developed by Birth by Sleep team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/nomura-kingdom-hearts-3d-probably-being-developed-by-birth-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/nomura-kingdom-hearts-3d-probably-being-developed-by-birth-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/nomura-kingdom-hearts-3d-probably-being-developed-by-birth-by/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Square Enix sent out some (unfortunately flat) images representing two of its announced 3DS titles, Kingdom Hearts 3D and Chocobo Racing 3D. We're going to go ahead and assume you aren't tired of looking at 3DS images yet, and place them in galleries for your perusal.

Don't expect the games to look exactly like this upon release -- these images essentially represent tech demos. Tetsuya Nomura told Siliconera that Kingdom Hearts 3D "will probably be developed by the team who was in charge of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, the Osaka team." In other words, Square Enix hasn't even gotten to the point in the game's development where it figures out who's developing it.

Gallery: Chocobo Racing 3D (3DS)

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D (3DS)

JoystiqNomura: Kingdom Hearts 3D 'probably' being developed by Birth by Sleep team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaction-rpgchocobo-racing-3ddse3-2010kingdom-hearts-3dnintendoracingsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraFri, 18 Jun 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jiminy Cricket voice actor mentions Kingdom Hearts: Recoded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/jiminy-cricket-oice-actor-mentions-kingdom-hearts-recoded/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/jiminy-cricket-oice-actor-mentions-kingdom-hearts-recoded/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/jiminy-cricket-oice-actor-mentions-kingdom-hearts-recoded/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The official website for professional voice actor Phil Snyder mentions a heretofore unannounced project with a somewhat familiar title: Kingdom Hearts: Recoded. Apparently, Snyder is following in the footsteps of the late Eddie Carroll, and providing the voice for the series' pocket-sized accomplice, Jiminy Cricket. The project's title seems to suggest that Square-Enix is working on a remake of the formerly Japan-only episodic mobile game, Kingdom Hearts: Coded.

We may end up getting concrete details about this project soon -- Siliconera reports the July issue of Game Informer features an interview with Kingdom Hearts creator Tetsuya Nomura, who explains that one of the two upcoming installments in the Keyblade-wielding franchise will be announced at E3. He didn't explain which language the game will actually be recoded in, but our money's on HTML5, since oh my God we can't believe we're making this joke what have we become.

JoystiqJiminy Cricket voice actor mentions Kingdom Hearts: Recoded originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jiminy-CricketKingdom-Hearts-CodedKingdom-Hearts-RecodedSquare-EnixTetsuya-NomuraSun, 06 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura mentions three more Kingdom Hearts games in interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/nomura-mentions-three-more-kingdom-hearts-games-in-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/nomura-mentions-three-more-kingdom-hearts-games-in-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/nomura-mentions-three-more-kingdom-hearts-games-in-interview/#commentsAn interview with Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura, printed in the Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Ultimania guide book, outs the planning of three new games in the Disney/Square action RPG series. And one of them is, for real, Kingdom Hearts III. However, Nomura hasn't started the actual production of the title -- evidently he's busy with Final Fantasy Versus XIII, which is apparently a real game that people are working on.

"We won't take up KH3 until we've reached a certain target with FF Versus XIII," Nomura said, according to Andriasang's translation of the text provided by FF-Reunion. One of the two additional Kingdom Hearts games will be out this year. Another, due later, features multiple protagonists like Birth by Sleep.

Nomura also dashed any hope of another super-deluxe re-release like the Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix. "The voice actors for the overseas version are all high caliber, so it wouldn't be bad to release a Final Mix version," he said. " ... However, because for KH2FM+ we released Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories as a set, we have the feeling that people's expectations for the content of a Final Mix have become extremely high. I'd like to say this here -- we won't do anything that big ever again. (laughs)."

JoystiqNomura mentions three more Kingdom Hearts games in interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyKingdom-Heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepremakerpgspecial-editionsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 25 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yep, there's a world map in Final Fantasy Versus XIII]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/yep-theres-a-world-map-in-final-fantasy-versus-xiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/yep-theres-a-world-map-in-final-fantasy-versus-xiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/yep-theres-a-world-map-in-final-fantasy-versus-xiii/#comments With Final Fantasy XIII finally done and in stores, Square Enix fans are now scouring the internet for the next big project in the Final Fantasy series: The still-PS3-exclusive Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Character designer and director Tetsuya Nomura was interviewed on Twitter, an appropriate venue that forces brevity and a general lack of detail. According to Nomura (as translated by Andriasang), "not everything is connected together" in Versus, "so the various areas have different levels of progress." He did manage to reveal at least two facts about the upcoming game: "You can fly across the world map in an air ship."

Adding both world maps and controllable air ships should help appease Final Fantasy fans disappointed by their absence in XIII. While Versus represents a spin-off for the franchise, it sounds like it may be closer to a traditional FF experience than its counterpart. For hardcore Square Enix fans, that news alone should be enough to restart the long wait to the next Final Fantasy game.

JoystiqYep, there's a world map in Final Fantasy Versus XIII originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airshipfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-versus-13final-fantasy-versus-xiiitetsuya-nomuraWed, 17 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura 'not sure' about Final Fantasy Versus XIII at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/nomura-not-sure-about-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-at-e3-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/nomura-not-sure-about-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-at-e3-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/nomura-not-sure-about-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-at-e3-2010/#comments As Square Enix developers are prone to do, acclaimed Final Fantasy lead Tetsuya Nomura recently dropped some vague information about one of the handful of Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy XIII​ games that was announced like, a million years ago (okay, okay -- in 2006). Apparently, due to the display of the world map not being up to snuff, Final Fantasy Versus XIII may not make an appearance at this year's E3.

"We were hoping to debut it at E3, but we're not sure now," Nomura told Famitsu (as relayed by FF-Reunion.net). "For displaying characters on the world map, we were originally planning on using the method used by 'FF#,' with a small Noctus running about on the screen, but that didn't look too great, so we ended up switching to the method used by 'FF#.'" Allegedly, the "#" designations used by Famitsu in the preceding quotation were an effort to mask the particular Final Fantasy installments Nomura was referring to. "Famitsu had to block them out," explained Andriasang.

Nomura also suggested that Versus might be benched for E3 2010 in order to give other Square Enix titles at the show more time in the spotlight. Nomura did not mention Agito XIII in the Famitsu article, but did note that, in terms of other projects, "There are a number of them, along with some for which we need to begin preparations for a reveal." That's right -- forget about finally showing us more of the game that was announced four years ago, bring on Final Fantasy XV!

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqNomura 'not sure' about Final Fantasy Versus XIII at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agitoe3-2010fabula-nova-crystallisfamitsufinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-agito-xiiifinal-fantasy-versus-xiiifinal-fantasy-xiiisquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraWed, 17 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura working to 'realize' Kingdom Hearts III, explains Sora's furry origins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/nomura-working-to-realize-kingdom-hearts-iii-explains-soras/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/nomura-working-to-realize-kingdom-hearts-iii-explains-soras/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/nomura-working-to-realize-kingdom-hearts-iii-explains-soras/#comments Two noteworthy pieces of information came out of a recent Famitsu interview (as translated by Andriasang) with Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura regarding the prolific Disney-Final Fantasy mash-up franchise, Kingdom Hearts. The first isn't all that surprising -- when questioned at the end of the interview about Kingdom Hearts III, Nomura simply replied "Regarding III, fans and partners alike are pressing us for it, so we'll work to realize it as soon as possible."

Here's the more intriguing (or disturbing, depending on how you look at it) tidbit -- when asked about Sora's character design, Nomura remarked that the Disney staff made a few alterations to his outfit, explaining his stupid big shoes and pants. He went on to reveal that, in addition to wielding a chainsaw-sword instead of a giant key, Sora once possessed a tail and "beast-like ears." That can only mean one thing in our book: Furry. We'll take outrageously baggy pants over unsettling therianthropy any day of the week.

JoystiqNomura working to 'realize' Kingdom Hearts III, explains Sora's furry origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyfurrykingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-3sorasquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraSat, 06 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura: FFVII remake not happening 'for the time being']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/24/nomura-ffvii-remake-not-happening-for-the-time-being/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/24/nomura-ffvii-remake-not-happening-for-the-time-being/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/24/nomura-ffvii-remake-not-happening-for-the-time-being/#comments Look, Cloud Strife fans, we feel your pain. We do! Honestly. We're just not exactly shocked to see Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura stating that the possibility of a Final Fantasy VII remake being created as a no go, at least "for the time being." In a recent issue of Famitsu (translated via Andriasang) -- the Cloud Strife-themed part of a multiweek look at game characters -- the character's creator admitted that he is quite aware "fans are looking forward to an oft-rumored remake of FFVII." Unfortunately, he also noted "I don't believe this will happen for the time being."

In a seemingly futile effort to assuage the damage done by that statement, he added, "It's possible that he will appear in other titles as a guest character." You mean like Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Mr. Nomura? Yeah, we're just as worried as you are, folks.

JoystiqNomura: FFVII remake not happening 'for the time being' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-strifeffviifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-viisquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraSun, 24 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura has more unannounced games, one 'not entirely new']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/nomura-has-more-unannounced-games-one-not-entirely-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/nomura-has-more-unannounced-games-one-not-entirely-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/nomura-has-more-unannounced-games-one-not-entirely-new/#comments If you're reading gaming blogs on a regular basis, Tetsuya Nomura needs no introduction. While Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is by no means finished, Nomura is already talking about what's next. In the latest issue of Famitsu (via Siliconera; scan can be seen here), he confirms two additional projects: one that is already fairly far along in development and another unannounced project that's "not entirely new."

Aside from Birth By Sleep, Nomura's other known projects include Final Fantasy Agito XIII and 3rd Birthday, a new game in the Parasite Eve series. Keep an eye on Famitsu's site, where the full interview will soon be available.

JoystiqNomura has more unannounced games, one 'not entirely new' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-birthdayfamitsufinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-agito-xiiikingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraTue, 22 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura: No Closed Mega Theater at TGS, but playable FFXIII, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/nomura-no-closed-mega-theater-at-tgs-but-playable-ffxiii-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/nomura-no-closed-mega-theater-at-tgs-but-playable-ffxiii-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/nomura-no-closed-mega-theater-at-tgs-but-playable-ffxiii-king/#commentsTokyo Game Show attendees will have one fewer giant line to contend with this year: Square Enix will not run its traditional "Closed Mega Theater," during which new trailers are debuted. Producer Tetsuya Nomura told Famitsu (as translated by Andriasang) that the company is putting its efforts into promoting games that are coming out sooner, which means playable demos instead of giant trailers for distant games.

The focus on playable and near-future titles also means that Square Enix won't be showing games like Final Fantasy Versus XIII, Final Fantasy Agito XIII, and The 3rd Birthday -- all of which appeared in trailer form at the last TGS, but still aren't playable. Instead, trailers for a few upcoming games will be shown to attendees who play the demos for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep (coming this winter!) or Final Fantasy XIII.
[Image credit, more Birth By Sleep screens]

JoystiqNomura: No Closed Mega Theater at TGS, but playable FFXIII, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiiikingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuratgs-2009Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep has three separate adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-has-three-separate-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-has-three-separate-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-has-three-separate-adventures/#comments An interview with Tetsuya Nomura in the latest issue of Japan's Weekly Famistu finally sheds more light on PSP's installment in the Kingdom Hearts series, Birth By Sleep. 1UP reports that, in the article, the series' creator reveals that the game's three main characters will be playable in their own, separate campaigns, complete with unique boss battles. Nomura also estimates that each character's play-through should take about 15 hours.

Famitsu's story also mentions that Birth By Sleep will incorporate the worlds of Cinderella and Lilo & Stitch, the latter set in deep space before the cute-yet-calamitous creature crash lands on Earth. Nomura notes that a release date for the game likely won't be announced until after Final Fantasy XIII's is, but that it's still expected to hit Japan this winter.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep has three separate adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyfamitsukingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraTue, 25 Aug 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura: The Kingdom Hearts Keyblade was originally a chainsaw]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nomura-the-kingdom-hearts-keyblade-was-originally-a-chainsaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nomura-the-kingdom-hearts-keyblade-was-originally-a-chainsaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nomura-the-kingdom-hearts-keyblade-was-originally-a-chainsaw/#commentsIn an interview with Famitsu, Square Enix character designer and Kingdom Hearts creator Tetsuya Nomura revealed some secrets about the early history of the franchise.

The ensemble-cast design of the games, for example, stemmed from a disagreement between Square and Disney over the protagonist: "Square wanted to make a game starring Mickey Mouse," Nomura said, as translated by 1UP, "and Disney wanted a Donald Duck title. Meanwhile, I wanted neither." The resulting compromise was "a game featuring lots of characters without focusing on any particular one."

The Keyblade weapon, despite being an early component of the game, was not Nomura's first idea for a signature weapon. "Actually," he said, "the first weapon I showed Disney was a chainsaw. It was this chainsaw-like weapon that I had a rough sketch of when I first showed my concepts to Disney."

Disney reacted pretty much like you would expect Disney executives to react to the heavy use of a chainsaw in a game about Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck: "Everyone got this scrunched-up look on their face and nobody said a word in the entire room. Dead silence. And I thought 'No, I guess this wouldn't work, huh?'"

It occurred to us that the chainsaw was the perfect Nomura weapon, because the teeth on the chain are reminiscent of those on a zipper.

JoystiqNomura: The Kingdom Hearts Keyblade was originally a chainsaw originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSkeybladekingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-3582-daysNintendotetsuya-nomuraWed, 08 Jul 2009 21:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Incoming Kingdom Hearts announcement next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/rumor-incoming-kingdom-hearts-announcement-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/rumor-incoming-kingdom-hearts-announcement-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/rumor-incoming-kingdom-hearts-announcement-next-week/#comments
Did you know that Tetsuya Nomura never sleeps? When the Square Enix designer isn't working on Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts Coded and Final Fantasy Versus XIII, he can usually be found talking to interviewers. One such tête à tête, which can apparently be found in the latest issue of Japanese mag Famitsu (translated by HeartStation), indicates that there may be even more work on Nomura's plate than we thought, as he says that Square Enix will be making an announcement regarding the Kingdom Hearts series sometime next week.

We know what we'd like to hear (Kingdom Hearts 3!), but we're not holding our breath. Alternatively, it could be an announcement regarding Coded coming to the West (possibly via the iPhone?) or a new handheld title. Whatever it may be, we'll be keeping an eye out next week for further info.

[Via KH Insider]

JoystiqRumor: Incoming Kingdom Hearts announcement next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementfamitsukingdom-heartsrumorsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 26 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Advent Children may be done, but Final Fantasy VII isn't]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/advent-children-may-be-done-but-final-fantasy-vii-isnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/advent-children-may-be-done-but-final-fantasy-vii-isnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/advent-children-may-be-done-but-final-fantasy-vii-isnt/#comments
The upcoming Blu-ray release of Advent Children Complete represents the end of the Advent Children saga. No more director's cuts, or extended director's cuts, super-special ultimate final director's cuts. This is it -- at least, according to Square Enix producer Tetsuya Nomura.

While Advent Children may be done, the "Compilation of Final Fantasy VII" is far from over. Looks like a feature-length film, PS2 shooter and PSP prequel RPG haven't milked the original PS1 RPG enough. IGN reports that Nomura already has ideas for "the next product in the compilation." Final Fantasy VII remake, perhaps? Or more exciting: a Final Fantasy VII dating sim for the DS. You know you want to win Cloud's cold, broken, emo heart!

There may be more FF7 in the works, but fans will have to wait quite a bit to see what's next. With multiple Kingdom Hearts games and two Final Fantasy XIII titles in the works, Nomura has plenty to focus his efforts on.

JoystiqAdvent Children may be done, but Final Fantasy VII isn't originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advent-childrenadvent-children-completecompilation-of-final-fantasyfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-viinomuratetsuya-nomuraWed, 25 Mar 2009 22:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Dissidia creators talk FFXII, FFXIII characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/dissidia-creators-talk-ffxii-ffxiii-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/dissidia-creators-talk-ffxii-ffxiii-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/dissidia-creators-talk-ffxii-ffxiii-characters/#commentsFiled under:

Speaking in an interview with Japan's Weekly Famitsu (which is courteously translated by 1UP), the Dissidia dev team has spoken out about the possible inclusion of Final Fantasy XII and XIII characters making their way into the game. Creative producer Tetsuya Nomura replied to the mag when drilled on those sought after games, but Noms had some disappointing news to reveal: "One idea we had was to include an FFXIII character, but having one debut in Dissidia would lock down the image of his or her skills and so forth, perhaps affecting FFXIII in the process. As a result, we couldn't get permission."

That's rather understandable. But wait; what about FFXII? Well, Nomura was a little more mysterious in his answer for this one: "As for FFXII, just stay tuned for now (laughs)." Is he laughing because we're totally not going to see a character from the game? Or, is he laughing because we're definitely going to see one? Commence dramatic progressive argument in our comments section!

JoystiqDissidia creators talk FFXII, FFXIII characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidiasquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraWed, 03 Dec 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Final Fantasy Versus XIII details surface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/new-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-details-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/new-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-details-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/new-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-details-surface/#commentsFiled under:

Famitsu has a four-page spread in their latest issue all about the PS3-exclusive Final Fantasy Versus XIII. You've probably seen some of it in the scans earlier this morning. In the magazine, the full name of Versus' sleepy protagonist prince is revealed to be Noctis Lucis Caelum -- which is Latin for "night, light and sky." The blonde-haired female friend of his is named Stella Nox Fleuret. Her name is Latin for "star, darkness and sword" and she appears to be a princess from another country. It is interesting to note that their respective appearances reflect each other's names.

The game's director, Tetsuya Nomura, points out that part of the plot was revealed in the TGS Closed Theater trailer. He notes that the discussion seen between these two characters in that trailer focused on their abilities to "see light." Noctis seems afraid to talk about these abilities, while Stella is very frank and opens up the dialogue by asking Noctis about how he obtained his ability.

It's rather funny to think that we now know slightly more about Versus XIII than we do of the main XIII title. That's especially harrowing after knowing Versus XIII isn't expected until after XIII is out.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqNew Final Fantasy Versus XIII details surface originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsufinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-versus-xiiisquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraversus-xiiiWed, 22 Oct 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Square Enix may sell stand-alone Final Fantasy XIII demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/rumor-square-enix-may-sell-stand-alone-final-fantasy-xiii-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/rumor-square-enix-may-sell-stand-alone-final-fantasy-xiii-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/rumor-square-enix-may-sell-stand-alone-final-fantasy-xiii-demo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Speaking in an interview with Japanese magazine Dengeki PS3, Square's Tetsuya Nomura allegedly revealed that the company may offer the demo version of Final Fantasy XIII - set for inclusion with the (for now Asia-only) Blu-ray release of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children: Complete - for sale separately at retail.

This as-of-yet-unconfirmed news comes from FinalFantasyXIII.net, which, in addition to its translating of the article, reckons that the idea of charging for the 90-minute-plus demo is fairly unprecedented. You know, we could have sworn we saw Gran Turismo 5: Prologue for $39.99 at Target just the other day ...

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqRumor: Square Enix may sell stand-alone Final Fantasy XIII demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demofinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiiPS3square-enixtetsuya-nomuraTue, 02 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix CEO gifts sweet DS Lite to XSEED CEO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/square-enix-ceo-gifts-sweet-ds-lite-to-xseed-ceo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/square-enix-ceo-gifts-sweet-ds-lite-to-xseed-ceo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/square-enix-ceo-gifts-sweet-ds-lite-to-xseed-ceo/#commentsFiled under: ,


You're looking at the gift. See, XSEED's CEO is Jun Iwasaki, who used to run Square Enix before he left to found his current company. The head honcho over at Square Enix now, Tetsuya Nomura, decided to hook him up with the custom It's a Wonderful World (The World Ends With You) handheld in what we can only hope is an example to others in the future. We have to break down these barriers!

We want to see a Coca Cola truck driver letting a Pepsi truck driver merge during heavy traffic. We want to see DS and PSP enthusiasts swapping consoles, sharing great experiences with each other. It's ... it's just such a feel good moment.

JoystiqSquare Enix CEO gifts sweet DS Lite to XSEED CEO originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coca-colagiftjun-iwasakipepsiplaystation-portablepspsonysquaresquare-enixtetsuya-nomurathe-world-ends-with-youworld-ends-with-youxseedThu, 26 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix: Final Fantasy Versus XIII not on hold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/square-enix-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-not-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/square-enix-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-not-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/square-enix-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-not-on-hold/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a statement issued to Eurogamer, Square Enix has denied a recent report which stated that Final Fantasy Versus XIII had been put on hold in order to prioritize completion of regular ol' Final Fantasy XIII. According to a translated Famitsu interview with Versus director, Tetsuya Nomura, work on the spin-off title had been temporarily suspended while staffers helped out on the next highly anticipated, and not even remotely final, Final Fantasy installment.

"Reports that development for Final Fantasy Versus XIII is on hold are false," countered Square Enix. "The truth of the situation is that when free, some staff from the Versus team have been helping with the XIII team on development of Final Fantasy XIII. Development for both titles is continuing as originally scheduled."

That almost sounds like good news, until you realize that the "originally scheduled" release date for either title is likely quite far off. And that makes us so very, very sad.

JoystiqSquare Enix: Final Fantasy Versus XIII not on hold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FamitsuFinal-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-Versus-XIIIFinal-Fantasy-XIIIPS3Square-EnixTetsuya-NomuraVersus-XIIIThu, 19 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy Versus XIII on hold [update: Square denies]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-on-hold/#commentsFiled under:

the waiting
Final Fantasy Versus XIII has been temporarily suspended and its programming team transitioned into assist mode, according to a translation of a Famitsu interview with Versus director Tetsuya Nomura (scanned here). Nomura explained that Square Enix's top priority is completing work on Final Fantasy XIII, which means the Versus team has placed its project on ice and headed across the hall to lend a hand. A few remaining designers are still working on conceptual art for Versus, and the story is supposedly complete. Despite the stoppage, Nomura did confirm that Versus will still be featured at Square Enix's pretentious, invite-only "DKΣ3713" event in August, alongside Plain Old Final Fantasy XIII, in non-playable format (read: "a minute of ambiguous footage in a closed theater").

Update: Square Enix has denied the report, but has confirmed that staff members from Versus are aiding FFXIII's development.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Versus XIII on hold [update: Square denies] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsDK3713final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-versus-xiiiPS3square-enixtetsuya-nomuraWed, 18 Jun 2008 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura says Dissidia is half finished]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/nomura-says-dissidia-is-half-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/nomura-says-dissidia-is-half-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/nomura-says-dissidia-is-half-finished/#commentsFiled under: ,


More Dissidia: Final Fantasy news is coming in. Along with last week's look at Final Fantasy X representatives, Tidus and Jecht, comes this week's progress report. Tetsuya Nomura, revered fashion designer in the belts and zippers fetish industry and Dissidia producer, has stated in a new Famitsu mag that Dissidia is currently 50 percent done.

We're a bit disappointed to hear that the title is only half done; however, it doesn't come as a surprise. Only about half the cast has been revealed thus far (at least, half a list of protagonists/antagonists) and we suppose we'll be seeing the rest to trickle in within the rest of the year. Check out the magazine scans here for more pics of Tidus and his dad, and, if you can read Nihongo, then check out the interview with Nomura.

[Via PSP Hyper]

JoystiqNomura says Dissidia is half finished originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidiafinal-fantasytetsuya-nomuraWed, 18 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Birth by Sleep adding new gameplay to Kingdom Hearts universe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/birth-by-sleep-adding-new-gameplay-to-kingdom-hearts-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/birth-by-sleep-adding-new-gameplay-to-kingdom-hearts-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/birth-by-sleep-adding-new-gameplay-to-kingdom-hearts-universe/#commentsFiled under:

Perhaps the biggest surprise of Tokyo Game Show was the debut of three new Kingdom Hearts games from Square Enix. Of the three, the PSP title Birth by Sleep looks to most closely resemble the original PS2 games. In a recent issue of Famitsu, character designer and game director Testuya Nomura explained that although Birth by Sleep will play similarly to the original console games, fans should expect new gameplay in this PSP exclusive prequel.

The game has been in development for a long time, but Re: Chain of Memories took much more time than originally anticipated (this is the PS2 remake of the Game Boy Kingdom Hearts game). However, because the story was completed so long ago, the team has had plenty of time to work on the various scenarios in the game. IGN translates: "The game has three scenarios, each told from the perspective of one of the main characters. Yasue joked with the magazine that players may think the game was made by three different teams, as the play style is different for each character due to their varying personalities and abilities."

The character growth system will apparantly "shock" players and will encourage players to link up with others. However, don't expect multiplayer: that's reserved for the DS 358/2 Days. The game will feature brand new Disney worlds as well, such as Sleeping Beauty's Forest. Finally, although the game has been in development longer than either the DS or Mobile Kingdom Hearts games, it'll most likely be the last one to see release: it seems to be easily the most ambitious of the three new games.

JoystiqBirth by Sleep adding new gameplay to Kingdom Hearts universe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepfamitsukingdom-heartsnomuratetsuya-nomuraThu, 27 Sep 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura on PS3: "all your visions are belong to us"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/nomura-on-ps3-all-your-visions-are-belong-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/nomura-on-ps3-all-your-visions-are-belong-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/nomura-on-ps3-all-your-visions-are-belong-to-us/#commentsFiled under:

Nope, not a direct quote, but worth slapping up nonetheless. Tetsuya Nomura gets yet another Famitsu interview and he once again remains as silent as ever on Final Fantasy Versus XIII, but that's okay. We generally like surprises so long as they don't end up severing one of our limbs. Still, he talked a little about his involvement in the game and some about the PS3.

Nomura claims he's never been so deeply involved in the development of a game and enjoys the freedom to take FF Versus XIII wherever he wants. He reminded everyone also that this game is exclusively and only for the PlayStation 3, as the end of the TGS trailer (which we're not allowed to see yet) the phrase "on PS3 ONLY" appears. He says despite some fan disappointment, there are huge advantages to focusing on only one console.

About the PS3, Nomura seemed to gush a little bit. The hardware plays a huge part in both XIII titles, and by using it properly "all visions can come true". The visuals, he says, are above anything else seen in the franchise and are very close to perfection in his eyes. But really, if the graphics were worse than XII, we'd have a problem anyway. We're glad the Square Enix developers are finally screaming PlayStation 3 exclusivity for the big FInal Fantasy titles, as not having those exclusive was a source of fuel for those who wished failure upon Sony.

[via PS3Forums]

JoystiqNomura on PS3: "all your visions are belong to us" originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-versus-xiiisquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 27 Sep 2007 11:00:00 EST