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[Grand Knights History won't be published by XSEED, 'development resources' noted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/#comments XSEED Games announced late yesterday that it will not publish turn-based RPG Grand Knights History in North America as previously announced.

"Unfortunately, it was determined that development resources required to localize the game were not available, necessitating its cancellation," the official statement from XSEED sent to Joystiq reads. "We regret not being able to bring the game to our fans, but we are committed to our 2012 lineup and look forward to sharing more on these games in the coming weeks and months."

Vanillaware, the developer of eye candy like Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Odin Sphere and the upcoming Dragon's Crown; will still see Grand Knights History published on PSP later this year in Europe by Rising Star Games.

Gallery: Grand Knights History (PSP)

JoystiqGrand Knights History won't be published by XSEED, 'development resources' noted originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-knights-historyplaystationpspsonyvanillawareXSEEDWed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Crown has not been canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dragons-crown-has-not-been-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dragons-crown-has-not-been-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dragons-crown-has-not-been-canceled/#comments Vanillaware's lushly illustrated 2D action game for PS3 and Vita, Dragon's Crown, was originally given a Spring 2012 release date. Rumors have since popped up about the game's cancellation -- mostly due to Amazon cancelling pre-orders. Illustrator Shigatake responded to the rumors on Twitter, letting us know that we can still expect our ogre-destroying action and bodice-straining sorceresses.

"I personally can't say much," Shigatake said (as translated by Andriasang), "but I'll just say, 'Regarding Dragon's Crown, although there are lots of rumors and conjecture, it's still in development. Please wait patiently for an official update.'"

We have our own inquiry in with publisher Ignition, and will update you when we get an "official update."

JoystiqDragon's Crown has not been canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-crownignition-entertainmentplaystationplaystation-vitaps3shigatakevanillawarevitaThu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xseed publishing Vanillaware's online RPG 'Grand Knights History']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/xseed-publishing-vanillawares-online-rpg-grand-knights-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/xseed-publishing-vanillawares-online-rpg-grand-knights-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/xseed-publishing-vanillawares-online-rpg-grand-knights-history/#comments XSEED has picked up Vanillaware's recent PSP release, the turn-based RPG Grand Knights History, with the intention to publish it in both UMD and digital releases this winter. Rising Star Games will publish it in Europe at an unspecified time. Vanillaware, if you can't quite place the name, is the developer of absurdly pretty 2D games like Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Odin Sphere, and the upcoming Dragon's Crown.

Grand Knights History depicts a war between three European-style nations, Union, Avalon, and Logres. Players choose one of the factions, recruit teams of soldiers, and face off against the other two armies in battles that take place over 30 hours. Each team member is fully customizable.

During TGS, I spoke with producer Yoshifumi Hashimoto, from development partner and publisher Marvelous, who explained the unique online functionality of this title -- the part that he thinks will help appeal to western audiences. "The way it works is you have these four parties online," composed from within a group of 32 characters you've built. "When you're online, you can take direct control of one of these; the other three will battle automatically. The other three parties are synced up to the server. But if you can't get online, all four will fight on their own."

While the online play is seen as a feature to draw in western players, the choice of gameplay system displays what seems to be a uniquely Japanese view. "The reason this was chosen: we did Muramasa: The Demon Blade with Vanillaware previously," Hashimoto said, "an action game. Some people are good at action, and some people are not. So with this game -- everybody can play a turn-based battle, and so every player will be able to get through the story and see the end, which is what we wanted."

Gallery: Grand Knights History (PSP)

Continue reading Xseed publishing Vanillaware's online RPG 'Grand Knights History'

JoystiqXseed publishing Vanillaware's online RPG 'Grand Knights History' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-knights-historymarvelousplaystationpspsonytgs-2011vanillawarexseedyoshifumi-hashimotoThu, 22 Sep 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Crown announced as VanillaWare's next project, coming to PS3/Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/dragons-crown-announced-as-vanillawares-next-project-coming-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/dragons-crown-announced-as-vanillawares-next-project-coming-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/dragons-crown-announced-as-vanillawares-next-project-coming-t/#comments Like so, so many E3 2011 games before it, Muramasa and Odin Sphere developer VanillaWare's just "officially announced" PlayStation 3 and Vita title, Dragon's Crown, was already outed. In fairness to the publisher UTV Ignition, the game only showed up in last night's Vita sizzle reel from the Sony press conference, and now we know much more.

For one, the very VanillaWare-looking game is described as a "dazzling new multiplayer online adventure," and outs it as the first VanillaWare game to feature HD graphics. Furthermore, DC has four player co-op with online functionality, and arrives in 2012. As for what the game is about, all we know is that it's a class-based dungeon crawler set in a medieval fantasy world, and the goal is to "unlock the secret behind the ancient dragon threatening the world." A lofty goal indeed!

As with past VanillaWare games, DC is promised to be rich with hand-drawn animation. And like other PS3/Vita titles, some form of cross-platform functionality will come packed in -- what that functionality is remains to be seen.

Gallery: Dragon's Crown (E3 2011)

Continue reading Dragon's Crown announced as VanillaWare's next project, coming to PS3/Vita

JoystiqDragon's Crown announced as VanillaWare's next project, coming to PS3/Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-crowne3-2011playstationplaystation-vitaps3release-datevanillawarevitaTue, 07 Jun 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita sizzle reel teases lineup, shows mystery game 'Dragon's Crown']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/vita-sizzle-reel-teases-lineup-shows-mystery-game-dragons-cro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/vita-sizzle-reel-teases-lineup-shows-mystery-game-dragons-cro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/vita-sizzle-reel-teases-lineup-shows-mystery-game-dragons-cro/#comments Sony flashed footage of a lot of upcoming PlayStation Vita games during its presentation tonight, including some things that remain unannounced. For example, Shinobido 2, a new ninja stealth game in the style of Tenchu, from original Tenchu developer Acquire.

And soon after that is "Dragon's Crown," an unannounced, 2D side-scroller that can only be from Muramasa developer Vanillaware. Or someone biting Vanillaware's style big time. We would guess it's Vanillaware, because the title shows up in a trademark by Ignition, who published Muramasa.

JoystiqVita sizzle reel teases lineup, shows mystery game 'Dragon's Crown' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-crownignitionplaystationplaystation-vitashinobidoshinobido-2vanillawarevitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa dev Vanillaware creating 'Grand Knights History' for PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/muramasa-dev-vanillaware-creating-grand-knights-history-for-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/muramasa-dev-vanillaware-creating-grand-knights-history-for-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/muramasa-dev-vanillaware-creating-grand-knights-history-for-ps/#commentsThe latest (leaked) issue of Famitsu brings word of a new project from Vanillaware, creators of Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Odin Sphere. Vanillaware's Grand Knights History is a new RPG for PSP to be published by Marvelous -- with whom the dev worked with on Muramasa -- and planned for release this summer.

Players control the leader of one of three warring factions -- "Logress, the ancient kingdom," "Union, kingdom of the knights," or "Avalon, kingdom of magic," -- and take part in turn-based battles accompanied by a group of knights. Grand Knights History is said to include some kind of innovative online play that Vanillaware has yet to explain, but it involves connecting with other players during battle -- and allows for "infinity" players.

Chances are we'll hear more about the online system soon, as the game is reportedly 70 percent complete. And knowing Vanillaware's previous output, we can't wait to see the first screens.

JoystiqMuramasa dev Vanillaware creating 'Grand Knights History' for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsugrand-knights-historyjapanmarvelousplaystationpsprelease-datesonysummer-2011vanillawareWed, 30 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Odin Sphere and Muramasa HD remakes coming to XBLA, PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/#comments According to "sources in Japan" speaking with 1UP, two of Vanillaware's already gorgeous 2D titles, Muramasa: The Demon Blade (pictured) and Odin Sphere, are being remade in HD. The report also posits that the re-releases will likely arrive on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.

Additionally, both games are now listed by Australia's OFLC as "multiplatform," though each has only been released on a single console to date (Odin Sphere on PS2 and Muramasa on Wii). The evidence may be mounting, but we're still filing these HD ports in the rumor department for now.

JoystiqRumor: Odin Sphere and Muramasa HD remakes coming to XBLA, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMuramasa-the-Demon-Bladeodin-sphereplaystationps3psnvanillawarexblaxboxFri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Blade
Muramasa appealed to me in a way that Odin Sphere didn't, thanks to an emphasis on combo-heavy sword action instead of planting and whatever. And the RPG elements that are left, like the sword upgrades and cooking, are not only fun, but simple enough that I can get right back into the game after a long break and still know what is going on.

Also, I don't mean to be shallow, but the fact that Muramasa is the most beautiful game of 2009 helps me be positive about it.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellbest-of-the-rest-2009bit-trip-beatcanabaltcapybarademons-soulsDSGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-Warsignition-entertainmentindies-zeromight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesmuramasa-the-demon-bladenamco-bandainew-super-mario-bros-wiiNintendoNintendo-SPD-Group-No.1phantasy-star-zeroretro-game-challengeRhythmrhythm-heavenscribblenautssegaspace-invaders-extreme-2the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracksubisoftvanillawareWiixseedFri, 01 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition: Muramasa sales 'in line with expectations']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Blade publisher Ignition revealed to Gamer Investments a rough estimate of the NPD sales total for its Wii sidescroller, describing the game's September performance as "in the ball park of 35K," with a margin of "15-20%."

It might sound low to us, but marketing director Melody Frieda said that the total was "in line with expectations and we're happy with how it's performing to date." She said that positive reviews should help keep sales up through the holidays. The company sees even better potential for the title in the long term: according to Frieda, Ignition is "quite confident that Muramasa will be a revered cult classic like its sister property Odin Sphere," which went on to be released under the PS2's "Greatest Hits" line.

JoystiqIgnition: Muramasa sales 'in line with expectations' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendonpdvanillawareWiiFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa publisher: UK retailers avoiding original IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/muramasa-publisher-uk-retailers-avoiding-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/muramasa-publisher-uk-retailers-avoiding-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/muramasa-publisher-uk-retailers-avoiding-original-ip/#commentsRising Star Games, the European publishing partner of Marvelous Entertainment, is speaking out against UK retailers declining to stock Muramasa: The Demon Blade, which comes out November 13th in the region. COO Martin DeFries told MCV in an open letter, "Here in the UK, the game will not be available to buy in the majority of games retail outlets."

He claims that the issue is not with the game itself, but retailers' over-reliance on safer, existing intellectual property. "If it is not first-party, a sequel or supported by a multi-million pound advertising spend, they are just not interested." Defries lamented that Muramasa could find its way into stores -- when it's traded in.

Defries pondered in his letter whether the seemingly growing emphasis on franchises represents a "dumbing-down of the medium" that results in consumers having "little or no exposure to a rich and different gaming experience." Of course, retailers (and publishers) have preferred the sure thing for as long as there have been sequels, but actually not being able to market your game, especially one as interesting as Muramasa, seems especially frustrating.

JoystiqMuramasa publisher: UK retailers avoiding original IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvelousmuramasaNintendooriginal-ipretailrising-star-gamesukvanillawareWiiThu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Muramasa prize pack [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/#comments
Update: Contest is closed! Keep an eye on your email to see if you won! Thanks for playing!

If you didn't take our word on how awesome this game is, then here's your chance to check it out first-hand. One lucky reader will not only receive a copy of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, but we've also got a small collection of poster art for the game. It's a one-two punch of free gaming goodness. Best of luck!
  • Leave a comment telling us which of the game's main characters you prefer: Kisuke or Momohime
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 3:00PM ET on Thursday, October 1
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Muramasa: The Demon Blade ($50 ARV) and a collection of art cells ($15 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Muramasa prize pack [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionjoyswagmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareFri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Muramasa: The Demon Blade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/#commentsI was honestly a bit worried about being able to review Muramasa: The Demon Blade objectively, because this game was, from the outset, completely up my alley. Making a fully 2D sidescrolling action game with lots of combo-based swordfighting and a Japanese mythological setting is like titling the game JC Will Buy This, as there is no component of that game description for which I am not a sucker.

What keeps me honest? Professionalism the other side of that coin -- if the game worked I may be more likely than most to love it, sure, but if there was anything wrong with it, my disappointment would come out pretty harshly. Luckily, I don't have to worry about my personal biases getting in the way, as I'm quite certain this is a great action game.

Continue reading Review: Muramasa: The Demon Blade

JoystiqReview: Muramasa: The Demon Blade originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiMon, 14 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out more of Muramasa's lovely gameplay in this new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/#comments Muramasa: The Demon Blade's US release is so anticipated around Joystiq HQ, our staff can constantly be spotted exchanging fist-pumps whenever it's mentioned. Today, a new gameplay trailer has found its way online, showcasing more of the game's beautiful action. Hopefully, when it hits stores Stateside on September 8, it will live up to our lofty expectations. If not, the only arm movement we'll be making is when we throw elbows during our daily "abuse the intern" training exercises.

JoystiqCheck out more of Muramasa's lovely gameplay in this new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentmarvelous-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareMon, 31 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: The Demon Bosses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/#comments
Ignition has released two new trailers for the always lovely Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The first features the game's bosses, a collection of mythical monsters who can withstand thousands of rapid-fire slashes from Kisuke and Momohime. We've seen many of them, but we weren't familiar with that giant centipede thing.

If you enjoy that particular boss as much as we do, be sure to watch the other trailer after the break, originally posted at UGO. Not only does it feature more of that boss, acting both as opponent and surface, it features a one thousand hit combo on that boss.

Continue reading Muramasa: The Demon Bosses

JoystiqMuramasa: The Demon Bosses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignitionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareWed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The pretty, violent locations of Muramasa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/video-the-pretty-violent-locations-of-muramasa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/video-the-pretty-violent-locations-of-muramasa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/video-the-pretty-violent-locations-of-muramasa/#comments Ignition has released a new video of Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The video highlights the game's locations, all set in beautiful feudal Japanese backdrops. Of course, the problem with beautiful feudal Japanese backdrops is they're always being ransacked by ninjas, demons and evil snow witches. You're just walking along, admiring the cherry blossoms, and then it's like, bam: Snow witch. Happens every time. Watch the trailer and see for yourself.

Muramasa hits shelves next month.

JoystiqVideo: The pretty, violent locations of Muramasa originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentmarvelousmuramasavanillawareThu, 20 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New trailer looks at Muramasa's Momohime, release set for Sept. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/#comments Some new Muramasa: The Demon Blade media has been released. This time around, it focuses on Momohime, one of the game's main characters. She's "a princess possessed by a dark spirit and on a quest to recover the cursed demon swords," and each blade she collects gives her different abilities.

But none of that matters, really. What does matter is that she can slice and dice baddies with the best of them and, as we've come to expect from Muramasa, she looks great doing it. Watch the new trailer above and then soak up some new screens and artwork below.

One more thing, we can finally pin a date on Muramasa. Expect it to hit North American shelves September 8.

Gallery: Muramasa (8/13/09)

JoystiqNew trailer looks at Muramasa's Momohime, release set for Sept. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareThu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition opens sharp Muramasa: The Demon Blade site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/#commentsIgnition opened the official North American Muramasa: The Demon Blade website today, confrming two important facts for us:
  1. Ignition is still planning to release the game this year (we need constant reassurance that not every game is being pushed to 2010)
  2. The art is still bangin'.
In fact, the website allows you to take some of that art for your very own in the form of desktop wallpapers. You can also check out screenshots, video, and character profiles while you're there, and offer Ignition your own Muramasa art in a fan art contest.

JoystiqIgnition opens sharp Muramasa: The Demon Blade site originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignition-entertainmentmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareTue, 11 Aug 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanillaware: HD Muramasa wouldn't be 'a great deal of extra work']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/#commentsVanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade is quite beautiful on the Wii, but would such a work be possible in HD? Vanillaware founder and president George Kamitani told Gamasutra that he thinks so. "Well, the original art we draw is all done in double-size -- in the case of Muramasa, the animation frames then get compressed down to the Wii's native resolution," he told Gamasutra. "As a result, producing a fully HD title would not be a great deal of extra work for us; it would just mean our original art is displayed in higher resolution." This is very similar to what WayForward's Voldi Way told us about 2D development in HD.

Despite the relative ease of transitioning to HD, Kamitani said there was no plan to re-release Muramasa as an XBLA game (or to re-release it anywhere else), but that the company is "in the experimental stage" of high-definition development.

JoystiqVanillaware: HD Muramasa wouldn't be 'a great deal of extra work' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dignitionjouji-kamitanimuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Muramasa: The Demon Blade trailer is all about the blading]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/#commentsThe latest trailer for Muramasa: The Demon Blade is designed to show off the high-flying, combo-ridden swordplay found in Vanillaware's action game. Your sword is in motion at almost all times during this game, as you float around, juggling enemy after enemy. It is a little bit overwhelming at first, in a Marvel vs. Capcom sort of way.

But then, when you get the hang of it, grimacing wheels, single-file lines of monks, gigantic samurai, and even transparent horses won't be able to stop you. At least, we think. We didn't really graduate past the "panicked button-mashing" technique at E3.

JoystiqNew Muramasa: The Demon Blade trailer is all about the blading originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignitionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareThu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Vanillaware's Jouji Kamitani on Muramasa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/interview-vanillawares-jouji-kamitani-on-muramasa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/interview-vanillawares-jouji-kamitani-on-muramasa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/interview-vanillawares-jouji-kamitani-on-muramasa/#commentsJouji "George" Kamitani is the person most responsible for Vanillaware's signature look. Not only is he the company's president and director of its games, he's also in charge of the art. We were able to pull him away briefly from his busy day of signing Muramasa posters at Ignition's E3 booth to speak about action games on the Wii, selling a very Japanese game in America, and why we won't see the quirky DS title Kumatanchi in North America anytime soon. As a bonus, we were treated to an enthusiastic live demonstration of Kamitani's dream Wii minigame.

Continue reading Interview: Vanillaware's Jouji Kamitani on Muramasa

JoystiqInterview: Vanillaware's Jouji Kamitani on Muramasa originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentjouji-kamitanimuramasaNintendovanillawareWiiTue, 09 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Muramasa: The Demon Blade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/hands-on-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/hands-on-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/hands-on-muramasa-the-demon-blade/#comments Vanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade was one of the flashier games being demonstrated on the show floor. Positioned right in front of the door at E3's West Hall, every attendee is greeted by the game's signature woodblock-esque look, with vividly colorful, swirling forest scenery. Our demo took place inside Ignition's booth, guided by new director of business development Shane Bettenhausen.

We know Vanillaware from its RPG titles like Odin Sphere, but while Muramasa shares the same lavish 2D look, it differs sharply in gameplay style -- this is a pure action game similar to something like Legend of Kage. First you choose one of two characters, princess Momohime or ninja Kisuke (each have their own divergent story), and then a difficulty level, "Muso" (easier) or "Shura" (hard). Then you run, jump, and slash monsters. It's pretty simple!

Continue reading Hands-on: Muramasa: The Demon Blade

JoystiqHands-on: Muramasa: The Demon Blade originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009ignitionmuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiThu, 04 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa rights picked up by Ignition, due in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/muramasa-rights-picked-up-by-ignition-due-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/muramasa-rights-picked-up-by-ignition-due-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/muramasa-rights-picked-up-by-ignition-due-in-september/#comments
We love it when the wheels of progress turn quickly, but this is a bit much. Just a day after we learned that publisher XSEED had dropped the rights to Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Vanillaware's followup to the PS2's Odin Sphere, we hear from Ignition that it will be scooping the game up for a North American release on Wii in September.

Jeez, Ignition, you didn't even give us time to mount an elaborate, multi-pronged effort to take to the streets to save Murasama. Now what the hell are we going to do with all this poster board and puffy paint?

JoystiqMuramasa rights picked up by Ignition, due in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawarexseedTue, 21 Apr 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa staff answers fans' disgusting questions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/muramasa-staff-answers-fans-disgusting-questions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/muramasa-staff-answers-fans-disgusting-questions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/muramasa-staff-answers-fans-disgusting-questions/#commentsNakamura and Mori, two of the developers working on Muramasa: The Demon Blade, posted a Q&A column on the game's Japanese site, offering answers to questions some fans may have, and to questions that nobody should ever ask.

Describing the difference between the "Musou" and "Shura" modes, Nakamura said that the Musou system is for people invigorated by raising levels, and the Shura system is more for action gamers who "have the habit of saying 'I am a god,'" and can play at godlike levels. He adds that players can switch modes at any time!

The final question in the column is from a 19-year-old otaku who asks if the female protagonist, Momohime, ever flashes her panties in battle. Nakamura responds, according to Siliconera's translation, with a historical defense that immediately turns into a huge mistake:

"N...never! Wearing panties underneath a kimono is unsophisticated. You can't see something that isn't there! Absolutely... you won't be able to see... Wait a second, Sayo..." Mori interjects with, "Hey! Please stop looking at Muramasa: The Demon Blade with such a wicked perspective!"

JoystiqMuramasa staff answers fans' disgusting questions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenvanillawareWed, 01 Apr 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: The Demon Blade will accommodate action and RPG fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/muramasa-the-demon-blade-will-accommodate-action-and-rpg-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/muramasa-the-demon-blade-will-accommodate-action-and-rpg-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/muramasa-the-demon-blade-will-accommodate-action-and-rpg-fans/#commentsAccording to (our iffy translation of) Famitsu, Muramasa: The Demon Blade will be playable in two different modes: "Musou" and "Shura." Musou mode may be best-suited for fans of previous Vanillaware action-RPGs like Odin Sphere: it focuses on character leveling rather than action. Shura mode is all action, with less emphasis on strategy. We don't know how the modes differ mechanically, but it may be as simple as easier enemies in one mode and fewer character customization options in the other.

Along with this news, Marvelous released new screens of Muramasa. As usual, yum. Muramasa comes out April 9 in Japan, which is not fair at all. It's out in Europe in spring of 2010, and in North America sometime this year. But probably not next month.

JoystiqMuramasa: The Demon Blade will accommodate action and RPG fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareTue, 03 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A welcome Muramasa: The Demon Blade media overload]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/a-welcome-muramasa-the-demon-blade-media-overload/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/a-welcome-muramasa-the-demon-blade-media-overload/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/a-welcome-muramasa-the-demon-blade-media-overload/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're going to take the rest of the day off. We just uploaded a ton of new screens of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, and we just need a little mini-vacation to stare at them. We are always surprised when we see this game again and realize that it's even more beautiful than we remember it being. This is what it feels like to care about graphics. We totally understand it. The gorgeous boxart is also in the gallery.

If you're as awestruck by the backgrounds as we are, you should have a look around the newly redesigned website (updated in anticipation of the April 9 Japanese release date), which has character/UI-free background images. Marvelous also added a new trailer to the page, which we've embedded after the break.

Apparently, there will be some sort of preorder bonus for the Japanese version, an unknown item that will show off the character art and other artwork. A poster? Art book? Whatever it is, we want it.

Source -- screens, via NeoGAF
Source -- site, via AndriaSang

Continue reading A welcome Muramasa: The Demon Blade media overload

JoystiqA welcome Muramasa: The Demon Blade media overload originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenvanillawareFri, 06 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED drawing Muramasa: The Demon Blade this summer?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/xseed-drawing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/xseed-drawing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/xseed-drawing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-this-summer/#commentsFiled under:


We were thrilled by the implication that Muramasa: The Demon Blade's planned November 2009 European release date meant a similar date for North America -- just because the date made the whole thing seem more real. Now, according to retailers, we may have a release window for Vanillaware's unsettlingly gorgeous side-scrolling action RPG that doesn't seem like it's five million years away.

Both GameStop and Amazon report summer release dates for the title: Gamestop says July 15, and Amazon on July 28. Even if it is earlier than November, July may seem like a long time from now -- but Wii action gamers will probably have a lot to play in the first half of the year, including stuff like House of the Dead: Overkill, MadWorld, Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers, and The Conduit.


[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqXSEED drawing Muramasa: The Demon Blade this summer? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenrpgvanillawarexseedThu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa slicing up Europe in November 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/muramasa-slicing-up-europe-in-november-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/muramasa-slicing-up-europe-in-november-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/muramasa-slicing-up-europe-in-november-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,


Rising Star Games has already confirmed it will localize gorgeous 2D ninja romp Muramasa: The Demon Blade in Europe, and now the official site has pinpointed a release date of November 2009.

Why is this good news for North Americans? Spencer at Siliconera believes that Marvelous is attempting to align release dates for its biggest titles in the U.S. and Europe (No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle and Little King's Story have similar launch dates in both regions), and hypothesizes that Muramasa could fall into the same pattern. Now seems like an appropriate time to celebrate with half a dozen new screens!


Source: European release window
Source: Screens

JoystiqMuramasa slicing up Europe in November 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtudenrising-star-gamesvanillawareThu, 23 Oct 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS08: Muramasa gameplay footage will change you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-muramasa-gameplay-footage-will-change-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-muramasa-gameplay-footage-will-change-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-muramasa-gameplay-footage-will-change-you/#commentsFiled under:


We have been keeping up with Muramasa: The Demon Blade. We read the interview in which the director namechecked The Legend of Kage. We've stared at screens. We've even seen video from as far back as last year's TGS and as recently as the Nintendo press event (though we saw only seconds then). We thought we knew Muramasa. We were not prepared for this video.

It looks like Odin Sphere, sure, but with sharper graphics and more beautiful settings. It also appears to be far more actiony than its predecessor, and also less beset by slowdown. It looks like, well, Ninja Gaiden crossed with Ninja Gaiden. Enjoy these seven minutes of amazing Muramasa footage.

JoystiqTGS08: Muramasa gameplay footage will change you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenvanillawareThu, 09 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: The Awesome Screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/muramasa-the-awesome-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/muramasa-the-awesome-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/muramasa-the-awesome-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's been a long time, but we're glad Nintendo's press event and TGS have kick-started the release of news regarding Vanillaware's Oboro Muramasa Youtouden, coming here as Muramasa: The Demon Blade. Only a few days after the last release of screens, we have another ... couple of screens!

While we'd love to read hands-on impressions, or learn more about the release date for any region beyond "2009," we can state honestly that it's quite enough for us to look at screens of this incredibly beautiful game. We'll need a couple more months to take all this in before we'll need to play it or anything.

Well, actually, it isn't enough for us. Marvelous will be handing out Oboro Muramasa screen-cleaners at TGS, and we would definitely like to see one of those. In our hands.

JoystiqMuramasa: The Awesome Screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudentgs08vanillawareMon, 06 Oct 2008 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade coming stateside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/vanillaware-s-muramasa-the-demon-blade-coming-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/vanillaware-s-muramasa-the-demon-blade-coming-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/vanillaware-s-muramasa-the-demon-blade-coming-stateside/#commentsFiled under: ,


The publishing duo of XSEED and Marvelous Entertainment announced plans to bring Vanillaware's Wii-exclusive ninja-action title, Oboro Muramasa Youtouden, to the US sometime next year. The game, which will be redubbed as Muramasa: The Demon Blade for the local market, marks the second title to emerge from a co-publishing deal inked in May, following this week's release of Valhalla Knights 2 for the PSP.

Muramasa looks to continue the tradition of Vanillaware's eye-poppingly gorgeous titles, Odin Sphere and Grim Grimoire, promising hand-drawn 2D sprites and side-scrolling levels. Beyond this, details are scarce, though more is expected to be revealed next week when the game is officially unveiled during TGS.

JoystiqVanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade coming stateside originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvelous-entertainmentmarvelous-interactivemarvelousinteractiveMuramasaMuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenvanillawareWiixseedFri, 03 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvelous! Oboro Muramasa Youtouden announced for US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/marvelous-oboro-muramasa-youtouden-announced-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/marvelous-oboro-muramasa-youtouden-announced-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/marvelous-oboro-muramasa-youtouden-announced-for-us/#commentsFiled under:


Marvelous Entertainment told The RPGO earlier this week that they had three unannounced projects for the US in the works. NeoGAFfer Botticus reports that the latest issue of Nintendo Power confirms the identity of one of those projects as Vanillaware's Oboro Muramasa Youtouden!

The publication announced that Marvelous/XSEED plans to release the side-scrolling ARPG from the Odin Sphere creators as Muramasa: The Demon Blade sometime in 2009. Having heard absolutely nothing about the game's progress since troubling news in April, this announcement, in addition to letting us know it's coming out here, serves to reassure us that it's coming out at all.

JoystiqMarvelous! Oboro Muramasa Youtouden announced for US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgmarvelousoboro-muramasa-youtoudenoboromuramasayoutoudenvanillawarexseedFri, 19 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kumatanchi wallpaper plus a bit of backstory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/kumatanchi-wallpaper-plus-a-bit-of-backstory/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/kumatanchi-wallpaper-plus-a-bit-of-backstory/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/kumatanchi-wallpaper-plus-a-bit-of-backstory/#commentsFiled under: ,


The site for Vanillaware and Dimple's bizarre zookeeping game Kumatanchi has opened, though it currently offers absolutely nothing other than guest wallpaper. Eventually, it'll have an introduction to both the game system and the setting, and ... probably more wallpaper.

Last week, Zepy of Canned Dogs uncovered the reason that Vanillaware, best known for sidescrolling RPGs like Odin Sphere and Princess Crown would veer off into a game about little girls with animal ears, and it's pretty interesting. One of their staff artists makes amateur doujin games, like Habanero-tan House (which looks like Kumatanchi with plant-girls), in his spare time with a group called Ashinaga Ojisan. Somehow, Vanillaware decided to work with the group on a DS game.

It's not uncommon for an amateur-made game to become a console release -- Melty Blood comes to mind, as does ABA Games' TUMIKI Fighters. But since this is being done professionally in collaboration with Vanillaware, Kumatanchi isn't exactly a doujin game.

JoystiqKumatanchi wallpaper plus a bit of backstory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dimplekumatanchisimulationvanillawareThu, 05 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kumatanchi looks like a vanilla Vanillaware game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kumatanchi-looks-like-a-vanilla-vanillaware-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kumatanchi-looks-like-a-vanilla-vanillaware-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kumatanchi-looks-like-a-vanilla-vanillaware-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you've heard of Vanillaware, you probably know that the developer is responsible for making beautiful 2D games such as Odin Sphere, GrimGrimoire, and the possibly-in-danger Oboro Muramasa Youtouden. Upon finding out that the company was making a DS game, we couldn't wait to see the lush beauties that Vanillaware had in store for us -- only to come across Kumatanchi. That's not to say Kumatanchi looks bad (which, in turn, is not to say it looks good), but it's a lot more cutesy than what we were expecting.

In Kumatanchi, you play as a bear (who looks disturbing like a human girl) at a zoo. With the help of the zoo keeper (or custodian), you have to take care of the other animals and put on shows with them. There really aren't many other details about the game so far, but it does seem like Kumatanchi is going to have real time events (perhaps like in Animal Crossing).

To see some screens of girls dressed like animals in Kumatanchi, click on past the break.

Continue reading Kumatanchi looks like a vanilla Vanillaware game

JoystiqKumatanchi looks like a vanilla Vanillaware game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kumatanchivanillawarezooMon, 02 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu causes worry over Oboro Muramasa Youtouden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/famitsu-causes-worry-over-oboro-muramasa-youtouden/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/famitsu-causes-worry-over-oboro-muramasa-youtouden/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/famitsu-causes-worry-over-oboro-muramasa-youtouden/#commentsFiled under:

Normally we can't wait for Wednesdays, the day that our fellow gaming brethren report all the juicy tidbits from the latest issue of Famitsu. This week was different, though, because we found out that a game we've been looking forward to might be in trouble.

According to the magazine, Vanillaware's Oboro Muramasa Youtouden is "struggling," making us super sad pandas. Not only does the game look gorgeous with its beautiful 2D sprites and atmospheres, but also -- well, actually, now that we think about it, we don't know much about this title other than how it looks. And, considering that we haven't seen any new information or media since last fall, we're not too surprised that it might be in danger of falling by the wayside. Keep in mind, though, that we don't know exactly what this "struggling" pertains to, so it may not be as scary as we think. Until further details are released, we'll just have to hope for the best.

In other Famitsu news, King Story seems to be doing well and should release in Japan this summer, showing that at least one game we're excited about is on track.

JoystiqFamitsu causes worry over Oboro Muramasa Youtouden originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsuking-storymarvelousoboro-muramasa-youtoudenprojectovanillawareWed, 02 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Scott's Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-scotts-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-scotts-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-scotts-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Odin Sphere (PS2)

Vanillaware's side-scrolling action RPG caught me completely off guard when it came out, but I fell instantly in love with the game's style. Practically everything about Odin Sphere is unique: the circular levels; the gigantic, beautifully-drawn sprites; the bizarre food-crafting mechanics. Toss in a healthy amount of Norse mythology, and you've got one damn fine, under-appreciated game. Here's hoping Vanillaware's upcoming Wii title is up to snuff.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Scott's Picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Scott's Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAtlusbest-of-the-rest-2007catanDSGOTY-2007halo-3jam-sessionsjamsessionsodin-sphereodinspherepac-manpersona-3persona3planet-puzzle-leagueplanetpuzzleleaguepokemonportalPS2PS3rock-bandRPGShin-Megami-TenseiShin-Megami-Tensei-Persona-3VanillawareXbox-360Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/#commentsFiled under:


We spent yesterday going through the big releases that've been announced for next year so far -- Smash Bros. Brawl and/or Wii Fit likely topping your personal "must get" list -- but what about the second-tier games that don't usually receive much press or attention?

Though we haven't forgotten about the low-key releases, we've collected a selection of games and media to ensure that these titles stay on your mind too! Read on for our top ten list of awesome 2008 games that you totally forgot about!

Continue reading Anniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about

JoystiqAnniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesArikabackboneblast-worksblastworksbudcat-creationsbullycingcivilizationDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxeaeidoselectronic-artsfiraxisjoystiqfeatureskikikaiworldkingstoryleft-field-productionsmajescomarvelousmonster-labninja-reflexNintendonitrobikeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenprojectoPuzzlerockstarscholarship-editionstarfish-sdtown-factorytumiki-fightersubisoftufo-entertainmentvanillawarewii-wareWiiWareSun, 25 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS07: Oboro Muramasa Youtouden looks even better in motion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/tgs07-oboro-muramasa-youtouden-looks-even-better-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/tgs07-oboro-muramasa-youtouden-looks-even-better-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/tgs07-oboro-muramasa-youtouden-looks-even-better-in-motion/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're already in agreeance that Oboro Muramasa Youtouden is one of the best-looking games announced for the Wii -- we shook hands on it, signed the appropriate forms, and even had a notary stamp the papers to make it official. Still, this first video glimpse of the 2D ARPG managed to leave us in a state of ecstasy, our skin alive with pleasure. What secret resource has Vanillaware tapped into that other developers have so far ignored? Most of the titles we saw at the Tokyo Game Show didn't look half as good as this.

JoystiqTGS07: Oboro Muramasa Youtouden looks even better in motion originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2darpgmarvelous-interactivemarvelousinteractiveoboro-muramasa-youtodenoboromuramasayoutodenoboromuramasayoutoudentgstgs07trailervanillawareMon, 24 Sep 2007 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Oboro Muramasa Youtouden continues to ravish our eyes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/oboro-muramasa-youtouden-continues-to-ravish-our-eyes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/oboro-muramasa-youtouden-continues-to-ravish-our-eyes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/oboro-muramasa-youtouden-continues-to-ravish-our-eyes/#commentsFiled under: ,



You've likely seen these screenshots of Oboro Muramasa Youtouden already from when we covered the newly announced ARPG last week, but we'll grab at any opportunity to put the spotlight back on this beautiful looking game. Supplementing its weekly magazine, Famitsu has updated its site with direct-feed images, providing a more accurate display of the Vanillaware-developed title than what scanned pages can provide.

We have a couple more images past the post break for you to check out if you're interested -- though we can't imagine why you wouldn't be interested in the most gorgeous 2D game coming to the Wii.

Continue reading Oboro Muramasa Youtouden continues to ravish our eyes

JoystiqOboro Muramasa Youtouden continues to ravish our eyes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2darpgfamitsumarvelousinteractiveoboromuramasayoutodenvanillawareMon, 10 Sep 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanillaware brings its 2D talents to the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/vanillaware-brings-its-2d-talents-to-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/vanillaware-brings-its-2d-talents-to-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/vanillaware-brings-its-2d-talents-to-the-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,

Vanillaware, the same developer behind GrimGrimoire and Odin Sphere, both gorgeous 2D PS2 titles, revealed in Famitsu's latest issue an ARPG for the Wii, Oboro Muramasa Youtouden. It looks absolutely stunning, almost to the point where we're disappointed in other companies for not working on their own 2D games at a similar level.

Loading up the magazine scans, which you can see for yourself past the post break, was like sighting the promised land, a brand new colony, from a distance after months of wandering our ruined, post-apocalyptic Earth. JC fell to his knees beside me, tears in his eyes. The amaranthine sun slipped out of view behind us, leaving our caravan to celebrate its newfound hope. We had many hard months still to weather, but we'd finally found a place to call home.

Continue reading Vanillaware brings its 2D talents to the Wii

JoystiqVanillaware brings its 2D talents to the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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