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[Ys: The Oath in Felghana in stores and on PSN Nov. 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/ys-the-oath-in-felghana-in-stores-and-on-psn-nov-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/ys-the-oath-in-felghana-in-stores-and-on-psn-nov-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/ys-the-oath-in-felghana-in-stores-and-on-psn-nov-2/#commentsXSEED has clarified the announced "November" release date for Ys: The Oath in Felghana -- and it's about as early in November as it can possibly be. If you're up for a classic top-down action RPG for your PSP, you can grab this remake on November 2.

The special edition version (pictured) will be available from Amazon, GameStop, Videogamesplus.ca and "other fine retailers," and will include a soundtrack and desk calendar. The regular edition will be available in both UMD and download forms for $30.

Continue reading Ys: The Oath in Felghana in stores and on PSN Nov. 2

JoystiqYs: The Oath in Felghana in stores and on PSN Nov. 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nihon-falcomplaystationpspq4-2010release-datesonyxseedysys-the-oath-in-felghanaWed, 20 Oct 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys Seven eases onto retail and PSN August 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/ys-seven-eases-onto-retail-and-psn-august-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/ys-seven-eases-onto-retail-and-psn-august-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/ys-seven-eases-onto-retail-and-psn-august-17/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Finally, that 12.5" x 34" space in the "cloth map" area of your room can be filled. XSEED has announced the release date for the beautiful collector's edition of Falcom's action RPG Ys Seven -- as well as the PSN version, for those of you whose walls are already completely occupied by cloth maps.

Continue reading Ys Seven eases onto retail and PSN August 17

JoystiqYs Seven eases onto retail and PSN August 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGplaystationpspq3-2010Release-DatesonyXSEEDYsYs-SevenMon, 02 Aug 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Ys Seven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/preview-ys-seven/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/preview-ys-seven/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/preview-ys-seven/#commentsXSEED's recent deal with Nihon Falcom means a truckload of role-playing games on PSP for us. The flagship product of the partnership is Ys Seven, the latest game in the long-running action RPG series and the first to be designed specifically for PSP. As someone whose experience with the Ys series can be described as "casual" at best -- I played the original Ys on a few different platforms -- I was pleasantly surprised to see the game evolve from the clumsy bumping-into-monsters adventure I remembered into an action RPG game that seems more than competent in the action department.

Gallery: Ys Seven (PSP)

Continue reading Preview: Ys Seven

JoystiqPreview: Ys Seven originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGe3-2010Nihon-FalcomplaystationpspYsYs-SevenThu, 01 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys sequel and remakes coming to PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/ys-sequel-and-remakes-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/ys-sequel-and-remakes-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/ys-sequel-and-remakes-coming-to-psp/#comments Falcom loves the PSP. So much, in fact, that it announced two games for the PSP. The first is yet another remake of Ys I & II, subtitled Chronicles. According to andriasang, he PSP version will be based off the 2001 PC remake but will include new visuals and music.

In addition to a revival of these classic RPGs, Falcom is also planning a brand new Ys game, Ys VII, which continues the story set in the PSP game Ark of Napishtim. Both Adol and Dogi will return, with a twist, in this first Ys game to feature a party system. Perhaps the game will take some inspiration from Monster Hunter?

JoystiqYs sequel and remakes coming to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomysys-sevenys-viiThu, 19 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys Seven might be coming to PSP, PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/ys-seven-might-be-coming-to-psp-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/ys-seven-might-be-coming-to-psp-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/ys-seven-might-be-coming-to-psp-ps2/#comments Falcom announced two new games at a fan event in Tokyo over the weekend: Ys Seven and Ys I & II Chronicles. According to Dengeki Online, Ys Seven will feature series hero Adol again, and will follow the story of the "Five Great Dragons of Altago." It's expected to hit Japan sometime this fall. As for Ys I & II Chronicles, not much is known about it, but it could be another remake like the recent Legacy of Ys: Books I & II for DS. That one will be out in Japan by summer.

IGN suspects that Ys Seven might be a game for Sony platforms, seeing as the title will be featured in an upcoming issue of Dengeki PlayStation magazine. Falcom did release Ys: The Ark of Nephistim on PSP and PS2 back in 2006, so it's not too much of a long shot to see the next in the series appear on either system (or both).

JoystiqYs Seven might be coming to PSP, PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomysys-sevenys-viiMon, 09 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delayed, soundtrack bundled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/legacy-of-ys-books-i-and-ii-delayed-soundtrack-bundled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/legacy-of-ys-books-i-and-ii-delayed-soundtrack-bundled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/legacy-of-ys-books-i-and-ii-delayed-soundtrack-bundled/#comments
The hike up to Darm Tower is taking longer than expected. Atlus has bumped the release of Legacy of Ys: Books I & II for the Nintendo DS back two weeks from its originally announced February 10 ship date. Now set for release on February 24, the publisher notes that the entire first printing of the upcoming RPG will now come packaged with the game's soundtrack CD, originally intended just for those who reserved the game.

The bundling is part of a "fan appreciation" effort called Atlus Spoils, which according to Atlus is intended to "give a little extra something to the company's faithful followers." The announcement follows yesterday's reveal of Devil Summoner 2, which will come stuffed with a free Raiho plushie. Now here, take this hankie and wipe those silver tears from your eyes.

JoystiqLegacy of Ys: Books I & II delayed, soundtrack bundled originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusatlus-usanintendonintendo-dsrole-playingrole-playing gamesRole-playingGamesrpgysWed, 28 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A fitting legacy for your Legacy of Ys preorder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-fitting-legacy-for-your-legacy-of-ys-preorder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-fitting-legacy-for-your-legacy-of-ys-preorder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-fitting-legacy-for-your-legacy-of-ys-preorder/#commentsFiled under:

Preorder perk ahoy! For the February 10 launch of Legacy of Ys Books I & II, Atlus will be offering jammy U.S. and Canada-based gamers a sweet preorder bonus: a limited edition soundtrack CD, featuring tracks from both Ys I and Ys II. As far as we know, this will be available at Amazon and GameStop.

The revised translation for this DS remake had already roped us in, but now we're counting down the days hours minutes. As the press release we received notes, the Ys series is renowned for having wonderful music. If you're new to the series, you can head to this part of Atlus' website to listen to a few samples for yourself.


[Via press release]

JoystiqA fitting legacy for your Legacy of Ys preorder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgatlusfalcominterchannellegacy-of-yspreordersoundtrackysWed, 31 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A new Legacy of Ys translation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/a-new-legacy-of-ys-translation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/a-new-legacy-of-ys-translation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/a-new-legacy-of-ys-translation/#commentsFiled under: ,

Atlus may have just given us another reason to buy the DS Legacy of Ys Books I & II instead of (or in addition to) just dropping $8 for the Virtual Console version: for the first time since that release, the games will have a new official translation. Given that Atlus does better localizations than most companies now, they are almost guaranteed to do a better job than circa-1990 NEC.

In a press release, project lead Sam Mullen said "We're not taking this lightly, but we also see this as an opportunity to give the game a 21st-century localization, a new script to match the game's remade features."

We rather like the idea of carefully-considered text in the classic action RPG! Wander into our gallery for new screens of this new-ish game.

JoystiqA new Legacy of Ys translation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgatlusfalcominterchannellegacy-of-ysysTue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Ys or no]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-daily-ys-or-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-daily-ys-or-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-daily-ys-or-no/#commentsFiled under:


Atlus will publish Interchannel's DS remakes of the endlessly remade first two Ys games to North America next year. Japanese gamers are pretty familiar with Falcom and their venerable ARPG series, but it never really caught on outside of Japan, despite a decent number of releases making it over here on the Sega Master System, Turbografx-16 CD-Rom, Super NES, and other systems.

How familiar are you with Ys? Did you pass over the Virtual Console release in anticipation of the announcement of this DS game? Did that recent release pique your curiosity about the series? Or has Atlus's involvement gotten your attention? Alternately, you love these two games so much that you'll pick them up on every available system?

[Wallpaper found here]

JoystiqDS Daily: Ys or no originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgatlusfalcominterchannelremakeysMon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus bringing Ys on DS to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-bringing-ys-on-ds-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-bringing-ys-on-ds-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-bringing-ys-on-ds-to-north-america/#commentsFiled under:


Fans of Ys are in for a treat: Atlus is bringing Legacy of Ys: Books I & II to North America in February, 2009. The game is a remake of Ys Eternal, which was released on the PC back in 1997 in Japan. Ys Eternal is actually a remake of Turbo Duo classic, Ys Book I & II. That's a lot of remaking!

After watching the video above, check out VC Monday Madness over at Wii Fanboy, where the original Ys Book I and II was featured recently.


[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqAtlus bringing Ys on DS to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusrpgysThu, 23 Oct 2008 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus eyes Ys for DS in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-eyes-ys-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-eyes-ys-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-eyes-ys-for-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ys-y for you to say, eh? Eh? Atlus will bring the recent DS remakes of Nihon Falcom's flagship Ys role-playing series to North America on February 10, 2009. Even better, instead of releasing the two titles individually as they were sold in Japan, the publisher plans to bundle the games together as Legacy of Ys: Books I & II. Samuel Mullen, project lead for Legacy of Ys, tells Joystiq that the team "worked closely with the developer to offer both games, Books I and II, on a single DS cartridge."

The package is a pint-sized version of Ys Eternal, which was released on the PC in Japan in 1997, and was itself a rehash of Turbo Duo classic, Ys Book I & II. The series has never garnered the same sort of cult status that it's enjoyed in Japan, but we nonetheless welcome the addition to our DS library, if only for the music (some of which can be heard in the video above) alone.

JoystiqAtlus eyes Ys for DS in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusDSfalcomnihon-falcomysThu, 23 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: 250]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/vc-friday-250/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/vc-friday-250/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/vc-friday-250/#commentsFiled under: ,


People, say hello to the 250th title on the combined PAL Virtual Consoles: it's ... one of the below. Woohoo! Let's say Ys Book I and II, as that's the one this blogger is most looking forward to trying out. On a sadder note, this is the last week of the current Hanabi Festival; we shall remember it fondly! Mainly because of, you know.
Make the jump for videos of all four.

Continue reading VC Friday: 250

JoystiqVC Friday: 250 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachase-hqdoremi-fantasyeuropefridayhanabi-festivalnespalplatformracingrpgsnesspelunkerturbografxysFri, 05 Sep 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness: Samurai Shodown 2 and Ys Book I and II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/vc-monday-madness-samurai-shodown-2-and-ys-book-i-and-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/vc-monday-madness-samurai-shodown-2-and-ys-book-i-and-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/vc-monday-madness-samurai-shodown-2-and-ys-book-i-and-ii/#commentsFiled under:


We're back again, with a fresh video that's piping hot with gaming goodness. Oh, and there's some dude talking over the whole thing. We're sorry about that. He will be taken care of.

After checking out the video above, head past the break for the rest.

Continue reading VC Monday Madness: Samurai Shodown 2 and Ys Book I and II

JoystiqVC Monday Madness: Samurai Shodown 2 and Ys Book I and II originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightinghudsonneo-georpgsamurai-shodownsnktg16turbografx16ysMon, 25 Aug 2008 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Console adds classic role-playing, tardy fighter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/virtual-console-adds-classic-role-playing-tardy-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/virtual-console-adds-classic-role-playing-tardy-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/virtual-console-adds-classic-role-playing-tardy-fighter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


How nice of you to join us. Do you have any idea what time it is? We were expecting you weeks ago! Well, no matter, go and take your seat with the rest of the Virtual Console class so we can begin.
  • Samurai Shodown 2 (Neo Geo, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points): SNK's 1994 follow up to Samurai Shodown finally slices and dices its way onto the Virtual Console this week, bringing back most of the original's weapon-wielding cast, as well as several newcomers vying for the opportunity to skewer anything that moves with a pointy blade and sharp Engrish wit.
  • Ys Book I & II (TurboGrafx 16 CD-ROM, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Nihon Falcom's enhanced remakes of the first two titles in the Ys saga finally levels up for the US Virtual Console. Offering roguelike-style combat and music we still find ourselves humming at the dinner table, this is a download not to be missed by role-playing fans with eyes for the classics.

JoystiqVirtual Console adds classic role-playing, tardy fighter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomnintendosamurai-shodown-2snkvirtual-consolevirtualconsolevirtualconsolemondayWiiysMon, 25 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retail and download releases for the week of August 25th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's plenty of content releasing on the Wii this week. Whether you're a fan of retail games or looking to download some content on the Virtual Console or WiiWare, your gaming needs should be taken care of this week. Head on past the break for the details and let us know what you'll be playing!

Continue reading Retail and download releases for the week of August 25th

JoystiqRetail and download releases for the week of August 25th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>helixhudsonmario-super-sluggersneo-geoneogeoreleasessamurai-shodownsamurai-showdown-2snktiger-woodsysMon, 25 Aug 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson says Ys coming out next week (again), may be joined by Helix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/hudson-says-ys-coming-out-next-week-again-may-be-joined-by-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/hudson-says-ys-coming-out-next-week-again-may-be-joined-by-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/hudson-says-ys-coming-out-next-week-again-may-be-joined-by-he/#commentsFiled under: ,


Once again, Hudson Soft has updated their Virtual Console page with a release date for Ys Book I & II. They say it will be out this Monday. Last time they dated Ys, Nintendo chose not to release it or any of the other games that had been announced for that day, choosing totally different games instead. Will it show up for real this time? We hope so. We'll have 800 points ready. Would Nintendo really do that to the same game twice? Well, okay, but will they?

Ghostfire Games also sent out a press release announcing that their rhythm/exercise game Helix will be released on WiiWare this Monday for 1,000 points. We wish both companies the best of luck in having their games released.

JoystiqHudson says Ys coming out next week (again), may be joined by Helix originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgghostfire-gameshelixhudsonmusicysFri, 22 Aug 2008 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: VC announcements are our turf]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/nintendo-vc-announcements-are-our-turf/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/nintendo-vc-announcements-are-our-turf/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/nintendo-vc-announcements-are-our-turf/#commentsFiled under: ,


Seeking some kind of explanation or justification for the disparity between VC releases as announced by publishers -- which would have given us Mega Man, Samurai Shodown II, and Ys Book I & II -- and the actual releases (two games that aren't any of those), GoNintendo's RMC contacted Nintendo. Their response failed to shed any light on the motivation for the change, or anything other than that Nintendo is just not interested in explaining themselves:

"A number of variables can affect a game's release date," according to the statement. "Therefore, the Wii-kly Update is the only authority for confirmed release dates of Virtual Console games." So ... Hudson's website, SNK's press release, and Capcom's blog were all just wrong? Or was Nintendo teaching those publishers an important lesson about presuming to know when their games are coming out? We're sure they've learned their lesson by now.

JoystiqNintendo: VC announcements are our turf originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mega-mansamurai-shodown-2ysTue, 05 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, some good news about the Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/finally-some-good-news-about-the-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/finally-some-good-news-about-the-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/finally-some-good-news-about-the-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under:


Thanks to advance notice from two companies, we can now look forward to the Virtual Console releases for once. If Hudson and SNK's plans go through (as in, if a game isn't mysteriously bumped) we can expect both Samurai Shodown II and -- this is totally awesome -- Ys Book I & II.

We've been waiting for Ys since its first appearance on the ESRB ratings database last year, and now we're going to have the opportunity to buy two great action RPGs for eight bucks! There hasn't been a better deal since they packed Ys I & II with TurboDuo systems, and the Wii actually costs less than a Duo!

[Samurai Shodown II news via press release]

JoystiqFinally, some good news about the Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomhudsonsamurai-shodown-2snkysFri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson 'evaluating' North American VC release for Ys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/hudson-evaluating-north-american-vc-release-for-ys/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/hudson-evaluating-north-american-vc-release-for-ys/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/hudson-evaluating-north-american-vc-release-for-ys/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an interview about digital distribution (Bomberman for all!), Siliconera asked Hudson's Vice President of Product Development, Sabine Duvall, about the prospects for an U.S. release of the Turbografx-16 CD-Rom version of Ys Book I & II. Her response: "We'd love to make our fans happy, so we're still evaluating if it's right to bring Ys over."

We fully expect the game to show up on Virtual Console here at some point. There's no reason for it not to. It's not even as if Ys is an import title like Battle Lode Runner or DoReMi Fantasy. It was released in the U.S. For that matter, it was bundled with TG16 CD-Rom drives.

But for whatever reason, they've been evaluating this for a long time. Ys was actually given an ESRB rating back in November. We wonder if they're trying to decide between releasing Ys I & II as an $8 VC download and publishing the DS games that recently bombed in Japan.

JoystiqHudson 'evaluating' North American VC release for Ys originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgfalcomhudsonysTue, 06 May 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys I & II DS get bundled, still cost too much]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ys-i-and-ii-ds-get-bundled-still-cost-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ys-i-and-ii-ds-get-bundled-still-cost-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ys-i-and-ii-ds-get-bundled-still-cost-too-much/#commentsFiled under: ,

The remakes of Ys I & II should have been sold in one package to start with, as 5,040 yen ($49) each is rather a lot to pay for yet more Ys remakes -- especially since they were released on the same day and therefore fully intended by Interchannel to be sold together. All but about 1,000 Japanese DS owners agreed, as the games sold 2,000 copies combined in their first week.

7dream.com, an online retailer run by 7-Eleven and NEC (who used to own Interchannel, the company publishing these games) is now offering a "Special Box" of Ys I & II DS containing both games, a soundtrack CD, and, yes, a special box. While it's awesome to have both games in one deluxe package, the 9,800 yen ($95) price probably won't boost sales that much.

[Via Inside Games]

JoystiqYs I & II DS get bundled, still cost too much originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgbundlefalcominterchannelremakeysSun, 06 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of March 17th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-march-17th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-march-17th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-march-17th/#commentsFiled under:

This week, there are a lot of DS games headed out all around the globe, but it's particularly a great week for those of you who keep your eyes peeled for interesting Japanese releases. Not the import type? That's okay -- there's a lot of other games to consider, and some that aren't even quite games, per se.
  • Diary Girl
  • Fantasy Aquarium by DS
  • GoPets: Vacation Island
  • Lost in Blue 3
  • Sega Superstars Tennis

Continue reading DS releases for the week of March 17th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of March 17th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangai-odiary-girldiarygirlfantasy-aquarium-by-dsffcclost-in-blue-3ninja-gaidenring-of-fatesrosario-to-vampiresegasega-superstars-tennisshiren-the-wanderertime-hollowysMon, 17 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys into this new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/ys-into-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/ys-into-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/ys-into-this-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Ys games have always been heavy on the anime-style cutscenes. It's basically what the series is known for in the West, since it made its first big splash as a Turbografx-16 CD game. Ys still has masterful animated cutscenes, that get us as excited about Ys I & II in this cutscene-rich age as they did back then. The vintage anime style is even more distinctive now.

The music is delightfully old-school as well, especially when the "rock" theme kicks in in the second half of the trailer. That part, by the way, sneaks some gameplay in as well, highlighting the new multiplayer features and the simple fact that Ys is one of the faster-paced action RPG series. For a somewhat more reasonable price, we'd be all over these remakes. If you are similarly all up ons, know that they are actually coming out on March 20th, even though the trailer says February.



JoystiqYs into this new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgfalcomremakerpgysTue, 22 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys to get JP release in Fb]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ys-to-get-jp-release-in-fb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ys-to-get-jp-release-in-fb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ys-to-get-jp-release-in-fb/#commentsFiled under: ,


GAME Watch has revealed the Japanese release date for the Ys remakes: both drop on the same day, February 28th. If you think you'll be in the mood for $92 worth of ported action RPG, these seem like appropriate purchases. Of course, they almost seem worth it based on their boxarts alone. Featuring the original art we previously wowed over, they show that somebody still knows how to make RPG boxarts-- and it's Interchannel, a company who primarily makes dating games.

Check the link for the Ys II boxart, and be sure to poke around the official site for a few screenshots.

JoystiqYs to get JP release in Fb originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgboxartfalcominterchannelrpgysMon, 26 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys I & II remakes look like Ys, on the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/ys-i-and-ii-remakes-look-like-ys-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/ys-i-and-ii-remakes-look-like-ys-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/ys-i-and-ii-remakes-look-like-ys-on-the-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Age of Remakes continues, as more old stuff is resurrected for the newly re-energized Japanese game market. Screens for the new Ys remakes for the DS have been released, and they look pretty nice! Somewhat controversially, the environments have been remade in 3D; while the change certainly doesn't make the game look any nicer than the recent PC releases, we think it looks okay.

We're hoping for an American release of these games (at a significantly reduced price), because a handheld release would finally provide us with the impetus to spend some time with Ys I and II. Alternately, we could play the Turbografx-16 CD-Rom version on the Virtual Console in the near future (we're sure), but we'd enjoy the portable option.

Check out our galleries of the games and see if you're up for some vintage action-RPG games!


JoystiqYs I & II remakes look like Ys, on the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgfalcominterchannelremakeysMon, 29 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys I and II being remade for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/ys-i-and-ii-being-remade-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/ys-i-and-ii-being-remade-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/ys-i-and-ii-being-remade-for-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Originally released in the late 80s for PC, Ys I and Ys II were the foundation of what would become a fairly popular RPG series spanning across several systems. Now, gramps and grandma are getting a fresh coat of paint for the bajillion or so DS owners in Japan.

This new version will offer new animations, a multiplayer mode and boss fights. The kicker is that the games will be sold separately from each other for the equivalent of $44 ... a piece. Hey, we just finally figured out how to pronounce Ys properly: "ball-sy."

JoystiqYs I and II being remade for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSnintendodsremakesysThu, 25 Oct 2007 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys inevitably lands on DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/ys-inevitably-lands-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/ys-inevitably-lands-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/ys-inevitably-lands-on-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,


The DS has previously seen one not-very-representative entry in Falcom's vaunted Ys series in Ys Strategy, but now some proper action-RPGs will make their way. The first two Ys games will be released for the DS in Spring 2008, at an unfortunate price of 5040 yen ($44) each. The remakes, from Interchannel, will include new multiplayer modes, and the usual DS stuff (stats on one screen, action on the other). They'll also swap out the original bump-into-enemies combat style for the Eternal versions' more conventional attack button.

This had to happen sooner or later. The DS is a system popular with Japanese gamers, and these Ys games have been ported and remade endlessly. Ys, for example, has appeared on seven different Japanese computer formats (not including DOS), Windows, NES, Sega Master System, Saturn, PS2, cell phones, and the Turbografx 16 CD ROM. Most recently, the TG16 CD-ROM version was released on the Wii Virtual Console in Japan.

[via NeoGAF]

JoystiqYs inevitably lands on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgfalcominterchannelysWed, 24 Oct 2007 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Sonic Samurai Assault Club]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/vc-tuesday-sonic-samurai-assault-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/vc-tuesday-sonic-samurai-assault-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/vc-tuesday-sonic-samurai-assault-club/#commentsFiled under: ,


SNK is wasting no time getting all its big fighting franchises onto the VC. Even though their VC offerings are already dominated by fighters, we imagine that most Neo fans will be pleased to see the arrival of Samurai Spirits, also known as Samurai Shodown, as it heralds the release of the game in our region.

Other releases include one-time Turbo CD pack-in Ys I&II, a collection of two lovely action RPGs from Nihon Falcom; Assault Suits Valken, which you may recognize as Cybernator; and Famicom Tantei (Detective) Club, a graphical text adventure from Nintendo.

Also there's Sonic 3D Blast, whose title is 2/3 accurate.

JoystiqVC Tuesday: Sonic Samurai Assault Club originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-suits-valkenfamicom-tantei-clubsamurai-shodownsamurai-spiritssonic-3d-blastvctuesdayysTue, 16 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan's VC lineup in October: Smiles are free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/01/japans-vc-lineup-in-october-smiles-are-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/01/japans-vc-lineup-in-october-smiles-are-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/01/japans-vc-lineup-in-october-smiles-are-free/#commentsFiled under: ,


Japan gets wall-to-wall awesome this month on the Virtual Console. In total, twenty games are scheduled for release, including some really good ones. The first PC Engine CD games are on the list, including Ys I & II and the extraordinarily manly shooter Cho Aniki. Three Neo Geo games make their appearance, as well-- including Samurai Shodown. The classic Treasure game Alien Soldier will be available for download.

But by far the best news for October is a little Famicom game by the name of Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, known in the U.S. as River City Ransom. Simply put, this is one of the best games ever made, and our lives are improved just by thinking about it. River City Ransom could be available on our own Virtual Console soon; what a lovely thought. What a beautiful world!

Nintendo's site lists the publisher as Arc System Works; it would appear that, since ASW is also publishing the DS Super Dodge Ball game, they now own the Kunio license.

[Via Game|Life; image from I Am 8-Bit artist Plamo]

JoystiqJapan's VC lineup in October: Smiles are free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-soldiercho-anikijapanriver-city-ransomrivercityransomysMon, 01 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[TurboGrafx-CD games coming to Japanese Wii VC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/turbografx-cd-games-coming-to-wii-vc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/turbografx-cd-games-coming-to-wii-vc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/turbografx-cd-games-coming-to-wii-vc/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember when CD technology was the future of gaming, and only the most expensive, cutting-edge systems could handle the awesome power of the laser? Now, even the cheapest, least powerful system on the market can easily emulate these classic games, as will be proven by the imminent release of Turbo-Grafx CD titles Ys I & II and Chou Aniki on the Japanese Virtual Console for 800 Wii points.

While we're excited that the Virtual Console is expanding into the world of optical media (note to Sega: We would not be adverse to a downloadable Sonic CD) So, we have to wonder how the system will handle the larger of these games. After all, a filled-to-capacity CD-ROM can easily dwarf the Wii's puny 512MB of on-board memory, and all those orchestral scores and spoken-word introductions aren't small. Then again, the games that ended up filling discs back in those days were mostly FMV crap, so maybe it's no great loss.

[Update: Edited headline to note the story is about the Japanese VC only]

[Via PalGN]

JoystiqTurboGrafx-CD games coming to Japanese Wii VC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChouAnikiTurboGrafxCDWiiYsFri, 14 Sep 2007 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotta mispronounce 'em all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/gotta-mispronounce-em-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/gotta-mispronounce-em-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/gotta-mispronounce-em-all/#commentsFiled under:


Games Radar has crafted another one of their hilarious Top 7 lists, this time about the "Top 7 Most Mispronounced Game Names." Nihon Falcom has two of the seven entries on the list, proving that they're kind of mean about titles. We remember that every magazine article about Ys back on the Turbografx-16 CD included a note about pronunciation ("ease"), because it's really not obvious.

Topping the list is a certain Nintendo franchise whose name is delightfully, and intentionally, mangled by meme addicts across the web, including pretty much everyone here. Our mispronunciation: let us hint at it.

JoystiqGotta mispronounce 'em all originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds liteDsLitefaxanadulistmispronouncednintendopokemanspokemontop7ysWed, 27 Jun 2007 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release day highlights: 12.21.06]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-21-06/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-21-06/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-21-06/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Trains are great. We ride them most days of the week. In fact, today we took a train ride in order to buy two new train-based videogames. That's the scary extent of our railway passion. To avoid those funny looks we keep getting from the station master, we also picked up copies of the games listed here. Just so that we could look at their non-train-related packaging on the way home, to pretend that we weren't really thinking about trains. Mmm ... the 16:09 Express to Kyoto ...

Sorry, those games:
  • Ys Origin (Falcom's legend returns, again; PC)
  • Seiken Densetsu 4 (Mana, Mana, Mana; PS2)
  • Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (ice cool Capcom; Xbox 360)
  • Let's Go By A-Train HX ("Artdink" is the funniest developer name ever; Xbox 360)
  • Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (Snake crawls back to Japan; PSP)
  • Armored Core 4 (PlayStation 3)
  • Railfan (for the jotter and flask crowd; PS3)

JoystiqJapanese release day highlights: 12.21.06 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JapanKyotoLost PlanetLostPlanetMetal GearMetalGearPCPS2PS3PSPRailfanXbox-360YsThu, 21 Dec 2006 09:57:00 EST