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TGS 08: Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailer impressions
This year's Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailer out of Square Enix's Closed Theater follows in the footsteps of last year's trailer in the respect that it's yet again the final video shown during the private screening. The two differ, however, as this year's trailer shows off a bit of in-game footage of Versus XIII for the first time.The trailer kicks things off with the same line of text we've seen dozens of times before: "This is a fantasy based on reality." The scene moves to the prince's luxury sedan speeding through a tunnel. He's listening to the news on the car radio. The vehicle exits the tunnel and the camera pans up to see the moonlit sky with two giant airships hovering in the distance. Somewhere in between this, we get a reintroduction to the Shakespearean quote that's been used since the debut trailer. At this point, things shift and the new stuff come in.We see the prince character wearing a casual, all black suit. This is rendered with the in-game engine, and the graphics look as smooth and appealing as the main FFXIII title. He climbs marble stairs up to a loft-like art gallery. There he meets the blonde woman revealed previously wearing a black dress and a small white top. This time she's seen in a white cocktail dress. the two are talking but through Japanese subtitles as there doesn't appear to be any voice work done yet – or, Square Enix purposely took it out for some reason.
TGS 08: Hotel Dusk devs reveal 'Again' for the first time
Hotel Dusk and Trace Memory developer CING is teaming up with Tecmo to deliver another atmospheric adventure on the Nintendo DS, this time in the form of a supernatural murder mystery. Again: Eye of Providence follows FBI special agent Jonathan Weaver as he investigates his family's death and its connection with a series of murders that occurred 18 years earlier. Again's title is derived from Jonathan's ability to see into the past and experience crimes -- you know, again.Producer Koichi Yamaguchi walked us through a very early build of the game, demonstrating how this helpful hindsight would help us piece together the events that occurred in a given crime scene. In what is essentially a game of spot-the-difference, you'll view the environment in a first-person perspective on both DS screens (in book orientation). The touch screen allows you to interact with the scene, while the screen to your left displays the same area, but as it was in the past. As Yamaguchi noted, it makes sense to confine history to the non-interactive screen. You can't change the past, you can only learn from it.%Gallery-34146%
TGS 08: Final Fantasy XIII trailer impressions
Another TGS means another Closed Mega Theater from Square Enix. So what does the house that Final Fantasy built have hiding behind the curtain this time? It's mostly a long line of Kingdom Hearts titles and the entire known components of the Fabula Nova Crystallis project – which of course includes the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIII. Considering that FFXIII is the flagship title for the company, it would be an understatement to say we're a tad excited to see anything new coming from this game at the show ... even if it is the usual scrap here and there. Speaking of scraps, yes, most of the "new" trailer contains footage from previous clips we've seen before (no surprise there); however, the new footage we did see – we believe – will certainly keep the FF faithful interested until the next small bits trickle in. We'll start with the beginning: we have an overhead view of this lush, prehistoric land where giant stegosaurus-type creatures roam. Then those flying beasts seen at the beginning of this year's E3 trailer soar above them, moving us along to the zoomed-in scene where the redhead pigtails girl is standing at the edge of a cliff. The camera swings back around revealing a massive, untamed landscape with thick jungles and more wild animals.
TGS 08: We love Sonic Unleashed's Werehog ... costume
As much as we hate how Sonic's roots have been clawed out by some furry, fanged and stretchy-limbed abomination, we must grudgingly admit that the Werehog is -- at least on the Tokyo Game Show floor -- almost bordering on sort of cool. As is the case with most obnoxious, product-peddling mascots, we ultimately have to go with the one we'd prefer to hug. And just look at that guy's huge arms! (Our next TGS goal: to capture an image of both Sonics together.)
TGS 08: New Castlevania title announced
Another next-gen (don't forget this one!) Castlevania title has been announced for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Koji "IGA" Igarashi, producer of every single Castlevania title since 2002, showed a brief 10-second teaser involving a blonde dude and a glowing red sword. The game's story involves a "cursed fate" that's placed upon a kin ... in other words, a typical Castlevania plot. No other information, such as gameplay details or a release window, was provided, but since IGA himself was surprised at a public announcement at this stage, it is suggested the game is still in very early development.[Via Joystiq & IGN; image credit: ITmedia]
TGS 08: Quantum Theory confirmed as PS3 exclusive
Out of all the possible answers relating to platform exclusivity inquiries, a simple "yes" is easily the most difficult one to extract. This did not prove to be the case with Tecmo's Makoto Shibata, however, who calmly assured us that Tecmo's upcoming third-person shooter, the cryptically named Quantum Theory, is indeed exclusive to the PlayStation 3.The Team Tachyon director, who candidly described the game as Japan's answer to titles like Gears of War, is sticking to the predominantly Western genre's "basics," while making sure that his country's "skills and talent are incorporated." You'll note that the game's art employs a more expanded color palette, though not at the expense of unfeasibly enormous biceps. The traditional, post-apocalyptic environment is augmented here by a striking "living tower," a labyrinthine structure that the game's protagonist and his occasional female foil must traverse and ultimately defeat. Taking a page corner from Fracture, Shibata noted that the "shape-shifting" environments within the tower would constantly change in real time, either providing new cover or creating unexpected dangers. With the game not being due until late 2009, however, we were unable to see this feature in practice. But at least that leaves plenty of time to tweak the game's name. In response to our suggestion to incorporate the word "tower" to better highlight the game's oblong villain, Shibata joked that it would ultimately be inappropriate for the tower-less sequel.... He was joking, right?%Gallery-34101%
TGS 08: Japanese Home beta not delayed
On top of the list of common misconceptions here at our fine site is that there is never any good news concerning Home. We kid, we kid. We do actually have some good news though -- during Sony's Japanese press conference, it was announced that Home's open beta is on track for release in Japan later in the month. The open beta will end in November, at which time we take for granted, in the absence of proof to the contrary, that the final product will be released.Additionally, it was announced that 24 additional publishers have just signed on to create content for Home. Jem noted that Square Enix is conspicuously absent, but the inclusion of some of the big boys like Disney and Activision does provide a bit of relief. No word on whether this carries over to the North American or European versions. List of the publishers after the break.
PSP Fanboy hands-on: Dissidia: Final Fantasy
Dissidia: Final Fantasy has been a title we've been keeping an eye on a lot lately, and hence, it's one of the first games we decided to see out on the Tokyo Game Show floor. We moseyed on over to Sony's booth to get in a quick session before going at it again and taking in another short round over at Square Enix proper. Five characters were available to play: Firionel, Tidus, Squall, Warrior of Light, and Zidane. We decided to try out different characters for each play session and tested out the skills of Squall and Tidus.The overall battle system is rather easy to pick up; attacking with the square button deals the amount of damage currently in your "Brave" gauge while attacking with the circle button drains your enemy's Brave, replenishing your own and then eventually putting enemies into a "Break" state as you can see here in these videos. Now while the general concept of the game's battle system is easy to grasp, mastering the play style of the individual characters is another story. After having played as both Squall and Tidus for a solid amount of time, we noticed that neither character played like the other. Even though their special moves use the same button inputs, they move and attack completely different.%Gallery-12134%
TGS 08: Monster Hunter 3 is kind of a big deal, pt 1
Whether it's the game's addictive MMORPG-like qualities or simply its startlingly apt title -- you hunt monsters! -- it's clear that Japan's love for slaying beasts is as intense as ever. Monster Hunter 3 has already garnered quite a buzz at this year's Tokyo Game Show, most of it originating from the chatty folks waiting in line to play it. Trust us, they're the lucky ones -- come Saturday (when the floor opens to the public), we'll show you just how far this thing can go. While we assemble our hands-on impressions of the game, take a peek at the trailer after the break. And yes, that is a Wii game.
TGS 08: Terra and Cloud confirmed for Dissidia, roster now complete
After having watched a Dissidia: Final Fantasy trailer in Square Enix's Closed Mega Theater, the final two characters (heroes for Final Fantasies VI and VII) are confirmed to be Terra and Cloud. Gameplay footage was seen for both characters dueling against their respective arch nemesis. Cloud retains his classic look, while Terra dons a more child-like face and better resembles her original Amano design (blonde hair).With Bartz and Ex-Death confirmed recently, that makes the entire 20 heroes and villains roster complete. Check back with us later, we'll have some more on Dissidia including full hands-on here at PSP Fanboy and full Square Enix Closed Theater impressions over on Joystiq. So keep an eye on both.
TGS 08: Level-5 set to launch digital distribution service ROID
Valve has done pretty well for itself with its digital distribution service Steam and it seems other companies want in on the easy money to be had. Take software developers Level-5 (Rogue Galaxy, Professor Layton) for example who'll be pumping out their own digital downloads with a little something called ROID. Level-5's ROID service targets both PC and Mobile gaming and will launch for Japan in April 2009. What's most interesting about this service is that Level-5 currently doesn't have any PC-developed or Mobile-developed games in their portfolio. Does this mean they'll be porting some of their older games like Dark Cloud to the PC? Or, are they going to make all new IP in support of the service? While the answer to those questions won't pop up just yet, we do have a little bit more on ROID you can check out. You can distract yourself with photos of the ROID mascot (which is apparently a console transformer) in our gallery below. Also, you can head over to the official website here. %Gallery-34049%
TGS 08: You got Metal Gear and Final Fantasy in my LittleBigPlanet
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/Sony_announces_Old_Snake_and_Sephiroth_LBP_costumes'; Sony has announced that two new LittleBigPlanet costumes will be made available for download in the future. Metal Gear Solid's Old Snake and Final Fantasy VII's Sephiroth have been stripped and their clothes donated to the LittleBigPlanet thrift store.Unfortunately, there's no word on when they will be made available, or whether they'll be paid-for content. There's also no definite answer to whether they'll be available outside of Japan but, considering both games have large fanbases in the US and Europe, we'd be surprised if they didn't. Check out Sephiroth's Tokyo Game Show unveiling above and Old Snake's after the break.Aren't they cute?%Gallery-34055%
TGS 08: Capcom announces US-bound Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
What's the game that's got Japanese gamers all in a frenzy? It's Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G -- the title that's sold over two million copies on the PSP this year in Japan. Fortunately the Japanese are not being selfish and won't be keeping the multiplayer action title to themselves -- it's coming stateside in Spring 2009 and will be renamed Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.While Freedom Unite isn't physically at the show, Capcom has another Monster Hunter title at TGS. That would be Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) for the Wii and it has been drawing huge crowds leaving people with hour long waits ... and it's only the first day. An "industry only" day. Just wait until the public comes in on the weekend. We wonder if the success that was founded in Japan will follow across the Pacific? Monster Hunter Freedom games haven't exactly been picked up by Western gamers in the past.
TGS 08: Halo 3 Recon trailer is dark and stealthy
After finally being confirmed as a standalone expansion for Master Chief's final ride, Halo 3 Recon is the talk of the town walking out of Microsoft's TGS 2008 press conference. Taking on the role as an elite Orbital Drop Shock Trooper for the UNSC, Halo 3 Recon follows a brand new hero in an all new storyline. Taking place between the story of Halo 2 and Halo 3 as Master Chief is away on butt-kicking business, players are in store for what Microsoft is calling "a top-secret mission with a gripping story." Featuring exclusive multiplayer maps, Forge items and four player co-op as well as saved films, screenshot capability and campaign scoring; Halo 3 Recon is sure to light up Xbox 360's when it releases in Fall 2009.%Gallery-34045%
TGS 08: Halo 3 Recon lands Fall 2009 [Update]
Microsoft has just confirmed the speculation that the teaser trailer released by Bungie a few weeks ago is in fact a storyline expansion to Halo 3. Taking place prior to the events of the Halo 3 story, Halo 3 Recon (its official title) will put gamers in the shoes of a UNSC marine trooper -- specifically an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper -- and marks the first time since players took on the role as the Arbiter to play through the Halo universe as a character other than the Master Chief.Halo 3 Recon, the standalone expansion featuring a new hero and new campaign, hits the Xbox 360 exclusively in Fall 2009.[Update: According to an Xbox.com News Flash, Halo 3 Recon will take place during the events leading to the return of Master Chief to New Mombasa in Halo 3. The game will feature a brand new campaign, four player co-op gameplay and new multiplayer content. Halo 3 Recon will include exclusive new multiplayer maps and Forge options as well as maintain what gamers loved from Halo 3 including Saved Films, screenshots and campaign scoring.]
TGS 08: New Xbox Experience hits November 19 worldwide
Microsoft has just announced that the New Xbox Experience will release worldwide on November 19. Originally announced during E3 2008, the New Xbox Experience rethinks the way the Xbox 360 dashboard works in nearly every conceivable way. Adding features such as Avatars, the ability to install games to a hard drive and better organization for content, the NXE has been at the forefront of nearly every Microsoft event since it was first revealed. The worldwide release will hit in 26 countries and will be localized in 11 different languages. We anticipate November 19 will be a busy day to sign into Xbox Live.%Gallery-33577%
TGS 08: Tekken 6 lands on the Xbox 360 in Fall 09 [Update]
Confirming a rumor that was hinted at long ago, Microsoft has just announced that another famed Namco Bandai fighter is hitting the Xbox 360. Landing in Fall 2009, Tekken 6 will find life on the Xbox 360.Originally revealed exclusively for the PlayStation 3 in 2005, Tekken 6 joins the brawling fray on the Xbox 360 late next year. Released in Japanese arcades on November 26, 2007, Tekken 6 marks the first time the famed fighter will find itself on a Microsoft console. No other details have been announced.[Update: Tekken 6 on the Xbox 360 will include the Bloodline Rebellion update that recently went live in Japanese arcades which introduces two new characters, Alisa Boskonovich and Lars Alexanderson.]
TGS 08: Star Ocean secures worldwide release dates
Just announced at the Microsoft press briefing during the Tokyo Game Show, Star Ocean: The Last Hope will land in North America on March 3 after it debuts in Japan on February 19. Microsoft also announced that the title will be made available in European and Asian markets but did not announce specific release dates.Developed by triAce and published by Square Enix, Star Ocean: The Last Hope joins the list of strong Japanese style RPGs to find life on the Xbox 360.
Koei to unveil new PSP games at Tokyo Game Show
Koei president Kenji Matsubara spoke recently with Gamasutra about making third party titles in Japan. More important to our readers, part of that discussion involved PSP. Pointing to the PSP's success with Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (yes, everything comes back around to Monster Hunter PSP savior), Matsubara said it is encouraging to make games for the PSP as opposed to other tougher markets (the PS3 and 360).In line with this, Koei has acted accordingly by revealing plans to announce new PSP titles at this year's Tokyo Game Show in October. What those titles are, it won't say, but we're certainly curious to find out. Deducing from the article, it sounds like Koei is aiming to make a game that utilizes Monster Hunter's team-focused gameplay. Hmm, perhaps a game where Guan Yu and friends go around Han Dynasty China looking to slay mythical creatures? We wouldn't be surprised ...Anyway, don't get too excited yet. While Koei sings a PSP paean, it can't deny a lack of enthusiasm from Western markets. Perhaps, these new games will be Japan-only. Stay tuned, we'll have more from TGS next month.
