final-fantasy-iv
Latest
Final Fantasy IV hits North American DS on July 22
Square Enix sent word by airship today that Final Fantasy II Final Fantasy IV is ready for its 3D re-envisioning on July 22 in North America. This DS version of Final Fantasy IV -- beyond the graphical upgrade -- also features some fully voiced cutscenes and added content. It appears Nintendo Power was right on the money with a July release -- as one would hope they would be. Other upgrades the title boasts are a remixed score by composer Nobuo Uematsu and "head-to-head battle" via local wireless. The game will retail for $40 and certainly makes for the perfect game to avoid conversation during the end-of-summer family road trip. Gallery: Final Fantasy IV
Nintendo Power: FFIV DS coming in July
Misdirection isn't just for magicians anymore ... apparently Nintendo Power practices it too. While everyone was focused on the hints of a U.S. localized Final Fantasy IV DS in the magazine's ten-page cover feature on the game, no one seemed to notice that the game was listed with a "July" release date in that same issue's "Game Watch Forecast."Well, no one except RPGFan.com, which then in turn got noticed by our own DSFanboy, which in turn got noticed by us so you fine readers can notice it for yourselves. This could just be a typo on Nintendo's part, but more likely it's a slip-up that reveals a release window a little earlier than Square-Enix would have liked. Either way, just another pebble on the growing mound of evidence that a localized version is coming.
Final Fantasy IV coming in July
Did you miss the date for Final Fantasy IV in the last issue of Nintendo Power? We did, and so did many others; we were all too busy reading the incredible ten page spread on the game to look at the chart on page 18. Now RPGFan is also reporting that the game will ship this July, so it should be only a matter of time before Square Enix confirms the release. At this rate, we can expect Final Fantasy VI (also known as the one we're waiting for on the DS) in July of 2009. Can we get on that, guys? Not that we aren't excited about Final Fantasy IV (we are!), we're just ... uh ... looking ahead. %Gallery-3278%[Via Gemaga]
Final Fantasy IV coming to North America ... maybe
Role-playing fans can slip on their dancing shoes and party like it's 1991. A new interview with Final Fantasy IV director Takashi Tokita in the latest Nintendo Power seems to point to the game's recent DS remake being localized for North American audiences. Oh sure, he doesn't come right out and confirm the localization -- where's the drama in that? -- but given that the article comes peppered with English language screens and the game itself is featured on the cover, we're certainly leaning towards believing that the RPG will soon be getting some domestic love.Tokita also toys with our emotions, speaking to the possibility of a remake of SNES RPG classic Chrono Trigger provided "the demand is great enough." Though like coming down hard off a caffeine high, he sends us crashing back down to earth by adding that he really wants to "create new titles and not just series installments and remakes." Yours is a cruel love, mon cher.[Via DS Fanboy]
Final Fantasy IV on the way to the U.S.
The cover story on this month's Nintendo Power magazine is something that should sell a few copies, and set a few DS owners' hearts ablaze: Final Fantasy IV. The ten-page feature doesn't actually confirm that FFIV is being released in North America (never mind an actual release date), but ... the game is on the cover of Nintendo Power. Oh, and all the screenshots are in English.With good news, however, must come some bad: in an interview with Takashi Tokita, who directed the FFIV remake, the possibility of a remake of another of his well-known games is discussed:"Chrono Trigger was a no-holds-barred, swashbuckling adventure that was a lot of fun to work on... If the demand is great enough, it's certainly possible. But as a creator, I feel the need to create new titles and not just series installments and remakes. I realize it's a little strange for me to be saying that in an interview about Final Fantasy IV (laughs). But I need to remind myself of that, too."
The 7 best trinkets in the World of Warcraft
You know, if there's one thing I have noticed digging through my bags, it's that I have a whole mess of trinkets. Of all the gear slots, it seems like trinkets are some of the most versatile and swappable. Depending on whether you need a bit more hit rating, a bit more critical strike rating, a bit more mana regeneration, a bit more health, a bit more armor, or you plan to go PvPing for a bit, you can fill up bags upon bags alone with a whole bunch of trinkets, waiting for the right moment to spring them. Then there's the really bad ass trinkets. I'm not talking trinkets that are traditionally defined as "useful," I'm talking about the trinkets that make you into the life of the party. The ones that make other people notice you, make them stand up and say, "Woah, that guy is using some CRAZY trinkets." You know what I mean. Stop trying to get yourself that Ashtongue Talisman, these are the REAL deal.
Famitsu piles on the Phantom Hourglass love
Lists: they're freaking well everywhere. Lists of the best games, of the worst games, of the worst boxart, of games to watch, of the best NES games, of the most kid-friendly games, lists of the greatest lists.But what's that? You want more lists? You're insane! But Famitsu hears you! The venerable Japanese publication just published its top games of 2007, based on the magazine's review scores, and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (the game that collects gongs and awards like they're going clean out of fashion) romped to top spot, thanks to its near-perfect 39/40 score.The DS had other representatives in Famitsu's top 25, with Kousoku Card Battle: Card Hero (12th), Itadaki Street (21st), Gyakuten Saiban 4 (24th) and Final Fantasy IV (25th) all making their presence felt. Go past the break for the entire top 25, and join us in marveling at the Xbox 360 doing something right in Japan.%Gallery-4748%
Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/11-2/17
The DS reclaimed second place for hardware, managing to inch past the PSP on this week's chart. A bunch of new releases helped the handheld's sales, as fifteen of the top thirty games last week were DS titles. Hardware: Wii: 78,583 Nintendo DS: 62,362 PSP: 59,645 PlayStation 3: 17,637 PlayStation 2: 11,266 Xbox 360: 2,198 The top contender for the dual-screened portable last week was the Japanese dating sim, Tokimeki Memorial: Girl's Side 2nd Season, which beat everything except Smash Bros. and Wii Fit. Meanwhile, After-School Boy and Doraemon Baseball were knocked out of the top thirty, but remained in the top fifty (along with Rune Factory 2). Overall, though, it was a great software week for the DS. If you want to see why, check out the numbers after the break.
DS Daily: Such a Square (Enix)
There's a lot of potential Square Enix on the horizon. Between The World Ends with You, Final Fantasy remakes, Dragon Quest remakes, new Dragon Quests, Border of Madness, Final Fantasy Tactis A2, and Crystal Chronicles, that's quite a lot of DS love. Oh, and let's not forget Kingdom Hearts. So, are you a Square Enix fan? If so, what game are you most hoping for or looking forward to? See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Final Fantasy IV -- The World Ends with You -- Final Fantasy Tactics A2
Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/4-2/10
Aside from Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, the best seller for the DS last week was L, the Prologue to Death Note: Rasen no Wana. It's no surprise that this game did well in Japan, as it's based off a popular anime series. It wasn't enough to help the DS overcome the PSP or Wii this week, though, as Brawl and Mobile Suit Gundam kept their respective systems on top easily. Wii: 81,737 PSP: 75,912 Nintendo DS: 60,464 PlayStation 3: 23,985 PlayStation 2: 11,038 Xbox 360: 3,615 The rest is the same story as last week, with After-School Boy managing to stay in the top thirty, and a new Brain Age-like game thrown in. Check after the break to get a look at the software rankings and sales.
Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/28-2/3
It's a sad day for the DS in Japan. As Media Create's hardware figures from last week were released, we found out that not only the Wii topped the DS (like the week before), but also the PSP managed to overtake the dual-screened handheld. Hardware: Wii: 94,473 PSP: 72,528 Nintendo DS: 67,472 PlayStation 3: 41,796 PlayStation 2: 12,115 Xbox 360: 6,060 According to Media Create, the DS only had one game in the top ten (Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games). That's not surprising, since there were many new releases on other systems, but it's far from the DS dominance that we're used to. Still, it was nice to see some low-key games like After-School Boy, Taiko Drum Master, and Doraemon Baseball getting love in Japan. Check after the break to see the full list of software rankings from last week.
2008's Biggest Blips: Final Fantasy IV
Developer: Square Enix/Matrix SoftwarePublisher: Square EnixRelease: TBALately, Square Enix has been on this remake kick. If it's a game and they made it, they're probably remaking it for the DS. While we're completely okay with that, it's getting somewhat difficult to keep track of what's going on in which game. Not only must fans keep track of the latest games, and forthcoming titles, but now we've also got to dredge up all the old details on what happened when back in the day. To that end, we've put together a handy guide of what to expect in Final Fantasy IV.The action begins with the downfall of Dark Knight Cecil Harvey, who has begun to question just what his king is really up to. His good friend, Kain Highwind and girlfriend, Rosa Farrell, stand by their man as they set off on the beginning of an epic quest to (what else?) save the day. It's never quite that simple, though; the groups separate, and new people come and go. There is high drama and political intrigue, rebellion and amnesia. No, wait, that last was in another game or two. Well, you can at least expect a few malboros and cactuars. Er, wait, no cactuars in Final Fantasy IV. But you will get to travel to the Near East and visit exotic Aht Urghan ... hang on, no, that's Final Fantasy XI. Listen, we're pretty certain there's a spoony bard and some airships. Also, Aeris dies. Oh, that's not this one, either? Damn! Okay, okay, here's what we know for sure:1) There will be some sort of epic crisis. Burning things in the sky = doubleplusungood 2) This one group of dudes? They are the only ones who can save the day. Thankfully, not the 8-Bit Theater guys. 3) Said dudes will be dressed in elaborate and often impractical outfits, which may or may not feature wings, buckles, and/or zippers. 4) Hair will be serious business. 5) There will be some guy named Cid. 6) Ditto Wedge and Biggs. 7) There will be ether, but not the happy-fun-friendly anesthetic. 8) There will certainly be math. We can't explain this one. As for the rest ... what, you expected we'd spoil it for you? No way! You'll have to wait for the DS game to finally get its English-language release. Unless, of course, you've played it before. If that's the case, you know it's awesome. What do you need us for?%Gallery-3278% Shiren the Wanderer Back Punk's not dead
Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27
We apologize for being late with Japan's sales figures from last week, but when we saw the Wii overtake the DS, we needed a minute to recover. Our beloved handheld was pushed out of the top spot in Japan? If you need to see it to believe it: Wii: 79,000 DS: 74,000 PSP: 61,000 PS3: 29,000 PS2: 11,000 Xbox 360: 4,200 That's right, folks. According to Famitsu's numbers, the DS was dethroned last week by Nintendo's other system, the Wii. We crosschecked the numbers with Media Create's figures just to be sure, which (to our relief) had the DS ahead by a smidge. Since both numbers are equally credible (we use Famitsu numbers because they come out first), we were glad to see that the Wii didn't triumph as a clear winner. Still, we came to realize something -- Super Smash Bros. Brawl just came out in Japan. Once the sales numbers for the game hit the charts (next week), the Wii will probably blow the DS (and every other system) out of the water. The DS also slacked slightly in software (compared to previous weeks). While games for the handheld still littered the charts, they didn't dominate over other titles as much as usual. Doraemon Baseball (which we haven't heard much of since its debut) did jump up into the number eight spot, though, while Final Fantasy IV fell out of the top twenty completely. Also, Exit DS came out in Japan last week, starting its run with only 5,500 sales. Check after the break to see the rest of the software sales for the week of 1/21.
Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/14-1/20
The DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games premiered last week, immediately shooting to the top of the charts. Only Wii Fit could keep the game from taking the number one spot. Aside from Mario & Sonic and the Professor Layton sequel, though, most DS games found themselves in the bottom half of the top twenty. Rune Factory 2 even threatens to slip off completely after a few promising weeks.As for the hardware numbers, it's the same old story. The DS continues to sell well, and once again takes the #1 spot with Japanese gamers.Hardware: DS: 91,000 Wii: 76,000 PSP: 65,000 PS3: 32,000 PS2: 13,000 Xbox 360: 4,400 The Japanese software numbers for the week of 1/14 are listed after the break.
Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/7-1/13
The PSP might be inching closer to the DS in hardware sales, but the dual-screened handheld continues to dominate the software charts. Half of the games in the top twenty were DS games, while the Wii, PSP, PS2 and PS3 shared the other half.Many of the top games were old favorites, but relative newcomers like Final Fantasy IV and Rune Factory 2 did well, too. Professor Layton 2 continues to help its predecessor sell more copies, giving the original Layton a chance to reach one million sales. For the most part, though, it was a quiet and predictable week in the Land of the Rising Sun.Hardware: DS: 103,000 PSP: 84,000 Wii: 82,000 PS3: 34,000 PS2: 15,000 Xbox 360: 5,500 The software sales can be seen after the break.
DS Daily: Experienced
I was reminded by Leigh Alexander's adorable childhood Phantasy Star II fanworks of my own recent, abortive attempts to replay the game. What was shockingly doable when I was 11 is now painful and a little tedious. We have been coddled by role-playing games with sensible level progressions and relatively small dungeons (with automaps, even -- when was the last time you got graph paper out for a dungeon?) With Final Fantasy III already out and IV on the way, as well as Dragon Quests aplenty, Ys, Shiren the Wanderer and even remakes of PlayStation-era RPGs, the DS is going to be neck-deep in antiquated RPGs soon. How many of you have managed to get through an old-school RPG in the modern era? If so, did you have experience with them when they were new?
Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/31-1/6
The big news with last week's sales numbers is not that the DS managed to top 300,000 again, but that the New Super Mario Bros. broke five million in Japan. Not only that, but the game took the sixteenth spot in today's Famistu chart. Also showing legs is Mario Kart DS, which sold 68,000 copies to take the number eight spot. While it's no surprise that Mario Kart does well week after week (after week), we didn't expect it to make the top ten. We're also happy to see some new DS blood enter the ring, with Rune Factory 2 selling 56,000 in its debut. The rise in sales from the previous week was most likely due to the New Years holiday, which is a popular shopping period in Japan. These numbers are almost certainly not sustainable, though, so we should see a big difference next week. Of course, we fully expect that the DS will end up on top, as always, with a smattering of its games in the top ten. Check after the break to see the numbers, with NSMB sales tacked on for good measure.
Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/24-12/31
We were finally able to get our greedy little hands on the Japanese sales numbers from Famitsu for the week of 12/24, and came to find that the DS had another great week.Unsurprisingly, the DS took the top spot in hardware sales, moving 195,000 units. While this was a drop from the week before's incredible numbers, it certainly isn't a bad showing for the three-year-old handheld.In terms of software, Final Fantasy IV is continuing to sell well, meaning that more remakes in the series are sure to follow. The other Square-Enix remake on the charts, Dragon Quest IV, managed to go platinum this week. Mario Party DS, meanwhile, was the only other DS game to make the top ten, as the Professor Layton sequel slipped to the number eleven spot.To see the hardware and software sales numbers for the the week of 12/24, check after the break.
Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/17-12/23
Another week in Japan has come and gone, which means yet another week of ridiculous success for the DS. The hardware managed to top 300k for the week, while heavy hitters like Final Fantasy IV, Dragon Quest IV, and Mario Party DS littered the top ten in the software charts. It was also a good week for baseball game Dorabase, which debuted at the number nine spot with 96k, selling 90% of it's total stock. Hardware: DS: 319,000 Wii: 264,000 PSP: 162,000 PS3: 51,000 PS2: 24,000 Xbox 360: 8,100 Check after the break to see the software numbers for 12/17-12/23 in Japan.
Final Fantasy IV ads remind us: CG is great
With the Final Fantasy IV remake out today, Square Enix wants to make sure to get all the crazies out lined up in Akihabara -- and maybe a few 'expanded audience' members as well. To that end, they've debuted a series of short commercials that show off the game's stunning cutscenes. They accidentally left some real gameplay in the commercials too, which you can see towards the end. Final Fantasy VII sold gobs, and its advertising was totally CG-focused, so why change?But wait, there's more! In addition to the two commercials embedded in this post (one of which is after the break) there are three other commercials on the Final Fantasy IV website. It's so weird to see the Final Fantasy IV characters rendered like this. Especially Cecil, who we used to think of as manly.[Via NeoGAF]
