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Joystiq hands-on: White Knight Chronicles
click to enlarge Sony and Level-5's latest role-playing collaboration, White Knight Chronicles, has been out in Japan since December, but we recently got a chance to check out a partially localized version of the game at Sony Gamers Day 2009. Starting up the demo, we were treated to an intro cinematic featuring final English voice-over. The sequence, featuring the game's hero Leonard and his party gearing up for their quest, immediately dispelled any doubt that Level 5 -- known for a typically more anime or cel-shaded art style -- could pull off an immensely detailed, more "mature" looking RPG. The cutscene also left us hopeful the voice acting we were hearing remained as solid throughout the entirety of the final game. Speaking of sound, Sony confirmed to us that it's planning to implement voice chat in the US and European versions of White Knight Chronicles, something that was painfully absent from the Japanese release. We're told it's not 100% set in stone, but the dev and localization teams "really want to make it happen." %Gallery-51356%
White Knight Chronicles receives a 29/40 from Famitsu
Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu has reviewed the upcoming Level-5 RPG White Knight Chronicles and they weren't too impressed it, giving the PS3 exclusive a score of 29/40 (7,8,7,7). The reviewers didn't care for a number of elements in the game, such as the in-game menus, battle controls, chatting (apparently it was difficult to chat while moving around) and overly simplistic battle system. However, they did praise the game's customizable combos, epic battles and gorgeous looking world. Finally, the game length is said to clock in at about 30 hours.This doesn't bode well for White Knight Chronicles -- but do keep in mind that Famitsu has had rather strange opinions in the past -- they gave the universally panned Haze a 34/40 (9,8,9,8).[Via PS3Hyper]
White Knight Chronicles prequel manga goes live
Level-5's first big PS3 RPG, White Knight Chronicles, is hitting Japan very soon. In order to get the populace ready for this epic adventure, the official Japanese site now features a beautifully illustrated prequel manga. Simply click on "Special" at the top of the site to get a peek at the first issue. Sure, it's in Japanese, but for fans that are eagerly awaiting this game, this is a nice way of seeing the expansive world of WKC.
White Knight Story gets four-player online co-op
While we await official confirmation of a rumored Dec. 25 release date for Sony and Level-5's top-tier console RPG, White Knight Story, Japan's Dengeki PlayStation reports that the game will feature online co-op for up to four players. As detailed in the magazine's latest issue, the online component will employ a lobby system for match-making, with each room maxing out at 16 players. Up to four players can then form an adventuring party and tackle quests with the aid of in-game chat. Whether these are online-specific quests – or if the chat is voice-based – is unclear; hopefully we'll get some answers when Tokyo Game Show gets underway tomorrow (late tonight for us in the States). [Via PS3 Fanboy]
White Knight Story will feature online co-op mode
Japanese gaming magazine Dengeki PlayStation reveals in its latest issue an online co-op mode for the Level-5 RPG White Knight Story. This online mode is independent of the story mode, but will feature characters from the single-player mode. Here is how it works: a lobby will accommodate 16 players, who will then be separated into groups of up to four in order to tackle quests and challenges. This mode will also give players a way to chat with one another. White Knight Story will be playable at TGS, so we'll let you know our thoughts on the game when we get some hands-on time with it. [Via PS3Hyper]
10 brand new White Knight Story screenshots
Click for high-res image With a Japanese release date finally hammered down for White Knight Story, expect to see a barrage of new info and media pouring in the following months. To kick start this impending influx of cavalier RPGness, we've found some delectable screenshots of Level-5's new adventure. You can see the new images in our gallery below; be sure to check them out.%Gallery-32266%
Rumor: White Knight Story hits Japan Dec. 25
First there was the "day of awakening" teaser. Next up: a report that Famistu had dated White Knight Chronicles (White Knight Story for the States) for December 11 in Japan. Now there's yet another report that Famistu has interviewed the game's director, who purportedly confirms a Christmas day release for the game, now subtitled "Wave of the Ancient."The magazine scan at the source link has what looks like an altered info box, and, until we can get a hold of the issue in question ourselves, we're waiting on official word out of the game's publisher – that would be Sony – before getting our hopes up. Anyway, it's a Japanese release date we're talking about here ... even if it makes a 2008 launch across the Pacific, the necessary localization steps might not put it on these shores until mid- to late 2009.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Famitsu: White Knight Story coming to Japan on Christmas day
According to this Famitsu scan, the PS3 exclusive White Knight Story will be released on Japan on December 25th. The four-page story features an interview with producer Akihiro Hino. A subtitle has been unveiled, which translates to Ancient Beat. Aino tells us development is nearing the end but not completed. The producer claims this is the most epic title he has worked on and mentions an aspect of the game that is only possible on the PS3. Unfortunately, no word yet on a release date outside of Japan. [Via PS3Hyper -- thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
White Knight Story Japanese release date still unannounced
Oops! Looks like we were a bit too eager to report on White Knight Story's release date. Yesterday we stated that the latest issue of Famitsu pegged the PS3 exclusive RPG's Japanese release date as December 11th. A flip through the actual magazine doesn't reveal the same date; in fact, the date is still unannounced.Fear not though, with the teaser message that appeared on the official website, we should have a lot more information on White Knight Story soon -- hopefully during Tokyo Game Show. Stay tuned! [Thanks, Jake C.!]
White Knight Story tells its tale this December in Japan
We were getting worried about White Knight Story. The yummy PS3-exclusive RPG from Level-5 looked incredible ... but then it disappeared off everyone's radars since its last showing at TGS 2007. Looks like it's a lot farther along than any of us could've imagined, with the RPG getting a Japanese release later this year. Famitsu reports that White Knight Story will be available in Japan on December 11th, just in time for the holiday season.We're eagerly awaiting TGS next month so we can get our grimey Western hands on the upcoming game. With the game nearing completion, we're hoping to be very impressed by what we see.[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]
White Knight Story release still unknown [update]
Update: Ack! It seems the release date is still unconfirmed. Why are you doing this to us, Sony? Why?Is this what the "day of awakening" was hinting at? Just a couple of days after we got that promise of new info from Sony, we hear that Famitsu has nailed down a date for White Knight Chronicles (that's White Knight Story to you and me): December 11. Now, does that mean that you'll be getting your hands on this terrifically sexy PS3 RPG anytime soon? Well, no, not necessarily. But it's certainly not bad news if you've been salivating since our 2007 hands-on with the game.[Thanks, erico316]
Sony awakens hope for White Knight Story update
The Japanese you see in the above image reads "The day of awakening is coming soon." So, that either means that Level-5's long-delayed coffee shipment is finally on the way, or we're about to (also finally) get a fresh look at its mighty big PS3-exclusive RPG, White Knight Story.Last we heard of the game, it was still on for release (in Japan, at least) before March 31, 2009. The last time we played the game was at Tokyo Game Show 2007. It's about time for an update, and, oh ... TGS 2008 is just around the corner on October 9. [Via Wired]
'Days of awakening' coming soon to White Knight Story
Some have been complaining lately that the PS3 is lacking in JRPGs, but most people forget that White Knight Story was mentioned in a Sony presentation as a game that will launch this fiscal year ending in April 2009. All we have from the PS3-exclusive Level-5 RPG thus far has been infrequent updates of screenshots and concept illustrations. But a tease on the official websites at Sony Japan and Level-5 tells us that's all about to change: "The days of wakening are coming soon." (translation courtesy of PS3Hyper) Speculation range from an announcement at Tokyo Game Show or some information in an upcoming issue of Famitsu. Stay tuned![Via PS3Hyper]
A small spread of White Knight Chronicles screenshots
Level 5's ambitious and mysterious RPG, White Knight Chronicles, has undergone a bit of a face-lift since its first trailer shown a couple of years ago. It's difficult to explain -- the graphics haven't necessary gotten better (we won't say either way until we stare at the game itself on a 1080p screen), but the style seems to have gotten a few tweaks. These screenshots from TGBus show the new style in an old context: most of them seem to come from the old trailer, but with the new style. A few screens appear new, also: the gigantic Knight battles a nasty enemy. In motion, we're sure it looks cooler, but that's all we can say for now.
White Knight Story to be told in Sony's fiscal 2008
Capping off the plethora of good information from Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai's business briefing, White Knight Story (known in Japan as Shirokishi Monogatari) is expected to arrive during Sony's Fiscal Year 2008, which is the period between now and April 2009. We haven't heard much about Level 5's epic since its showing at Tokyo Game Show in September 2007. Here's hoping we see more at next month's E3 Media and Business Summit.The other titles listed were already confirmed for FY08: MotorStorm: Pacific Rift (this Fall), Killzone 2 (February 2009), Resistance 2 (this Fall), LittleBigPlanet (October 2008), AFRIKA (August 28 for Japan) and Secret Agent Clank (already out in North America, due next month in Europe).[Via PS3 Fanboy]Source (Warning: PDF link)
Sony presentation reveals some nice surprises
Sony's Strategy presentation today revealed more than just a video download service. Some other little tid-bits of info spilled out as well. Firstly, as seen above, White Knight Story is aiming to be out this fiscal year. That means sometime between now and April 2009. No doubt we'll be seeing more of the game, as well as a less-vague release date at E3 next month. A weather and news service was also revealed as part of a new Life With PlayStation brand. This will feature an interactive globe showing real time weather reports and headlines from all over the world. This feature will also support geo-tagged photos (awesome) and other features which will be released over time. Again, we'll probably hear more about this whole Life With PlayStation brand at E3.Finally, it's been confirmed that the PSP will gain direct access to the PlayStation Store at some point during this fiscal year. Sadly, there are no more details than that. While this is definitely getting us excited for E3, we have to wonder whether Sony are keeping back any actual surprises for the event. Is it possible that they could have all this and more to reveal to us next month?Source - PS3AttitudeSource - IGN
Rumor: Dark Cloud 3 in the works for PS3
Cel-shading sages Level 5 are rumored to be working on a second PS3 project for Sony in addition to White Knight Story. Italian games magazine PSMania reports that Dark Cloud 3 is also in development by the Japanese company, using a new "open technology" engine code-named Kumo.To this day, Dark Cloud 2 remains one of the PS2's best action RPG offerings, so a sequel would obviously be a very welcome addition to PS3's library. According to PSMania, said sequel will supposedly hit Japan in March '09. We'll believe it when we see it – as in actual screenshots – in Famitsu.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
White Knight Chronicles magazine screenshot bonanza
It's been a long time since we've seen or heard anything regarding Level 5's upcoming RPG, White Knight Chronicles (the "chronicles" moniker seems popular for this generation of RPG's, really). However, Jeremiah at PS3 Forums slapped up a ton of scans from magazines in pretty excellent resolutions. Our grammar has taken a vacation because our minds are twisted in horrid ways from thinking about this game. A lot of the scans seems old, many of the pictures we've probably posted before, but just in case these are updated screens (we think the above image is showing off the improved graphics, but aren't sure) or a new page here or there, we're bringing them to your attention. Let's hope this game pops up at E3 or TGS later this year.
Hungry for more White Knight Story scans?
We know, it's like Famitsu has new scans of this game every time we turn our heads. While it might not be important to some, it's worth noting in these scans that your characters do in fact change their clothes. This is something we're sure Level 5 is carrying over from Rogue Galaxy and it's nice to see them implementing it again. Or if that doesn't interest you, there are a few more battle screenshots to check out, including some of a giant knight battle. There's also a few images of the new enemy the knight is fighting -- it looks pretty creepy even in concept art form. Enjoy!
Another handful of White Knight Story shots
Magazines just love Level 5's White Knight Story. Famitsu has released some new looking screenshots and, while a bit fuzzy, show off some brighter colors than we've really seen so far. We've got another screenshot of the battle system in progress, the main character and two others staring down a bunny-dog-like creature, and then a giant boss that can only be described as ... um ... trendy? He's got a nice scarf. And giant club. Enjoy!
