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Free Patapon, Patchwork Heroes, and more in Vita anniversary sale
For the second week of the North American Vita anniversary sale, Sony is just giving you some free games. These aren't even free for PlayStation Plus members, for as long as you have a Plus account – they're just free. Just download them between tomorrow and March 11. The freebies include PSOne Classic RPG Wild Arms, and PSP games Patapon, Piyotama, and Patchwork Heroes. They're accompanied by some other discounts of less than 100%. Through the 11th, 18 games are on sale for 30% off or 50% off for Plus, including BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend, Dokuro, Knytt Underground, Lego Batman 2, Retro City Rampage, Sine Mora, and more.
Wild Arms dev working on PS3/PSP game with worldwide appeal
Media Vision, best known for the Wild Arms RPG series, is working on a new project for PlayStation 3 and PSP. New job listings suggest that the project is quite early in production, and is expected to be "a massive project that will span a long term." While the listing describes the Wild Arms series as being "representative of Japan," this new title for Sony platforms will be one that "appeals to users not just in Japan, but around the world as well." This new project is only the latest in a growing trend of Japanese RPG developers attempting to create a title with worldwide appeal. Most recently, Square Enix made two versions of Nier in an effort to better appeal to Western sensibilities. It'll be interesting to see what approach Media Vision takes for its new globally-focused project. [Via Andriasang]
New Square Enix RPG coming to the iPhone this year
A job posting on a Japanese developer's site has hinted that Square Enix will be releasing a brand new RPG on the iPhone sometime later this year. Media.Vision has posted that they're seeking to fill a number of positions related to building an RPG on Apple's platform in conjunction with Square Enix. The Final Fantasy Ring fansite says that the game will be called Chaos Ring, and will by produced by the same team that made the popular Wild Arms console series. FFRing also says (via Japanese translation) that the game will be a 3D title, and it will feature a storyline concerning five pairs of warriors who fight to the death for the right to eternal youth. Each game stage will consist of a ring of battles with a boss in the center, and some choice in how the player takes on enemies -- more challenge for more risk. It sounds intriguing. Square Enix has been seeing some success with its older titles on the iPhone, and we know it's got a few original titles already in the pipeline for Apple's platforms. It'll be great to see what they can cook up for the App Store. [via TA]
Wild Arms 2 rated by ESRB
Finishing up Final Fantasy VII? (Wow, you're fast!) Don't worry, looks like there's even more classic PSone RPG goodness coming your way. Siliconera discovered an ESRB rating for Wild Arms 2. With games like Metal Gear Solid finally coming out on the PlayStation Store, it looks like Sony is finally doing good on its promise of delivering more PS1 games. Remember folks, these games can play on both your PS3 and PSP.
This Week in Review: Wild, Blissful and Hands-on
Last week's inaugural This Week in Review was largely centered around Nintendo phenomenon Super Smash Bros. Brawl. While we still have a handful of impressions this week, we also have the incredibly awesome (except not really) Bliss Island. Check out all of our hands-on impressions and reviews from the Joystiq Network this week:PlayStation Portable PSP Fanboy Review: Wild Arms XF PlayStation 3 PS3 Fanboy Review: Rocketmen: Axis of Evil (X3F review) Hands-on with Nyko's Zero controller
Brief Wild ARMs XF trailer tells all the basics
In case you're interested in Wild ARMs XF but haven't read our interview with Akifumi Kaneko, then perhaps this brief English trailer will grab your short attention span. In just one minute, the trailer tells you every basic detail you'll need to know about the title's gameplay. This comes in as a nice little info-jolt as this PSP-exclusive strategy RPG will be out soon -- March 11 to be exact.
Wild Arms PS2 connectivity removed
The Japanese release of Wild Arms XF featured connectivity with the PS2 version of Wild Arms XF. Players were able to unlock extra characters in the PS2 game by hooking up the two systems. However, that functionality has been removed for the US release. Why? Well, don't get too upset. XSEED's Jimmy Soga told Siliconera, "to answer your question about WAXF and WA5 connectivity, there will be none for the US version. We made WA5 have all the upgrades and bonus materials in the game w/o the connectivity to the WAXF as we thought the fans will appreciate it more that way."So no one loses anything. Not bad? We don't think PS2-PSP connectivity is really going to take off any time soon, so opting out of using such a gimmick is a good thing. But, there are so many more possibilities with PS3-PSP connectivity ...%Gallery-3795%
Official Wild Arms XF website opens
Click for high-resolution image. Wow, you really must visit the official Wild Arms XF website. Why? Well, we've had the page open for the past half hour or so, simply listening to the looping soundtrack in the background. It really can be quite good: the unique mix of western and orchestral influences the Wild Arms series has always been known for. You can read up on the game, check out some pretty pictures, and more.Oh, and don't forget to see our updated gallery.%Gallery-3795%
PSP Fanboy interview: Wild ARMs XF's Akifumi Kaneko
XSEED's upcoming PSP exclusive Wild Arms game takes the series to a bold new direction. Like the great PSP games of last year, the popular RPG series is getting a taste of strategy. We got a chance to talk to producer (and scenario writer) Akifumi Kaneko about this upcoming SPRG.Where does the influence for the unique western music come from?From all the western movies I used to enjoy as a child. I think the idea of something being "cool" is a worldwide concept. I thought combining the musical style from western movies with the style from anime (Japanese cartoons) would create an original Wild ARMs soundtrack that would be considered very "cool" by many people. That is what we strive to achieve with each new game's soundtrack.Was this game originally created as a strategy-RPG?It was planned as a strategy RPG from the initial stages. The past few Wild ARMs games had become more action-based but we wanted to add more depth to the battle tactics while creating a new concept in the Wild ARMs series. Another reason was that we wanted a faster paced story element, especially since the story in Wild ARMs XF is constantly changing with many plot twists. If we kept it the same style as previous Wild ARMs games, the pace of the story gets put on hold every time the player gets lost or can't find the next dungeon. We branched off to the strategy RPG genre so that the story can be enjoyed at the speedy pace that it was meant for.%Gallery-3795%
The heroes of Wild Arms XF
Click for high-resolution image. Are you excited for the upcoming SPRG, Wild Arms XF? Sony's handheld has become the platform of choice for strategists, and XSEED plans on delivering yet another experience on the PSP. Not only do we have an overwhelming amount of new screenshots, we have character bios for you, after the break.%Gallery-3795%
Retro Review: Wild Arms
Wild ArmsPrice: $5.99Original Release Date: April 30, 1997Recommended. Is there any better deal on the PS Store at the moment? Probably not. Wild Arms is an excellent RPG that was overlooked by many, mostly due to the monstrous release of Final Fantasy VII on the original PS1. With fans eager anticipating Squaresoft's legendary RPG, many never took a chance with Wild Arms. Now, you can correct that mistake and download it to your PS3/PSP.Unsurprisingly, the game is filled with genre conventions, archetypes and stereotypes. That's expected of a game that's as old as this one. But, color us surprised at how wonderfully the storyline is executed, with its multiple narratives following different characters. You play through three paths: one of a child "dreamer" (that triggers the game's focal adventure), an Indiana Jones-like adventurer, and a magician that hears the voices of spirits. All three stories feel completely different from each other, and feature different challenges to get through. The way the story ultimately merges is well-executed -- modern games can learn a lot from Wild Arms!The battle mechanics have a surprising amount of depth to them as well. Enemy encounters are typical turn-based affairs, but a surprisingly deep magic and "force" system make things far more involving. Battles may be fun, but the dungeons themselves are even more so, with devilish puzzles challenging players every step of the way. The use of "tools" for each character in the game field is nice. We also love the "Auto Equip" feature that's rare to find in RPGs as aged as this one.The 2D graphics really shine on the PSP's small screen. Although the 3D sequences haven't aged well, the game still manages to look sharp, while maintaining a smooth framerate. A lengthy adventure awaits those that invest in Wild Arms, and at $6, it's a terrific value. Save points may not be as frequent as we'd like (this is a console game, after all). But, we have to bestow upon Wild Arms our highest recommendation. Buy it.Retro Review: 8.0
American PSN updates for December 6th
Wow! This is our first PSN Thursday update on PSP Fanboy! Following the tradition set by PS3 Fanboy, we'll provide you an overview of all the new content that's available on the PSP Store. As expected, beats headlines this week's updates -- but that's not all!Original Games: Beats ($4.99) PS1 Classics: Wild Arms ($5.99) %Gallery-11382%
PSP-exclusive Wild Arms XF confirmed for US
As one of maybe six people who seem to derive enjoyment from Sony and Media Vision's RPG series Wild Arms, I was was understandably pleased with news of publisher XSEED's intent to bring the new PSP-exclusive Wild Arms XF, or Crossfire, to North America next spring, even if those around me could care less. This latest jaunt through the Wild West-themed world of Filgaia will mark a return to the hex-based combat system used in by the previous two games in the franchise. While few other details have been revealed about the game, it's interesting to note that the Japanese version of the title supports linking between it and Wild Arms 5 for the PS2, unlocking new items and boss battles across both titles, giving the handful of us who appreciate the series another reason not to pack away our aging PS2s just yet.
Wild Arms XF coming to US in Spring 2008
Click for high resolution image. Wild Arms XF, the PSP-exclusive SRPG continuation of the popular Wild Arms series will be making its way to America courtesy of publisher XSEED. The hex-based SRPG will be available for the English speaking market in Spring 2008. You'll certainly see a lot more of this game in the coming months.Check out our updated gallery below:%Gallery-3795%
Japanese Wild Arms XF trailer mixes gameplay and J-pop
Every great Japanese RPG needs to have anime cutscenes and a bubbly J-pop intro. Wild Arms XF, the upcoming PSP-exclusive SRPG, is no different. This newly released Japanese trailer reveals gameplay, but with the usual Japanese anime-inspired trimmings. Of course, we're not complaining -- as is the case of titles like this, it's part of the charm.
New Wild Arms XF screenshots
We tried thinking up a more original headline than this. Seriously. However, there isn't much to note in this new batch of screenshots from the upcoming Wild Arms XF. It looks juts like every other anime-inspired SRPG out there, with some simple, but attractive 2D graphics, and a genre-standard HUD. Maybe a few of our more Japanese-inclined readers can decipher a few new details from the newly updated website.%Gallery-3795%
Direct-feed screenshots of the new Wild Arms XF
The floodgates have opened as new information continues to pour in about the PSP-exclusive Wild Arms XF. This strategy RPG may not feature 3D graphics like its predecessor, but it remains beautiful, thanks to some meticulously crafted sprites. See some more hot grid-based action after the break.
More details on Wild Arms XF
The official Japanese Wild Arms XF website has opened, although it doesn't provide too much information. IGN, however, has uncovered a treasure trove of new details on the upcoming PSP-exclusive SRPG: "Set once again in the land of Falgaia, Wild Arms XF tells the story of Clarisa, a knight in the army of the peaceful kingdom of Elecius. The story begins when the queen is killed in what appears to be more than just an accident." "During battle, you move the members of your party in turn with the enemies." "By connecting your PSP to your PS2 via USB, you'll unlock six secret bosses in Wild Arms 5. XF sees more benefit, as you get better items and rewards and even get to see some special events." As PSP Fanboy reader trystero said: "Handhelds and SRPGs go together like glue and ... well, more glue." Hopefully, Wild Arms XF will prove to be a worthwhile addition to the PSP library.[Thanks, Thien!]
Wild Arms XF revealed to be new SRPG
Finally! Concrete details about Wild Arms are slowly coming out of Japan. Gamers have been waiting for even the tiniest morsel of information since the game was first announced last September. New scans from Famitsu, available at Jeux-France, showcase a new look for the game, as it treads into strategy RPG territory. While fans are always welcome a new Wild Arms, some are disappointed the game is straying from its roots. With Jeanne d'Arc and Final Fantasy Tactics also coming on PSP, some are wondering if another high-profile SRPG is really all that necessary on our handheld.Regardless, the game certainly looks pretty. It appears the title will also have connectivity with Wild Arms 5 on PS2, so true fans of the series will want to pick up both. We hope to unearth more details and screenshots in the coming weeks.
Wild Arms is PSP bound! [Update 1]
According to a report just filed by our friends at IGN, Sony is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Arms RPG franchise in a big, big way. Wild Arms XF for the PSP is officially in development. It joins big-brother, Wild Arms: Fith Vanguard for the PS2, on the series roster. Previously announced, Fifth Vanguard hits stores in Japan on Devember 14th. The PSP incarnation will follow sometime in 2007.No details about the gameplay elements of the PSP game were revealed, but we'll keep a close eye on this one for you.[Via IGN][Update 1: The game is not a port. It's a "complete new work" as seen on the official Japanese website.]
