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360's Eternal Sonata briefly tops Amazon Japan charts
While not a chorus of evidence that the Xbox 360 is on the way to acceptance in the Japanese market, news that the Japanese-developed RPG Trusty Bell (that's Eternal Sonata for those of us outside Japan) made it to the top spot on Amazon would seem to indicate some success for Microsoft's white box. This is reminiscent of two other highly anticipated Xbox 360 titles that managed to persuade unimpressed Japanese gamers to consider the Xbox 360: Blue Dragon and Gears of War. Though the title has since dropped from the number 1 to the number 3 place on Amazon's sales charts, we imagine the boys in Redmond are more saddened by the realization that -- at least according to the ESRB -- this erstwhile Xbox 360-exclusive is most likely going multiplatform. [Via X3F] %Gallery-2144%
Eternal Sonata No. 1 on Amazon Japan
The Xbox 360, to put it mildly, hasn't fared terribly well in Japan thus far. Routinely selling only a couple thousand units every week, the 360 needs a serious kick in the pants if Microsoft hopes to make even a modest dent in the Japanese market. For this reason, it's heartening to see an Xbox 360 game claw its way to the top of the Amazon Japan bestseller list. The game in question is the Namco Bandai RPG Eternal Sonata, known as Trusty Bell in Japan. It would seem that demand has crescendoed (get it?) before the game's launch, slated for June 14 according to Amazon Japan. Granted, Amazon is a fickle beast. The number one bestseller could change next week, tomorrow, or even in a couple of hours, but it's nice to see a 360 title beat out the PS2 and even the mighty DS. The only question now: does Eternal Sonata have the power to sell Xbox 360s in Japan? We'll know soon enough. [Thanks, alesul] %Gallery-3661%
X3F hands-on: Eternal Sonata
If you're crafty enough to find it, an Eternal Sonata demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. We downloaded the demo yesterday and took it for a spin. First thing's first, the game is very pretty. While the geometry is actually very simple, the art style and the cel shaded characters are just jaw-dropping. The animation is well done and even the voice acting is decent (the demo features full English dialogue and menus). The big question is: how does it play? Read on to find out.
Japanese Eternal Sonata demo works in U.S.
Find yourself hankering for a whimsical, musical adventure? If so, we hope you didn't delete all those incredibly legitimate foreign Xbox Live accounts from your beloved 360. You see, a demo for Trusty Bell (Eternal Sonata in the States) has landed on the Japanese Marketplace. Now, considering Microsoft's recent crackdown (no, not that Crackdown) on foreign content downloading, this shouldn't really be big news. That's all well and good, but it turns out that the demo works just fine on U.S. consoles. Even better, it features full English dialogue and menus. Why does it work? Why isn't it blocked by Microsoft's newfangled security measures? Our guess is that the security measures are mostly a one-way affair. In other words, they are for keeping U.S. content in, and not for keeping non-U.S. content out. Whatever the reason is, we suggest all of our RPG-starved readers get to downloading. Any luck downloading this for our European friends? [Via Joystiq]
'Japan-only' Eternal Sonata demo works in U.S.
Let's say, just for kicks, that you were the type that really wanted to play the demo for the upcoming RPG Eternal Sonata. Let's say, again, that you hear that the demo was now on Xbox Live, but it was only for gamers in Japan. Now you have, well, let's call him a Japanese friend that will let you use his Xbox Live account for things like this, only you heard that scam arrangement wouldn't work anymore. Well, call your "friend" and get his permission: U.S. gamers have been playing the thing all morning. What's more? The demo offers full English menus and dialog. Far be it from us to look a gift demo in the mouth, but isn't this the sort of thing that was supposed to not happen anymore? Was there some part of "you will find that these new security measures will only allow you to purchase and download content that is licensed in the country where you are located" that we misunderstood? Again, we're not complaining, we're all about one planet united under games. We're just curious what changed along the way.
1UP previews Eternal Sonata
1UP has posted a video discussion about Eternal Sonata, the upcoming RPG from Namco Bandai. Not too many new details are revealed, though we do learn a few things about the game's plot and a few tidbits about the combat engine. The plot revolves around a group of young heroes trying to put a stop to the machinations of one Count Waltz (waltz, get it?). The local forest is being destroyed by a mining operation digging for mineral powder. It seems that this powder is a miracle cure, similar to a floral powder already in use. However, Waltz has decreed that mineral powder shall be exempt from taxation, effectively killing the market for floral powder. The catch is that mineral powder actually makes people dangerously psychotic. Naturally, our heroes are out to get to the bottom of things.
Eternal Sonata trailer to please... if it really goes to PS3
We here at PS3 Fanboy remain cautiously optimistic about the ESRB website's listing of Eternal Sonata as both a 360 and PS3 title -- timed exclusive or simultaneous release, we don't care. Since the Sony consoles are stereotypically dubbed the role-playing, platformer, action, sports, strategy, experimental genre, whatever system (hmm, something seems off), this game would make a great addition to what's historically helped Sony succeed. Check out the trailer -- it's not entirely new, but a few gameplay snippets are more recent. Anyone speak Japanese and care to translate? In any case, the game looks great. Super smooth. Let's keep our fingers crossed. [via Joystiq]
Today's most on-tempo video: Eternal Sonata trailer
The RPG all the cool kids are talking about, Eternal Sonata, has a new Japanese trailer that's our pick for tonight's video. Called Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream in its home country, the video doesn't show too much more than we've seen, especially for those of us who don't understand Japanese. Still, the possibly multiplatform game should sound sweet to its fans. See the video after the break, or visit GameTrailers for the HD version. %Gallery-2144%
PlayStation 3 snags Eternal Sonata
Here's a complete change of what Sony and the PlayStation 3 are used to! A previously announced XBox 360 exclusive meant to boost sales in the land of the rising sun (and some gamers in other areas) has decided to go multi-platform. We're not here to gloat about it, because that'd make no sense. It's happened to us, so we should just go on with the day. The game we've gotten a hold of is Eternal Sonata, one of the anticipated role-playing titles that might have made the 360 appealing to Japanese gamers. This is coming directly from the oft-dependable ESRB ratings website, where the title is listed as both a 360 and PS3 game. Does Microsoft have a timed exclusive, or will it be released simultaneously on both consoles? It probably won't boost PS3 sales that greatly (the 360 is still a cheaper alternative) in Japan or otherwise, but if Sony can grab as many third-party titles as multiplatform as possible, the prospect of so many fantastic games to come in the future may just sway some consumers to buy the PS3... if they're relatively close to the edge on the decision. Now we can all enjoy the very pretty looking Eternal Sonata! Probably.
ESRB lists Eternal Sonata on Xbox 360 ... and PlayStation 3
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/ESRB_lists_Eternal_Sonata_on_PlayStation_3_in_addition_to_Xbox_360'; It's not just PS3 to 360. It looks like this whole exclusivity thing can go the other way, too. The ESRB, always good for spoiling a future press release, lists the heretofore Xbox 360-exclusive action-RPG Eternal Sonata as both an Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 title. If the ESRB's listing is accurate, it's unknown if Eternal Sonata would be released on the PlayStation 3 in Japan, where it's cited as a particularly strong Xbox 360 offering for the market. The title is scheduled for a June 2007 Japanese release under the title Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream and a 2007 North American release. We've asked Namco to comment on the ESRB listing. %Gallery-2144% [Thanks, NewbieZilla]
360 bundle rings a (Trusty) Bell in Japan
As a rule, if you want to sell consoles in Japan, you'd better have some good RPGs available. Microsoft knows this, and is doing everything in its power to secure some decent Japanese titles for it's uphill battle in the Land of the Rising Sun. Late last year, Microsoft released a Blue Dragon bundle, which quickly sold out and gave the Xbox 360 a hearty but brief boost. Microsoft looks to repeat that success by bundling the 360 with the upcoming RPG from Namco and tri-Crescendo, Trusty Bell (known as Eternal Sonata in the west). X3F readers will recall that Eternal Sonata left Joystiq with a good impression in March. The bundle will include an Xbox 360 core system, Trusty Bell, and a special soundtrack DVD. The bundle's price has not yet been set. Of course, you can tack on the price of a memory card or hard drive to the bundle's price, as players won't be able to save their progress otherwise. While Trusty Bell isn't likely to have the same impact as Blue Dragon, it is expected that the RPG will generate a small amount of "buzz" for the console. The new bundle will be available on June 14th in Japan. [Via Xbox-Scene]
Video: Eternal Sonata battle and story
GameVideos has posted some footage from the upcoming Eternal Sonata, Namco's magical adventure starring Chopin and his musical cohorts. The video embedded above showcases the game's combat engine, which was detailed by Joystiq last week. Players will have 5 seconds to deal as much damage as possible. The combat plays out in real time but the five second timer only drains when players are moving or performing actions. In other words, players have as much time as they need to come up with a strategy before actually moving. All in all, it looks like a very interesting combat system and should provide a nice change of pace for RPG fans that are sick of turn based combat. The second video displays some of the game's story elements. We have to issue a warning though. The video is technically safe for work, but passerby may question your manhood if they see you watching it (as long as you happen to be a man, of course). The graphics are bright and colorul, making good use of outlining characters in a cartoon style. It's not exactly cel shading but it's close. Check out the second video after the break.
Joystiq plays Eternal Sonata, new screens
Joystiq got a chance to sit down and get some play time with the upcoming Eternal Sonata, known as Trusty Bell in Japan. We've been intrigued by the title's quirky premise (Chopin and his magical, musical friends go on a whirlwind adventure) ever since Eternal Sonata was first announced. Joystiq reports that the game's combat system is actually real time. Characters still take turns fighting, but each character has approximately five seconds per turn to deal as much damage as possible. Extending the real time combat is a battle system called Echoes. Essentially, as you string together melee attacks, you build the strength of potential spells. The Echoes system is also used to power up party based spells. Joystiq also reveals that there is no traditional overworld map and that players are free to explore as they wish. Additionally, there are 10 playable characters and players may organize their 4 person party in any manner that they wish, though certain situations will require the use of certain characters. Hit the "read" link for Joystiq's detailed impressions. Also, check out the Eternal Sonata gallery for plenty of beautiful screen shots.
Hands-on impressions and English screens of Eternal Sonata
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Hands_on_impressions_and_English_screens_of_Eternal_Sonata_Trusty_Bell'; Better known as Trusty Bell to the kids on the street, Namco Bandai's action-RPG is set for a worldwide release this Summer on the Xbox 360. Though missing in action since its Tokyo Game Show debut last September, we recently got our hands on Eternal Sonata, complete with fully English text and voice overs. And while the new screenshots don't offer a glimpse, we also got to check out all ten playable characters in Chopin's journey. From our brief time with Tri-Crescendo's epic in the making, it's clear that Eternal Sonata is every bit as incredible as it looks. %Gallery-2144%
Trusty Bell Update: New screenshots and website
Known as Eternal Sonata on this side of the ocean, Tri-Crescendo's (Baten Kaitos, Baten Kaitos Origins) Xbox 360 RPG Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream is gearing up for a Summer release in Japan. Details have been scarce since its incredible Tokyo Game Show debut this past year and today a slew of new screenshots and artwork have popped up. The official site has also been updated with a brand-new look, as well as a direct-feed version of the original trailer, last seen at the Tokyo Game Show. Trusty Bell will be hitting the streets of Japan in June and with any luck, the States by the end of this year. Read - The latest Trusty Bell Screenshots Read - A newly outfitted website for Trusty Bell [Update - We made the classic Ace/Crescendo mix-up. Thanks, Taf!]
Eternal Sonata screens drip with happiness
Alright, we're excited about Eternal Sonata. That's a given now. We want to play it and enjoy its wonderful Chopin-has-magical-friends story. We want it bad. Maybe that makes us just a little strange, but we don't care. It looks wondrous and we hope there are unicorns in it. If you're like us and aren't afraid to admit your addiction to child-like wonder, you may be interested in scoping out some new screens of Eternal Sonata over at Xboxygen. They are filled with color, sparkles, and baguettes. Hit the "read" link to enjoy them all.
Trusty Bell: new scans, Japan release date
Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream (known as Eternal Sonata in the west) has finally received a Japanese release date. Featured in the latest Famitsu, Bandai Namco's Trusty Bell will arrive in Japan on June 14th. For those that don't know (the game has been off the radar since TGS) Trusty Bell is an RPG involving Chopin (the composer), a dream world, and lots of interesting characters. With a Japanese release date of June 14th, we just might see the US localization before next year. In the meantime, check out some fresh scans at Xboxyde. See also: GameStop: Blue Dragon roars in June
TGS: Wanna play a 360 RPG? Get in line
So, you're at the Tokyo Game Show and you want to play one of those new fangled Xbox 360 RPGs like Blue Dragon, Trusty Bell, or Lost Odyssey. Then you probably shouldn't have had that bag of bran muffins and coffee earlier, because that is one long line. 1UP is reporting that show goers were waiting in line for up to two hours to get a chance to play Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey. The article notes that lines aren't uncommon, and that the Squeenix line is longer, but it does show that the Japanese have a marked interest in these two titles. Could the 360 actually be gaining ever precious mindshare in Japan? With only 100,000 (recently discounted) PS3s this holiday and only a minor price difference between the Wii and the 360 Core System/Blue Dragon bundle, only time will tell. [Thanks, The1] 360 at the Tokyo Game Show: Eternal Sonata gameplay/combat video Metal Slug blasts its way onto XBLA Lost Planet and Viva Piñata video Microsoft TGS briefing video now available DOAX2 video makes us feel naughty
Trusty Bell confirmed for US release
At least, that's assuming Namco Bandai is only releasing one RPG set within the mind of a dying composer next year. The official press release reveals a new RPG called Eternal Sonata and describes the inevitably epic story as such: The story of Eternal Sonata begins as a famous composer, on his deathbed, drifts between this life and the next. In his reverie, a happenstance encounter of a young girl who accepts her terrible destiny and a young boy fighting to save her, changes the destiny of the world. Though piano maestro Chopin (not pronounced chop-in') isn't directly mentioned, it seems safe to assume that Eternal Sonata and Trusty Bell have his final and frighteningly colorful dreams in common. Judging by the TGS trailer, screenshots and IGN's preview, Eternal Sonata features absolutely charming graphics, classy music and a turn-based combat system that seems slightly reminiscent of those found in Xenogears and two thirds of Xenosaga. We certainly look forward to playing the English version next year and facing off against an evil, bio-mechanical Beethoven boss.
TGS: Eternal Sonata gameplay/combat video
A new video of Eternal Sonata (the western name for Namco's Trusty Bell) has popped up over at GameVideos. More than just a showcase for the pretty environments, fans will be happy to know that the video shows off the game's previously unknown combat engine. The combat, as far as we can tell, is similar to Grandia but with real time elements. Each character has a limited amount of time to execute real time combos and spells. Then the enemy has a similar amount of time to retaliate. One might assume that higher level characters have more time to act. At any rate, it might give turn based haters a reason to take another look at Eternal Sonata. Turn based haters ... sounds like the name of a band. See the video after the break.
