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Dragon Quest IX in full color
We've seen some of this before, particularly the lower right panel, but only in scans -- look at the difference in the full color screenshots! The production values on this are staggering; remember the jaggy screenshots from Chocobo Tales? The backgrounds in Final Fantasy III? Those games are beautiful in motion, but suffer somewhat in stills. If this comparison is any indication of what's in store for us with Dragon Quest IX, we're not sure we can handle that much awesome.
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]
First screenshots of Dragoneer's Aria
Last month, we unveiled NIS and Hitmaker's newest RPG, Dragoneer's Aria. The concept art looked a bit edgier and darker than usual PSP RPG fare. While we were excited to see a RPG on our handheld take a slightly more mature approach to the genre, we're admittedly disappointed by these new screenshots of the game, provided by Degenki Online. The graphics look primitive, with blocky character models and barren environments. The game is due out soon, so it doesn't look like this game will have the chance to improve much before its release.[Thanks, Saigon!]
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%
New scan shows some of Dragon Quest Swords' swords
Some gameplay details about Dragon Quest Swords have trickled out in the form of this Jump magazine scan and the accompanying NeoGAF thread. It seems that you'll be able to upgrade your sword during your adventure, which in itself is not a surprise, given the title of the game (it's not Dragon Quest Sword, after all). The swords themselves are cool enough to be noteworthy, as is the method of upgrading. You collect elements on your journey (the fire/ice sense of "elements" more than the molybdenum sense) and take those to a blacksmith to have swords forged. Those swords, then, naturally, have elemental attacks. Also, you gain the ability to have a freaking cool-looking sword. We've posted the scan after the break.
Dragon Quest IX screenshots fly into view
Supplementing this afternoon's Dragon Quest IX gameplay details post, we have some new screenshots of the much-anticipated RPG. Square Enix hasn't skimped on this production at all, as it already looks to be one of the most visually impressive games on the Nintendo DS. Graphics aside, the scanned Shonen Jump pages also give a glimpse of this title's character customization options and turn-based multiplayer combat. Head past the post break for a couple of the Dragon Quest IX scans.
New details to feed your Dragon Quest IX addiction
It seems some people were concerned that in trying to keep Dragon Quest fresh, the upcoming iteration might be heading too far away from the basics of the franchise -- specifically, by moving away from a turn-based combat system in favor of something a little more action-oriented. But don't worry, DQ buffs; the rumors were just that, and according to the latest Shonen Jump, DQIX will in fact retain a turn-based combat system. Also, players will be able to customize the appearance of their characters, from height and weight to hair and face, and even their costumes. There's no word yet on how extensive this system may be, but even a small dose of customization can go a long way. Next month, we hope to see more than a trickle on the upcoming DS exclusive at the Square Enix party.
The prettiest 8 bits you'll ever see: Final Fantasy footage
The Final Fantasy remakes are certainly a bizarre thing to behold. The graphics are a strange mix of new and old: redone sprites and backgrounds mix with strange particle effects gamers from the NES era dare not dream of. GameTrailers has some gameplay footage from the game, allowing you to judge whether or not this game is worth the pricey $30 entry fee when it releases later this year.
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]
Metareview: Valhalla Knights
Valhalla Knights looked so promising when it was first previewed so many months ago. Looks like it'll join the ever-growing collection of RPG failures on our system. The critics, for the most part, have bashed XSEED's latest, telling you to stay far, far away from it: 1UP (35/100) likens the experience to torture: "I can't remember the last time I felt so constricted as a gamer. Sure, running around the dungeons and slashing through enemies is enjoyable enough -- and, dare I say it, even fun at times. But as soon as you attempt to play through Valhalla Knights like its an actual game, it completely falls apart. The viselike grip Valhalla Knights holds." G4 (40/100) thinks the game is too old-school for its own good: "This is not a game for the impatient, especially since there's no in-game help system. When it comes to combat tactics or building a party, you have to learn by doing (and probably dying)." IGN (53/100) wanted to like the game, but couldn't: "Valhalla Knights succeeded at impressing me with fun, real-time combat, completely pissing me off with drawn-out quests and eventually driving me away due to the complete lack of anything resembling story progression." Ouch! Those are some of the harshest reviews we've read in quite some time. Valhalla Knights is now available in stores ... if you dare pick it up!
Final Fantasy remakes outraeously priced and dated for US
What do you think a remake of a decades-old RPG should cost? $5? $10? How about $20? Well, Square Enix has a surprise for you. The Final Fantasy remakes are heading to the US for a whopping $30 each. Final Fantasy, rated E10+, will ship to retailers on June 26, 2007. Final Fantasy II, rated T, will ship to retailers on July 24, 2007.Executive Producer Shinji Hashimoto states in the latest press release: "It is amazing to see how far Final Fantasy has come in the past twenty years, and we cannot wait to continue bringing fans more Final Fantasy titles in the next 20 years." Of course, if Square Enix continues to price games this way, gamers may not be able to afford their games. Remember the original Final Fantasy I & II collection on Game Boy Advance? Each individual UMD costs the same as that cartridge from years ago. This really is a shame, Square.Gallery: Final Fantasy I (PSP)Gallery: Final Fantasy II (PSP)
Tales of the World demands fame
Many Tales fans are excited about Tales of the World. Being able to play with fan-favorite characters from previous iterations of the series is certainly enticing--but, getting them to stay in your party is another challenge in and of itself. 1UP recently previewed the game, and found that the game is a little bit more forgiving than the typical hardcore dungeon-crawl RPG. For example, "you won't lose your loot if you're defeated -- though you may lose your clout within the city."It appears your fame, and your overall battle quality, will determine your ability to have returning Tales characters join your team permanently. "Most of the time, these 'guest' characters will be available to you for their associated quest, but you can also try to get them to join you permanently. Whether they do or not depends on their overall opinion of you, which is determined by a variety of factors that are so far unclear. We imagine you may not need to do much besides playing skillfully and avoiding death when they're with you on a quest."If you play like a second-class warrior, you'll end up with second-class partners: generic heroes that must be paid to follow you around. Like in real life, it appears you'll have to earn friendship through charisma ... or money. See a video of the game, after the cut.
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]
Radiant new screens from Tales of the World
Namco Bandai just sent us some screenshots of Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology, reminding us that this action RPG is only a few months away. Fans will love seeing their favorite Tales stars return in this fan service-filled title. In addition, the US release will feature slight gameplay tweaks from the original.Check past the cut to see ten more screenshots from the English build of the game.See also:Anime Intro, Video
Jeanne d'Arc comes to US this August [Update 1]
Jeanne d'Arc has easily been one of our most anticipated games for the system. Sony Computer Entertainment of America has just announced a US release date for this strategy RPG, and it's a little sooner than we thought. This August, players will be able to take on Level 5's latest SRPG, based very loosely on the story of Joan of Arc. Check out our previous coverage of the game, and don't forget to look at the beautiful new English screenshots, after the break. [Update 1: Sony has opened a sparse, but beautiful, official website for the game.]
XSEED announces new RPGs: Dungeon Maker & Brave Story
PSP is no stranger to the RPG genre. XSEED, publisher of the upcoming Valhalla Knights, is preparing two more adventures for PSP gamers to conquer:Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground has you creating dungeons, floor by floor, in order to capture an elusive beast, the legendary Wandering Demon. By improving the layout of your dungeon, you'll be able to lure in more exotic creatures, and fight them in real time using a variety of weapons, magics, and summoning creatures. You'll also be able to trade dungeons with a friend, when this game comes out in July.Brave Story: New Traveler is a new PSP-exclusive RPG from Game Republic (creators of Genji). You play as an eleven year old boy (pictured) whose life is changed forever when his friend Miki falls ill from a mysterious disease. He must enter the world of Vision to find the Goddess of Fortune to make his wishes come true. This RPG doesn't have a release date yet, but is expected to come out Q3.Check after the cut to see more pictures of Dungeon Maker in action.
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%
