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More Final Fantasy III scans delight
A quick hop over to RPGamer will show you a plethora of screenshots on the highly-anticipated Final Fantasy III, taken from a Japanese magazine. The scans, which contain the requisite number of moogle and chocobo, showcase some of the game's tasty concept art for the classes of characters such as Red and Black Mage, along with what we can assume is information on the game, locked away behind doors that we are unable to penetrate due to our lack of ability to translate Japanese characters. Any bilingual readers want to take a crack at translating the article? The scans also show some in-battle imagery throughout a variety of environments along with some samples of what exploration on the world map will look like. We're foaming at the mouth to see this at E3, so keep your eyes on DS Fanboy for more information as it develops.
Squeenix announces E3 lineup
If Final Fantasy isn't your thing, you'd best steer clear of the Square Enix E3 booth this year, an inescapable and mammoth bastion of all that is saucer-eyed, pointy-haired and saving the world from an ancient evil-y. We love it. Though the focus will undoubtedly be placed upon Final Fantasy XII, the full lineup of games indicates that our favorite portable platform is getting some love in the form of a remake and a spin-off! Erm, yay?To be fair, Final Fantasy III does look extremely classy and holds the distinction of being the only Final Fantasy game thus far to not have been localized. If that's not enough to convince you, the 3D graphics and rumored Wi-Fi play are sure to have you intrigued. This looks to be the most promising DS title under Square Enix's umbrella this year.Next, there's Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime. Starring one of those adorable slime things, the game has the player bouncing and stretching all over the place in a quest to stop an evil, kidnapping cartel. The press release also highlights "fierce tank battles", which sounds like it's a good thing.Finally, there's Children of Mana, the latest offspring of Square's recently revived franchise. An RPG set in whimsical lands, the most notable feature here is the four-player cooperative questing. That's a phrase I honestly hope to write more and more often as time goes by. Oh, and the GBA isn't completely ignored either--it's getting Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy VI.
Gamer feels cheated by FFXI's sneaky hidden fees [update 1]
Davis Freeberg wrote to Joystiq to let us know that he feels ripped off by the lack of disclosure about the fees required to play Final Fantasy XI for the Xbox 360. Though experienced PC MMOG players and other hardcore gamers know that games of this type typically include monthly fees, Freeberg appears to be more typical of console gamers. He expected to be able to buy the game, pop it in, and start playing. Instead, he was required to spend hours installing the game and registering for a separate online service before he was told that the game would cost $12.95 per month plus an additional $1.00 per month per character (beyond the first) he created. Deceitful marketing or clumsy mistake? Click "continue" below to see what we found.
Guild Wars: Character slots for cash coming soon
Buying virtual goods with real money is becoming a trend these days, but this new Guild Wars announcement turns the game's small number of character slots (four) into a money-spinner: starting this summer, you'll be able to buy more slots for $9.99 each. The upcoming expansion, Factions, will also provide more slots, so the number of characters on a single Guild Wars account should be approaching that of other MMOs soon.Other virtual services that cost real money include realm-to-realm character transfers (EverQuest) as well as approved real money transfer (Second Life) -- micropayments for a little bit of database juggling are on the rise, though Guild Wars at least has an excuse for charging for extra functionality, as it has no monthly fee.
Ad critic: Oblivion ad hot or not?
In our third installment of the Friday ad critic series, we bring you a more mundane ad (hey, sometimes it's just not appropriate to use sex to sell a game, but it sure makes for a less exciting ad), this time from the April issue of Computer Gaming World. This is a condensed version of a two-page Oblivion advert that ran across many gaming magazines in the month of April, and the best word to describe it might be "conventional." Is it too conventional, too standard, too boring? Does this epitome of the standard video game advertisement succeed or fail? Does the ad do justice to the game? If you're breathing and if you've been reading games media printed on dead trees, you've seen this thing in a magazine. Did it do anything for you when you first saw it? How about now? See also: Hitman ad critique, Tomb Raider ad critique.
Lost Magic preview raises some questions
1up is running a preview of Lost Magic, a game which promises to bring role-playing and real-time strategy together in wedded bliss. The superb Warcraft III certainly pulled that off with aplomb, though this game's take on that genre juxtaposition is somewhat different. For one thing, casting spells is a tad more involved than merely selecting the appropriate command from a menu. I have to wonder if that's a good thing or not. Obviously, I want the game to use the capabilities of the DS whenever possible, but only if it comes naturally from the design and not as a forced bullet-point to add to the back of the game's case. The concept should be fitted to the hardware, not the other way around. Lost Magic has the player drawing different runes in order to cast spells (with over 350 types available), with each rune triggering anything from healing spells to more pleasing fire spells.Do I really want to draw some sort of shape every single time I want to heal my magical princess? Why is that I am now forced to use the touch screen in order to accomplish something that worked just fine (and arguably more easily) with traditional controls? I think these are good questions to ask, especially in the light of many great DS games like Mario Kart DS or Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time that didn't really make full use of the stylus. I'm not judging Lost Magic by any means (yet), but 1up's preview doesn't really give me enough information to decide whether or not the rune system is inspired or gimmicky. Let me know what you think.
Final Fantasy III to support Nintendo Wi-Fi
At least, according to the British Gaming Blog it will. Citing Famitsu, the usually reliable chaps say that Squeenix's upcoming and frighteningly gorgeous Final Fantasy remake will sport some sort of Wi-Fi gameplay. Online, cooperative slaying of beasts and smashing of ancient evils? Yes please. Sticking to the topic of pointy-haired adventurers and magical princesses, Gamebrink has posted some new scans of Final Fantasy III in action. They're sure to evoke some nostalgia within you, along with the lingering desire to visit an optometrist. They're quite small and blurry. [Thanks Sense!]
Import review: Contact
Gamebrink has posted a review of Contact, currently the most anticipated DS title that doesn't involve a duo of energetic plumbers. Instead, you get an eccentric professor looking for the parts of his downed spaceship in an original RPG that supports Wi-Fi play. The article praises the game for its unique story, excellent presentation and varied locations. I especially like how the game breaks the fourth wall right off the bat, having the professor communicate to you as the player on the other side of a mysterious portable device. The professor will quiz you about some of your favorite things at the start of the game, often sharing his own opinion regarding your answers. It's a cute little gameplay device that, according to the review, really boosts the immersion factor (often quite tricky for a portable game to get right).The only qualm brought to light was the fact that the game's combat system comes across as a bit shallow. Still, if an RPG has enough personality and a great story to tell, it can often get away with such issues. It's when things are the other way around that you start having problems. The English version of Contact should be out later this year, courtesy of Atlus.[Thanks Sense!]
Bioware to show off Jade Empire 2 at E3?
X360Central reads two puts two separate BioWare interviews together and comes up with one Jade Empire sequel:April 10 FiringSqad:FiringSquad: What other hints can you give us about upcoming projects at BioWare? Ray Muzyka: We're looking forward to announcing details about our new MMO being developed in BioWare Austin in the near future. We also have an unannounced surprise or two in the works which we will also be sharing at E3 2006, in addition to showing Mass Effect there. The Dragon Age team is hard at work and we%uFFFDre very excited about how the game is looking so far!November 11 GameSpot:"BioWare definitely plans to continue the Jade Empire franchise," reads one of Muzyka's responses. "The Jade team did a great job with the first game in that series; we have great teams working on all of our games here. We've also said in the past that we're working on not just one, but two Xbox 360 titles. Enough said"So is a new Jade set in stone or does the much-admired KOTR crew have a real surprise up their Bio-sleeve?
Final Fantasy XII under attack
Despite Final Fantasy XII's critical and commercial success, haters have been flooding Internet forums with a variety of complaints. Next Generation's Tim Rogers decided to take on these criticisms, defending Square Enix's blockbuster RPG. Rogers addresses the following issues in his ambitious defense: Criticism 1: "Difficulty is too high" Criticism 2: "The game rips off of Star Wars" Criticism 3: "The music stinks" Criticism 4: "This isn't Final Fantasy... it's just a brand now" Care to rebut?
Oblivion gold cheat v2.0
One of our gold-grubbing readers sent in another Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion cheat:On Oblivion if you want an unlimited amount of money eqiup your most expensive weapon (has to be a weapon....NO ARMOR!!) Get on your horse (w/ the weapon equipped) And travel to Kvatch when you get there stay on your horse with your weapon equipped and go talk to the orc with cornrow things on her head. Sell her your equipped weapon (it doesn't disappear) Keep doing this as much as you want. You get lots of money!Nice.[Thanks FeatherKing]
Rumor: Final Fantasy XIII PS3 exclusive at E3
According to 1UP, the May issue of EGM contains a rumor that Final Fantasy XIII will be showing up at next month's E3 for "a brief teaser video and confirmation from [Square Enix] that the RPG will be a PS3 exclusive." RPG fans, rejoice!What's a little shocking is that FFXIII would be unveiled before FFXII is even released outside Japan, but "rumblings" have apparently also been picked up that "Final Fantasy XIII is practically close to being finished" already. With all the delays to XII, it's certainly more than possible that a second team working on XIII's already got something to show by now.It wasn't exactly surprising that FFXIII would show up as a PS3 exclusive--despite certain misquotes to the contrary--but you know that a new Final Fantasy is just what the next PlayStation needs (judging by how previews of FFX elevated the PS2's platform profile). Hopefully this little tidbit isn't EGM's way of stretching its April Fools' coverage to another issue (and another month).[Thanks, Spatlase Disexia]
Bioware promises Mass Effect at E3
Despite a nebulous release window somewhere between winter 2006 and winter 2007, Bioware will bring an in-depth, playable build of their epic sci-fi game Mass Effect to E3. Hyper-educated Bioware bigs Greg and Ray (who posess more degrees than the entire faculty of some community colleges) say this will be a sqad-based action RPG that tugs at the heart strings. Small consolation to those who failed their graduate thesis due to Knights of the Old Republic. What kind ot mass effect will Bioware have to achieve to top the current elder of RPGs?
Screenshot roundup: FFXI, X-Men, Rumble Roses, more
Just when you thought Rumble Roses XX couldn't get any more scandalous, they go and release even more screenshots of the battling beauties (hey, no complaints here). This title will be hitting shelves just next week, so we probably won't be seeing many more after this. And let's not forget the viewables from Final Fantasy XI. These screens are specifically from the Treasures of Aht Urhgan pack, but the Xbox 360 bundle will include that as well. A handful of Far Cry Instincts Predator images are also available. The attention to detail coming from these never cease to amaze. Don't miss out on the screenshots for X-Men: The Official Movie Game either. If this title snuck up on you, then you'll be happy to know that Zak Penn and comic writer Chris Claremont are backing this game. We could be seeing it as early as May.
Murlocs: the RPG
Whether you're running in fear from them, getting yourself tattooed, or just holding out for them to be the next Alliance race, murlocs have a special place in many players' hearts. Fortunately, this extremely well done Flash RPG lets you step into the (webbed) shoes of a murloc for an hour or so--perfect for satisfying those WoW cravings at work.[via World of Warcraft Livejournal Community]
Metal Saga DS scans frighten and confuse
Jeux France have once again used their wily ways to get a hold of some Famitsu scans, this time covering the recently announced RPG, Metal Saga DS. We've seen bits and piece of the wacky PS2 version currently being localized by Atlus, but nothing could have prepared us for the images depicted in these scans.We're not sure how it all works, but it does seem like you get to control a rather wise-looking dog, possibly in a strategic, turn-based battle against either a giant crocodile, a mad scientist or an elephant-shaped tank. We also spotted a cactus wielding a rocket launcher, a zombie and at least one menacing chicken. Needless to say, we're hoping Atlus also decides to translate this intriguing title.[Thanks mandarin!]
FFXI box art reflects "Blighted Gloom"
1UP has images of the cover art for the Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion pack for the PlayStation 2, PC, and Xbox 360 (sort of). The Xbox 360 version isn't just an expansion pack, but the entire game and all expansion packs, including Treasures of Aht Urhgan. The boxart is created by longtime Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, and features two different themes: "Blessed Radiance" and "Blighted Gloom," both the names of quests from the current Chains of Promathia expansion. Final Fantasy XI hits the 360 on April 18th.
Squenix comments on Revo Final Fantasy
Ambiguous promises? Check. Non-committal concepts? Check. No discernibly valuable information? Check. Why, that must mean we're once again dealing with a developer's comments on their upcoming Revolution games! Holy yes, what wealth of information awaits us today? The news comes from Square Enix president, Youichi Wada, and is directly concerned with the upcoming Revolution version of Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. You may remember the Gamecube version for its intricate bucket-carrying gameplay and its colossal, quadruple GBA requirement for maximum multiplayer enjoyment. Regarding the sequel, Mr. Wada revealed that the game would feature "online capabilities, magnificent graphics, and an intense use of the revolutionary control of the platform."Mr. Wada then shocked all by stating that the game would involve a whiny, spiky-haired teenager saving the world from an ancient evil. Ah, we jest. Online, cooperative multiplayer sounds like an excellent progression for the series, if indeed we can read that far into the mentioning of "online capabilities." As for affirming the presence of pretty graphics and use of the controller, well, that's hardly unexpected. If only these developers would cease taunting us with their dangling, dripping pieces of steak. We just want some information we can sink our teeth into. Perhaps we can expect the DS to interact with the game in the same way the GBA did with the Gamecube version?[Via Revolution Advanced]
Two Worlds official hype launches
The official website for Topware Interactive's RPG Two Worlds has been up for barely 24 hours and Xbox 360 News is already calling the game an "Oblivion killer":"According to Topware Interactive, 'Two Worlds' combines the extremely dynamic and sophisticated combat system with the meaning and freedom of exploration exceeding the accomplishments of other games of the genre. Their goal is to deliver a superior Role Playing Game to the PC and Xbox 360 market where players have a real chance to shape the game world with their actions - to an extent that has yet to seen in other productions. The game will feature a strong, non-linear storyline, mind blowing graphics, and stunning combat sequences. Can you feel the hype? However, these guys do seem to have good reason to lay it on thick, and until they are proven wrong, I will shamelessly believe every word they say."Something tells me our readers will be slightly more skeptical, at least until they get a first hand look at ESIV on March 20 and decide it's not up to expectations. Check out the screenshots...sorry...moveshots and judge for yourself. Two Worlds is supposed to be out in November 2006.[Via Xbox 360 News]
Final Fantasy XII Potion drink offers a "mysterious taste"
The Final Fantasy XII Potion drink announced back in December has finally been unveiled to the public in Japan, and samplers are willing to allow that the clear blue beverage offers a "mysterious taste." Of course, the event was a limited one as Suntory Limited sought a ready-made audience of FF fans to test the Potion soft drink out on first (they were attending a concert of Nobuo Uematsu's work for the RPG franchise after all). You gotta love free drinks at a pricey concert, even if they were a luminous shade of blue. Whatever the circumstances, it was ascertained from Japanese press accounts that the Potion "tasted like a nutritional supplement drink with a fresh aftertaste." Until more informed Japanese translators prove otherwise, we hope that means it tastes good (in a non-medicinal way), so we can all intone together: "For relaxing times, make it Suntory time." [Thanks, Tim Tong; auto-translated links can be found here & here]
