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Famitsu scores Crisis Core: 35/40
Esteemed Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu, has scored Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. The four reviewers gave it a 9, 9, 8 and a 9. Certainly an impressive set of numbers! Final Fantasy fans can sleep easier at night, knowing that this spin-off game isn't as disastrous as Dirge of Cerberus (which scored a low 28/40 from Famitsu). It ain't Final Fantasy XII, but we're still glad the game got reviewed as well as it did. [Via PSPHyper]
Crisis Core trailer gets extended (by two minutes)
Until Crisis Core comes out, it looks like this blog will look more like "Crisis Core Fanboy" than "PSP Fanboy." Yes, there are other games coming out as well, but Square Enix knows how to fan the flames of their devoted fans through this media deluge they seem to be offering. Yet another trailer for the game has just been been released, offering an even greater look into the gameplay. It's familiar territory, yes -- but that doesn't mean you won't watch. [Thanks, Saigon!]
Crisis Core videos showcase battle system
This may come as a surprise, but Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core actually has a battle system. Seriously. There's gameplay other than watching emotional boys talking to each other. And that's what Jeux France has managed to capture. Unlike the tradition FFVII games, the battle system is no longer turn-based. Watch these videos to see this new real-time battle system in action, complete with Materia.
It begins: Crisis Core TV ad hits Japan
What will undoubtedly be a massive media onslaught begins in Japan, as the first Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core ad hits Japan. The advertisement is not only important for Square Enix, as they promote their new game, but it is important for Sony as well. Such a hotly anticipated release will certainly generate a great deal of interest in the PSP platform, something that's going to aid Sony in the long-haul. [Thanks, J!]
Crisis Core intro shows Midgar, remixed tunes
Thought you saw everything with the last Crisis Core video, didn't you? You would be wrong -- a new video has emerged that shows off the game's intro and, as expected, we're pleased to see it's worth viewing. Accompanying the fantastic visuals is a fantastic remix of the original Final Fantasy VII opening track. Ahh, Midgar. Whether or not you're a rabid fanboy of FFVII, everyone should set their agendas aside and see this game for what it is: impressive. We're pretty excited to take it for a spin, so until we can, we'll keep covering it every step of the way.
New direct-feed shots of FFVII: Crisis Core
Do you want fresh juicy burgers? Or how about fresh direct feed screenshots of Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core? Well, if it's lunch time, you probably want both. Too bad we can only help you with the latter. These crystal-clear images show off how good the game will look on your PSP screen. If you're a true Crisis-aholic, you'll download these images to your PSP and pretend that you're already playing the game. %Gallery-6657%
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker has hard-to-picture bonus
According to RPGamer, copies of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker preordered from Amazon, GameCrazy or GameStop will include a "combination DS charm, keychain, and map." Apparently the map can also be used as a screen cleaner. Alone, none of these are particularly unusual giveaways. The cloth map has been an RPG box standby since early Ultima, and keychains are ubiquitous as preorder bonuses. But in combination? Are we really supposed to hang our keys from our DS? We'll need more than a screen-cleaning map (that part, at least, is super-clever) to buff out the hundreds of scratches to the surface of the system. [Via GayGamer]
Final Fantasy case steals fans money
It's not easy being a Final Fantasy fan. You have to suffer through intolerable waits for the games, and pay astronomical prices for its merchandise. Take, for example, this Final Fantasy-themed case. The case, from Porter, dons a Crisis Core logo. But not only that, it has a pretty steep price tag: ,975 ($86). [Via PSPHyper]
Crisis Core trailer, now with more English
Okay, so you saw the Final Fantasy VII trailer. But don't you want to see it in English? Of course you do. Fans have taken the liberty to translate and re-release the most recent Crisis Core trailer with subtitles. Now, you can fully understand the (melo)drama of the upcoming FFVII prequel. Square fans, might as well get new underwear ready. [Via Siliconera]
Final Fantasy VII special PSPs available for pre-order
You saw the video. Now, buy the system! The special limited edition Final Fantasy VII slim PSP is now available for pre-order at Play-Asia. But it'll cost you a pretty penny: $400. You'll be paying more than double the amount for a non-Final Fantasy-engraved system. Is your fandom willing to go to the depths of your wallet?
Five minutes of Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
We wanted to share this with you so badly! But, YouTube was strangely down this morning! (Horrifying, no?) Now that the interwebs are working yet again, we want to show you five glorious minutes of Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. We want to warn you that there are spoilers, so those of you that don't want the experience ruined may want to shy away from this awesome, but revealing trailer. [Thanks, Jordan!]
DQIX gets pushed back to 2008
Those of you who've been eagerly awaiting Square Enix's latest title on the DS will have to wait extra long, as the company has announced that Dragon Quest IX has been delayed until 2008. The reason for delaying the game? Square Enix apparently needs to improve the quality of the game, but we're going on machine translation, so it isn't the best. Who will be joining us for a cry session in the corner?
Final Fantasty Tactics issues addressed in US release
If you played the original PlayStation version of Final Fantasy Tactics, you're probably used to the few small technical issues of the game (especially the cheap and overpowered Orlandu Durai ... T.G. Cid, not to mention the Calculator class). The localized US version of the PSP remake address multiple issues that were left open in the now seemingly half-finished Japanese release. Slowdown has been mostly eliminated -- this plagued the Japanese version and a heck of a lot of other PSP titles as well. We know the game has been fully voiced now, but we're kind of disappointed to see the introspective text on a black background get removed. How else will we know Ramza's innermost thoughts and feelings? An issue still remaining is the so-called "flattening" of the musical score, but we can probably get over that. New features we'll at least mention are the multiplayer aspects where you can face off against a buddy or team up and explore special dungeons with set missions. These are ad-hoc only; no wireless online fun. Two new characters are made available to us: Luso from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2 and Balthier from Final Fantasy XII. Don't ask how. Two new classes, Dark Knight and Onion Knight, are also available. The most important change is the complete re-translation of the text. It now sounds like something straight out of Vagrant Story or Final Fantasy XII, as it should. We can't wait to play one of our favorite classics again, especially since it sounds like the experience has been fleshed out into an almost completely new game.
Puzzle-adventure game Exit coming to DS
Taito's Exit, formerly on the PSP, is currently in development for the Nintendo DS, according to a recent issue of Famitsu Magazine. Players will once again be taking on the role of famed escapeologist Mr. ESC, as he runs, jumps, and climbs through structures to save disaster victims and find the, well, exit. According to the Famitsu article, the game is slated for a January 2008 release in Japan. No word yet of a North American release, but given the critical success of the PSP version, there's no reason not to expect some localization of the adaptation in the near future. [Via DS Fanboy]
Cloud gets emo, Zack gets shirtless in new Crisis Core scans
The men of Final Fantasy VII are sensitive men, that like to think about their feelings and emotions. They also like to take walks on the beach, write poetry on MySpace, and carry large swords. Various magazines have been promoting the impending release of Crisis Core, and in them, we see Cloud spending some time to talk to Zack. What could it be about?! Maybe to show that the entire game won't be too downtrodden, another set of scans shows a fun beach scene. Not only that, we see a glimpse of Tifa in her signature revealing outfit. We can't wait to see more of Crisis Core. When does it come out again? Oh yeah ... September 13th. Until then, we continue our painful wait. [Via http://ff7ac.hotcafe.to/ Thanks, Saigon!] Read - scan series 1 Read - scan series 2
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 28
Finally, after a long E3-related hiatus, PSP Fanboy Theatre is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com. Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to the VIDEO folder. These high resolution 480x272 videos require firmware 3.30 or above. (Note: OE custom firmware will also play these videos.) New for PSP: Get selected videos delivered automatically to your PSP via our new RSS feed. Resident Evil 5 [PS3, 360] Download MP4 (20.2MB) | Download JPG The following videos are featured after the break: Bladestorm (PS3, 360), Call of Duty 4 (PS3, 360), Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3, 360), Final Fantasy Tactics (PSP), High Velocity Bowling (PSN)
English dub of Final Fantasy Tactics is stellar
Remember the incredible voice acting and presentation of Final Fantasy XII? Well, it looks like PSP's upcoming Final Fantasy Tactics is getting the same high-quality treatment as its other Ivalice Alliance brethren. The voice acting is superb, and the dialogue is far away from the original, stilted PS1 translation. Bravo, Square Enix! [Update: English language screenshots and downloadable MP4 file added.] Download MP4 for PSP %Gallery-5456%
Getting your sword dirty in Dragon Quest Swords
Siliconera has gotten their hands on a Japanese copy of Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors. In taking the game for a spin, they carefully document the beginning portions of the game and let us all know what to expect from the upcoming Square Enix title. First, navigation sounds like it will be a pain. Unlike most 3D titles, you will not have analog control over your character, instead requiring you to move as if you're "walking around in Resident Evil 1." Ouch, that's not very good. Also, when navigating the enemy-infested areas, the game goes semi on-rails. There's two strikes. Battling seems to add lots of flavor, though. In describing the many formations of enemies and their own distinctive attacks, as well as the art of blocking, we've found the thing that offsets the lack of navigational freedom, in our eyes. Seriously, it could probably get repetitive after a bit (we're just speculating here, having never played the game), but overall it looks to be very fun. See also: Massive amount of Dragon Quest Swords videos
Crisis Core pre-orders score special earbuds
Final Fantasy games are known for their moving soundtracks. It seems like Crisis Core may be no different. Pre-ordering the game in Japan will score gamers this set of sleek Crisis Core earbuds. Hardcore Final Fantasy swag collectors are already drooling over this ... and have probably already purchased five copies of the game. [Via PSPHyper]
A tale of two Crisis Core covers
Oh no, Square. You've just made your hungry Final Fantasy fans purchase two copies of your game. Crisis Core will include two covers, one for those that are purchasing the game by itself, and one for purchasers of the (highly) limited edition PSP system. It goes without saying that these Crisis Core systems are going to fetch a high price on eBay. Who will you kill for one of these? Pre-orders for the game are now available on Play-Asia. [Thanks, Thien!]
