Like Reuters, Only Better! Gaming News Thread v3.0

[Johnny]

Maybe we're not able to post news from the games world as quickly or efficiently as Reuters post about the real world, but our news is a lot more interesting! :neko:

Anyway, the other thread has run it's course at well over 20 pages so here is thread number 3. Enjoy!

[Azumangaman]

From the last thread:

For the GBA, I noticed the first 2 Starfi games were heavily discounted. I heard Starfi mentioned here before, so how are the first 2 games for the GBA? I care mostly about fun factor/ability to understand/enjoy.

I posted that in the last thread, so anyone who can answer the questions, I'd be overjoyed.

Did I mention that Castlevania: Dawn Of Sorrow is teh awesome? Where has Castlevania been all my life? How long is the game? I'm about 1 hour in and just killed Dimitri and that thing that comes after him (Malphas?)

[Mateo_home]

For the GBA, I noticed the first 2 Starfi games were heavily discounted. I heard Starfi mentioned here before, so how are the first 2 games for the GBA? I care mostly about fun factor/ability to understand/enjoy.



I think it's Mateo on here who loves the Stafi games so he should be able to give you some info.
I really need to buy the GBA and DS Stafi games.

Wow! My Stafi love has been noticed. Anyway, the game's heavy in Japanese, but most of it is kana, so that can help a little. So unless you're fluent in Japanese, storywise, you're screwed. Gameplay wise is very simple. It's like a traditional platformer. In the most of the early stages it shows you in video form how to perform a new move. One other note is that once you've beaten the game the first time, you can backtrack to the early levels for more items or additional levels added so you can get the "true" ending. I should also add that there are NPC characters in the levels who will give you advice...if you can understand it. If you don't care, you can just click away and move on.

The first one is the shortest of them all but still fun and to see the game's roots, and I still haven't finished it (played the entire francise backwards). There's only nine stages and they're not into parts i.e. 1-1. The second one is a lot better. There's eleven stages and broken into the old 1-1 way. It also introduces the dress-up mini game where you can dress up Stafi into one of your favorite anime fetishes. There are also some other mini games you can play to unlock some other dress-up items or to have fun. :P

[Chacranajxy]

Interesting title. I approve.

Oh, I wanted to let you know that I found a place you can get the original DJ Max Portable... yeah, see, I found out that the International version actually took out two songs in addition to bleeping shit out and removing some stuff from videos... and the original was also almost entirely in English.

Point is, Japanvideogames.com has the original version. It's $60, but this is maybe my favorite PSP game ever.

[Johnny]

Interesting title. I approve.

Oh, I wanted to let you know that I found a place you can get the original DJ Max Portable... yeah, see, I found out that the International version actually took out two songs in addition to bleeping shit out and removing some stuff from videos... and the original was also almost entirely in English.

Point is, Japanvideogames.com has the original version. It's $60, but this is maybe my favorite PSP game ever.

That would be really great news...but I found it preowned for £15 :D

So yeah, you were talking about preordering the second game - you going for the SE or just regular one?

[Chacranajxy]

Interesting title. I approve.

Oh, I wanted to let you know that I found a place you can get the original DJ Max Portable... yeah, see, I found out that the International version actually took out two songs in addition to bleeping shit out and removing some stuff from videos... and the original was also almost entirely in English.

Point is, Japanvideogames.com has the original version. It's $60, but this is maybe my favorite PSP game ever.

That would be really great news...but I found it preowned for £15 :D

So yeah, you were talking about preordering the second game - you going for the SE or just regular one?

Well, as long as you're getting the game, it's okay. I picked up the original version for myself though, so I can feel a little more secure I guess...

Anyway, the second one... I might be going for the LE because it has the soundtrack and it's limited to like 500 pieces or something ridiculous like that. I don't think that Play-Asia is letting anyone preorder yet, but I'll try and get an order in either there or at NCSX as soon as I can. Worst case scenario: I'll preorder the regular edition at NCSX so that I get that and Fist of the North Star on the same day. I can't even imagine how incredible of a package that'd be.

[Banchan]

Azumangaman:
Wireless. I meant if you can use the Microsoft Controllers or you have to buy those Windows 360 Controllers.
You can use the standard wireless controller.

[Johnny]

Still think the Wii is less mature than the 360 and PS3? Grasshopper, developer of the upcoming No More Heroes might make you think differently. In an interview (http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2007/02/18/no-more-heroes-will-have-more-violence-than-manhunt-2/), Suda 51 had this to say - "I’ll also try my best to make No More Heroes as violent, or even more violent than Manhunt 2!"

Can't wait until this game comes out. Just thinking of Killer 7 only better is a very nice prospect.

[Kurou]

Still think the Wii is less mature than the 360 and PS3? Grasshopper, developer of the upcoming No More Heroes might make you think differently. In an interview (http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2007/02/18/no-more-heroes-will-have-more-violence-than-manhunt-2/), Suda 51 had this to say - "I’ll also try my best to make No More Heroes as violent, or even more violent than Manhunt 2!"

Can't wait until this game comes out. Just thinking of Killer 7 only better is a very nice prospect.

That statement of Suda 51's makes me laugh, especially with the sentiment that floats around gaming boards going "..but violence dosen't make something mature!". Usually directed as PS3/360 hate.

:sd:

[cxt217]

Thanks for the heads-up. I have been meaning to get a copy for a while, since well before last summer, but never seem to find a place to do so. Of course, my relative poverty certainly has something to do with it...

C.T.

[ADC]

Suda 51 had this to say - "I’ll also try my best to make No More Heroes as violent, or even more violent than Manhunt 2!"
That statement of Suda 51's makes me laugh, especially with the sentiment that floats around gaming boards going "..but violence dosen't make something mature!". Usually directed as PS3/360 hate.
Yeah, he'd better add some gratuitous Wii Remote sex acts, too! :evil: Make that game earn the M!

[Johnny]

Suda 51 had this to say - "I’ll also try my best to make No More Heroes as violent, or even more violent than Manhunt 2!"
That statement of Suda 51's makes me laugh, especially with the sentiment that floats around gaming boards going "..but violence dosen't make something mature!". Usually directed as PS3/360 hate.
Yeah, he'd better add some gratuitous Wii Remote sex acts, too! :evil: Make that game earn the M!

Yeah and then afterwards, the floodgates could open for Japanese developers to make all sorts of great Hentai Wii related stuff :> :virgin:

[ADC]

Yeah and then afterwards, the floodgates could open for Japanese developers to make all sorts of great Hentai Wii related stuff :> :virgin:
Like a Wii port of your figure skating game! :D (Where's Cha?)

[Chacranajxy]

Yeah and then afterwards, the floodgates could open for Japanese developers to make all sorts of great Hentai Wii related stuff :> :virgin:
Like a Wii port of your figure skating game! :D (Where's Cha?)

The only reason they spend so much time skating is because they can't quite sit down after a 5 minute session of the Wii version.

Yes, I mean it like that.

[Johnny]

Yeah and then afterwards, the floodgates could open for Japanese developers to make all sorts of great Hentai Wii related stuff :> :virgin:
Like a Wii port of your figure skating game! :D (Where's Cha?)

The only reason they spend so much time skating is because they can't quite sit down after a 5 minute session of the Wii version.

Yes, I mean it like that.


God damn! It's a figure skating game! Even I didn't think X-rated things when watching videos. It just looks like a cool game that uses the touchscreen well.
Come on, I mean I bought that Curling DS game last year :sd: Don't make me list all the odd DS games I've bought... Now's probably not the best time to mention I'm about to buy Love & Berry...

[Chacranajxy]

Yeah and then afterwards, the floodgates could open for Japanese developers to make all sorts of great Hentai Wii related stuff :> :virgin:
Like a Wii port of your figure skating game! :D (Where's Cha?)

The only reason they spend so much time skating is because they can't quite sit down after a 5 minute session of the Wii version.

Yes, I mean it like that.


God damn! It's a figure skating game! Even I didn't think X-rated things when watching videos. It just looks like a cool game that uses the touchscreen well.
Come on, I mean I bought that Curling DS game last year :sd: Don't make me list all the odd DS games I've bought... Now's probably not the best time to mention I'm about to buy Love & Berry...

Correct. This is not the time or the place. I'll pretend I didn't hear that and we can both go on living.

[ADC]

God damn! It's a figure skating game! Even I didn't think X-rated things when watching videos. It just looks like a cool game that uses the touchscreen well.
Come on, I mean I bought that Curling DS game last year :sd: Don't make me list all the odd DS games I've bought... Now's probably not the best time to mention I'm about to buy Love & Berry...
Curling, huh? Sure, it's a broom while the cameras are on, but once they get back to the locker room — stripper pole! :evil:

Um, johnny? Curling's as much of a sport as kicking rocks by the side of the road while walking home from school. (It does a minuscule amount of damage to others if you're Luigi, but otherwise …)

[Chacranajxy]

God damn! It's a figure skating game! Even I didn't think X-rated things when watching videos. It just looks like a cool game that uses the touchscreen well.
Come on, I mean I bought that Curling DS game last year :sd: Don't make me list all the odd DS games I've bought... Now's probably not the best time to mention I'm about to buy Love & Berry...
Curling, huh? Sure, it's a broom while the cameras are on, but once they get back to the locker room — stripper pole! :evil:

Um, johnny? Curling's as much of a sport as kicking rocks by the side of the road while walking home from school. (It does a minuscule amount of damage to others if you're Luigi, but otherwise …)

No, no. It's not what they do when they're not curling, it's what they're curling that matters. :>

[Azumangaman]

Thanks Johnny/Mateo!
Order placed for Eyeshield, and the first 2 Stafi games. I'll have them in 1 or 2 weeks so I'll keep everyone updated.

[Johnny]

God damn! It's a figure skating game! Even I didn't think X-rated things when watching videos. It just looks like a cool game that uses the touchscreen well.
Come on, I mean I bought that Curling DS game last year :sd: Don't make me list all the odd DS games I've bought... Now's probably not the best time to mention I'm about to buy Love & Berry...
Curling, huh? Sure, it's a broom while the cameras are on, but once they get back to the locker room — stripper pole! :evil:

Um, johnny? Curling's as much of a sport as kicking rocks by the side of the road while walking home from school. (It does a minuscule amount of damage to others if you're Luigi, but otherwise …)

No, no. It's not what they do when they're not curling, it's what they're curling that matters. :>


This is bullying! Chris, where are you? A couple of bans are in place :> :D
Kidding of course, but yeah ADC, I have zero interest in Curling (or figure skating for that matter, honest) so I don't really know why I bought the game :sd:

[ADC]

Kidding of course, but yeah ADC, I have zero interest in Curling (or figure skating for that matter, honest) so I don't really know why I bought the game :sd:
But when Roadside Rock-Kicking DS drops, you're so there! ;) With the True-Kick Directional+Force System, you can break windshields, knock over cyclists, even cave in an unsuspecting paperboy's skull! (Rated M for Mature.)

Actually, I think I would buy that. :D

[Johnny]

So Chocobo Tales DS is coming on the 3rd April (http://kotaku.com/gaming/chocobo-tales/chocobo-tales-dated-238194.php). Kotaku describe it as "a series of mini-games". Is it just me or is that complete bollocks? Any reviews I've read of the JP version indicate that it's a card based RPG...

Also, continuing the theme of semi-random musings, what's with this weeks Japanese games being shipped super early? I know Monday/Tuesday shipments from online retailers (Japanese games are released on Thursdays) isn't anything new but I've had a good few 22/02/07 games already ship and most others have been processing since the weekend. Not that I'm complaining, mind. Only bad thing is that Trigger Heart Exelica doesn't seem to be getting the early treatment which is a pity. Ho hum, at least the Sega Direct SE shall be with me soon enough :)

[Chacranajxy]

So Chocobo Tales DS is coming on the 3rd April (http://kotaku.com/gaming/chocobo-tales/chocobo-tales-dated-238194.php). Kotaku describe it as "a series of mini-games". Is it just me or is that complete bollocks? Any reviews I've read of the JP version indicate that it's a card based RPG...

Also, continuing the theme of semi-random musings, what's with this weeks Japanese games being shipped super early? I know Monday/Tuesday shipments from online retailers (Japanese games are released on Thursdays) isn't anything new but I've had a good few 22/02/07 games already ship and most others have been processing since the weekend. Not that I'm complaining, mind. Only bad thing is that Trigger Heart Exelica doesn't seem to be getting the early treatment which is a pity. Ho hum, at least the Sega Direct SE shall be with me soon enough :)

Lemme know how Excelica is... I can't make myself buy that game with the amount of info I have right now.

Mmm... and Real Bout Collection's out this week. Not sure when I'll be getting that, but it'll almost definitely be in the next month.

[ADC]

So Chocobo Tales DS is coming on the 3rd April (http://kotaku.com/gaming/chocobo-tales/chocobo-tales-dated-238194.php). Kotaku describe it as "a series of mini-games". Is it just me or is that complete bollocks? Any reviews I've read of the JP version indicate that it's a card based RPG...
According to the Gamespot preview (http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/fffchocobotales/news.html?page=1&sid=6166076), it's a card-based RPG with minigames which are part of building your characters and card arsenal. It's also on my wishlist because it looks so damn'd cute.

[Johnny]

Forget Elite Beat Agents and all those crappy Western songs, Ouendan is getting a sequel! (according to Dengeki and confirmed by N's 07 JP release schedule below) :D

Super Rub a Dub (PS3) preview (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3157355)

Nintendo's Japanese 2007 release schedule:

DS

Yoshi's Island DS
More Eigo Zuke
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2
Worldwide Club House Games Wi-Fi
Panel De Pon DS
Ouendan 2
ARCHAIC SEALED HEAT
DS Beautiful Characters (Letters) Training
The Legend of Zelda DS
Chibi Robo! DS
PuraPura Donkey DS

Wii

Fire Emblem
Eyeshield 21: Field no Saikyou Senshi Tachi
Super Paper Mario
Wii Brain Softening Game
Wii Health Pack
Disaster
Mario Party 8
Project H.A.M.M.E.R.
Wii Music
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Totsugeki Famicom Wars W
Donkey Kong Taru Jet Race
Forever Blue
Mario Strikers Charged
Metroid Prime 3 Corruption
Animal Corssing
Hoshi no Kirby

[kaiyouske]

Why did they include Fire Emblem Wii in the list...it already came out..... :sigh:

[ADC]

Why did they include Fire Emblem Wii in the list...it already came out..... :sigh:
Did it drop in 2007? If so, it has a place reserved on Nintendo's 2007 release list. Sometimes 2+2 really does =5. :sigh:

[Johnny]

Why did they include Fire Emblem Wii in the list...it already came out..... :sigh:
Did it drop in 2007? If so, it has a place reserved on Nintendo's 2007 release list. Sometimes 2+2 really does =5. :sigh:

It comes out tomorrow (22/02/07) so it's technically out in Japan right now :P

[Johnny]

Latest Famitsu scores:

33/40 - [9|8|8|8] - Gundam Musou
32/40 - [8|8|8|8] - Super Robot Taisen W
30/40 - [8|7|7|8] - Unou no Tatsujin: Soukai! Machigai Museum
25/40 - [7|6|6|6] - Akudaikan 3
15/40 - [4|4|4|3] - Bakegyamon: Ayakashi Fighting

Gundam Musou and SRT W scores are as expected. Disappointed to see Bakegyamon score so low though as I was thought it looked pretty decent...

[Jarred]

And from Famitsu, it looks like Trusty Bell aka Eternal Sonata (360) is getting a June 14th release date in Japan. (Source (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143345) )

[Josephine]

Forget Elite Beat Agents and all those crappy Western songs, Ouendan is getting a sequel!

That just made my entire WEEK. Screw those copies of Izuna and Trioncube that I was going to pick up tomorrow, they won't make me happy now.

[TnAdct1]

Forget Elite Beat Agents and all those crappy Western songs, Ouendan is getting a sequel! (according to Dengeki and confirmed by N's 07 JP release schedule below) :D

I SO need to get that when it comes out.

[Shawaazu]

Nintendo's Japanese 2007 release schedule:

DS

Panel De Pon DS


Ohhhhh, That's something I'm going to look forward to.

[Johnny]

And from Famitsu, it looks like Trusty Bell aka Eternal Sonata (360) is getting a June 14th release date in Japan. (Source (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143345) )

That's my summer RPG sorted. Preordering this as soon as it goes up :)

[Johnny]

Radirgy US Cube trailer (http://www.gamebrink.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13774). Anyone who didn't buy the JP Dreamcast version gonna get this? I bought the DC one but I think I'll rebuy. The Cube could (if recent developer talk is anything to go by) become a second Dreamcast with games (mostly shmups) released long after it has officially "died" and this would be a nice way to start.

[Johnny]

Sega have announced they are to start to focus on the DS more than the PSP:

In an interview with Nikkei Shimbun, Sega managing director Hideki Okamura says the company is shifting its focus from PSP to Nintendo DS, pointing out that there is a title they will release this year that will “surprise absolutely everyone

Also:

We have to do a lot of thinking about titles for Nintendo’s hardware, because Nintendo’s own titles are extremely strong. It really is difficult to sell a title as a third party. What that means is that we’ve got to go after it with force: “heave-ho!” - Sega managing director Hideki Okamura

On the one hand I've really excited as to what the game could be. Please let it be NiGHTS x 1000!
On the other though, I'm kinda sad as Sega have shown amazing support for the PSP with loads of great games (anyone seen the Virtua Tennis 3 videos? Up there with the best graphics on the PSP yet) although with the likes of After Burner and Crush, I don't think they're done with it yet.

[Chacranajxy]

Well as long as After Burner on the PSP turns out well, I could care less what Sega decides to do afterwards. I really think the PSP is on it's way out... I wouldn't give it any more than 2 years tops. I like the system a lot, but Sony's approach to portable gaming has simply been horrid.

[Johnny]

Well as long as After Burner on the PSP turns out well, I could care less what Sega decides to do afterwards. I really think the PSP is on it's way out... I wouldn't give it any more than 2 years tops. I like the system a lot, but Sony's approach to portable gaming has simply been horrid.

I don't know if Sony are really to blame though. The PSP as a system is excellent and graphically it really does make the DS look like horse shit. The d-pad isn't the best and the analogue nub isn't to everyones taste (personally I think it's fine).
The two main talking points are obviously the price and the games. The price could be a little lower I guess but I was more than happy with what I paid for my launch unit.
In terms of the games, most know (or should know) that the "PSP has no good/original games" is a myth which has long since been proven wrong, it's just been that for the past year or so it's been the "in" thing to hate Sony and so Internet message boards have kinda swayed opinion.
The reality is that the PSP is selling well, just nowhere near the DS. That doesn't mean it's an inferior system though. This isn't like comparing the Megadrive and SNES or the PS2 and Xbox - they are both completely different handhelds, different enough to easily warrant owning both.

As for the future of the PSP, although Sony have kept relatively tight lipped on the subject, I do expect to see a "PSP2" or sorts with a built in hard drive, possibly 2 analogue nubs and so on announced at TGS this year.

[DiGiKerot]

Well as long as After Burner on the PSP turns out well, I could care less what Sega decides to do afterwards. I really think the PSP is on it's way out... I wouldn't give it any more than 2 years tops. I like the system a lot, but Sony's approach to portable gaming has simply been horrid.

I don't know if Sony are really to blame though. The PSP as a system is excellent and graphically it really does make the DS look like horse shit. The d-pad isn't the best and the analogue nub isn't to everyones taste (personally I think it's fine).
The two main talking points are obviously the price and the games. The price could be a little lower I guess but I was more than happy with what I paid for my launch unit.
In terms of the games, most know (or should know) that the "PSP has no good/original games" is a myth which has long since been proven wrong, it's just been that for the past year or so it's been the "in" thing to hate Sony and so Internet message boards have kinda swayed opinion.
The reality is that the PSP is selling well, just nowhere near the DS. That doesn't mean it's an inferior system though. This isn't like comparing the Megadrive and SNES or the PS2 and Xbox - they are both completely different handhelds, different enough to easily warrant owning both.


The internals of the PSP are good, though personally the response time on the screen (in mine at least) is a bit crappy. There are two things which kill it for me - one is the layout and controls. The analogue nub I find to be uncomfortable for long peroids of play - its in an awkward position, and even if it was the shape of it simply hurts my finger after a while (it really started to hurt after playing Gitaroo-Man through). The digital pad was pretty bad as well - aside from not liking that four button thing Sony does, in mine at least I had to open the console up and mess around with the thing before it was responsive enough to actually use (and I know I'm not the only one among early adopters). Those kind of hardware issues leave a bad taste in my mouth.

I think worse is the fact that they used the UMD. Killing the battery I can live with, but the load times for a lot of games are killer. I take my DS into work with me to play for a half hour on a lunchtime, but the load times are too intrusive for me to get a good session going on the PSP. At home, I'd rather just play a proper console game. I guess PSOne games off memory card are alright, but that kind of defeats the point (and the games aren't really built to be played on the go).

The thing is, the PSP does have good games. The problem is that the system simply isn't suitable for portable play. Even most of the best games aren't really ideally suited to this in the same way DS games are, having more substantial content and often not having save points in decent places.

As a portable experience, the PSP just doesn't deliver for me. The DS is just a far better portable experience, right down to the clamshell design meaning that you can just slip it in your pocket without worrying too much about killing the console.

I've nothing against the PSP - I own one, and I still buy games for it (I'm looking forward to the Princess Crown re-release in March, and Dracula X later in the year), but I can't see it ever getting more use that the DS.

[Johnny]

First screenshot of Disaster: Day of Crisis is up (http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2007/02/22/gameplay-shots-of-forever-blue-and-disaster-day-of-crisis/#more-3286) (as well as some stuff on Forever Blue. Looking/sounding pretty cool so far.

[Johnny]

The problem is that the system simply isn't suitable for portable play. Even most of the best games aren't really ideally suited to this in the same way DS games are, having more substantial content and often not having save points in decent places.

As a portable experience, the PSP just doesn't deliver for me. The DS is just a far better portable experience, right down to the clamshell design meaning that you can just slip it in your pocket without worrying too much about killing the console.



I dunno, I mean try playing something stylus-heavy on a bumpy bus journey etc. It's fairly easy to just stick the PSP on standby when you need to shut it off quickly...

Then again, I don't play my DS or PSP on the go at all really.

[Jarred]

Trusty Bell Pics (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070223/tb.htm)

Some game play info from Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/gaming/trusty-bell/trusty-bell-release-date-and-new-images-239061.php) as well. Looks like it will be XBLA enabled, allowing up to 3 players to co-op battle in a mix of turn-based and real-time fighting.

[Johnny]

Don't think this news has caught on yet, mainly as the Internet isn't ablaze (well, not any much more than usual) with the usual anti-Sony tirade but Sony have made an alteration for European PS3s, essentially lowering the number of PS2 titles that will work with it.

Not a great thing all said, but I can't help but notice that a lot of the bullshit is coming from people who don't actually own a PS2/care to buy any PS2 games and it seems a lot of people have goldfish-like memory spans as the 360 made, and still is making, a fiasco of Xbox BC.

In all honesty, I can't really see many people who are buying a PS3 not already owning a PS2. Besides, ASDA have cut their price of PS2's down to £49 ;)

Ho-hum. Another reason to go NTSC and shun PAL I guess.

[Chacranajxy]

Eh, I just summarize news as "99% of consumers are stupid and completely worthless." Seriously, if somebody can bitch about Sony, they will. MS has become a god and they can do no wrong with their considerable 4 games that are not cross platform. I'm pretty sick of the Sony bashing and it'd be nice to see some objective analysis for once rather than some bitchy fanboys menstruating over the fact that they're too damn poor to afford everything they want and that their parents won't buy them Sony's shiny new system.

[Johnny]

Eh, I just summarize news as "99% of consumers are stupid and completely worthless." Seriously, if somebody can bitch about Sony, they will. MS has become a god and they can do no wrong with their considerable 4 games that are not cross platform. I'm pretty sick of the Sony bashing and it'd be nice to see some objective analysis for once rather than some bitchy fanboys menstruating over the fact that they're too damn poor to afford everything they want and that their parents won't buy them Sony's shiny new system.


And don't forget the current saviour of humanity, the Wii!* :sigh:

*I love my Wii (and 360) but at the minute, in terms of exclusives, it's in the same, or worse, situation as the PS3.

[Chacranajxy]

Eh, I just summarize news as "99% of consumers are stupid and completely worthless." Seriously, if somebody can bitch about Sony, they will. MS has become a god and they can do no wrong with their considerable 4 games that are not cross platform. I'm pretty sick of the Sony bashing and it'd be nice to see some objective analysis for once rather than some bitchy fanboys menstruating over the fact that they're too damn poor to afford everything they want and that their parents won't buy them Sony's shiny new system.


And don't forget the current saviour of humanity, the Wii!* :sigh:

*I love my Wii (and 360) but at the minute, in terms of exclusives, it's in the same, or worse, situation as the PS3.

When I'm honest about it... I don't really like either the Wii or the 360 right now. The Wii is a great place for me to play games I bought a decade ago and still have, so it's pretty much useless to me until April 9th when Super Paper Mario comes out. The 360 is a loud motherfucker that has a tendency to freeze. I can't wait until the new version comes out so I can replace this POS with something that isn't so damn noisy. And when you bring up the noise issue, people always say "I can't hear it, I need proof cause you're making it up homes." It's a level of ignorance that's unprecedented. I can't say the PS3's lineup is great right now either, but the horizon is definitely looking a hell of a lot brighter than it is for either of the other next gen systems.

Really though, my PS2 still trounces anything that Nintendo and Microsoft have out there.

[dejr8bud]

European gamers get screwed again..

A Sony spokesperson told Reuters that "the backwards compatibility is not going to be as good as the US and Japan models."

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6166312.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;1

[Johnny]

European gamers get screwed again..

A Sony spokesperson told Reuters that "the backwards compatibility is not going to be as good as the US and Japan models."

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6166312.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;1


4 posts up mate ;)

[Johnny]

So Monster Hunter Portable 2 came out in Japan yesterday and it seems to be capturing the imagination of the Japanese if these pics are anything to go by (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/02/22/103,1172114586,67506,0,0.html).

Haven't seen queues like that in Japan for a new game release in a while.

[dejr8bud]

European gamers get screwed again..

A Sony spokesperson told Reuters that "the backwards compatibility is not going to be as good as the US and Japan models."

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6166312.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;1


4 posts up mate ;)

lol blah I'm half awake..I still need more coffee.. :P

[GetterBeam]

Neo Geo and MSX are coming to the VC in Japan at least in the coming spring and summer.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/features/virtual_console.html

[Chacranajxy]

Neo Geo and MSX are coming to the VC in Japan at least in the coming spring and summer.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/features/virtual_console.html

Ironically, we get this news after I've managed to get every NG game I wanted via compilations on the PS2... but yeah, it's definitely good news for people into the more obscure stuff.

[DiGiKerot]

Neo Geo and MSX are coming to the VC in Japan at least in the coming spring and summer.


The Neo Geo stuff will almost certainly get released in both Europe and the US (though I guess some games will be the wobbless versions :sd:). I'm not really sure there is enough on MSX for me to care missing out on.

[HitokiriShadow]

Wasn't there supposed to be some sort of Tales of _____ announcement on the 21st?

[Johnny]

Neo Geo and MSX are coming to the VC in Japan at least in the coming spring and summer.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/features/virtual_console.html

Ironically, we get this news after I've managed to get every NG game I wanted via compilations on the PS2... but yeah, it's definitely good news for people into the more obscure stuff.

Posted this in the VC thread earlier but it's good enough news to be posted more than once :)

Like you said Chacrana, a lot of the Neo games I would have wanted (i.e. the 2D fighters) are already available on PS2 comps. Having said that, I would probably rebuy a lot of them :sd:

Just thinking of the shmups, more obscure fighters and scrolling fighters on the system is enough to get me drooling. What's more, there aren't that many Neo Geo games so technically the entire library could become available. My most pressing concern at the moment? I'm about to buy Waku Waku 7 for the Saturn but do I pay between £25-£40 for it or do I wait for the emulated Neo version?

[Jarred]

JP Virtual Console dates, including the first Squenix title!

NES
February 27 - Kirby’s Adventure (Nintendo)
March 2007 - Lode Runner (Hudson)
March 2007 - Yoshi no Tamago (Nintendo)
March 2007 - Valkyrie no Bouken: Toki no Kagi Densetsu (Bandao Namco)
March 2007 - Excite Bike (Nintendo)
March 2007 - Donkey Kong Jr. no Sansuu Asobi (Nintendo)

Super NES
March 2007 - Ganbare Goemon: Yukihime Kyuushutsu Emaki (Konami)
March2007 - Hercules no Eikou III (Data East)
March2007 - Actraiser (Square Enix)

Nintendo 64 (1200 points)
Feb 27 - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo)

Sega Genesis
Feb 27 - Bare Knuckle (Sega)
Feb 27 - Story of Thor (Sega)
Feb 27 - Vectorman (Sega)
Feb 27 - Vermilion (Sega)
March 2007- Puzzle & Action: Tant-R (Sega)
March 2007 - Sonic Spinball (Sega)
March 2007 - Dyna Brothers (Sega/CRI)
March 2007 - Wonder Boy V: Monster World III (Sega)
March 2007 - Virtua Fighter 2 ~Genesis Version~ (Sega)
March 2007 - Alex Kidd Tenkuu Mashiro (Sega)
March 2007 - Alien Storm (Sega)

TG16
Feb 27 - Wonder-Momo (Bandai Namco)
March 2007 - Double Dungeons (Hudson/NCS)
March 2007 - Fire Pro Wrestling Combination Tag (Spike)
March 2007 - Galaga’88 (Bandai Namco)
March 2007 - Kaizou Chounin Shubibinman (Hudson)

MSX
Spring 2007 - Eggy (D4 Enterprise)
Spring 2007 - Aleste (D4 Enterprise)

[DiGiKerot]

My most pressing concern at the moment? I'm about to buy Waku Waku 7 for the Saturn but do I pay between £25-£40 for it or do I wait for the emulated Neo version?

Tough call, but WakuWaku7 wasn't a first party title SNK title (at least I don't think it was), so even if NG games are coming to Virtual Console, it doesn't mean its actually going to come to VC.

[Johnny]

March 2007 - Excite Bike (Nintendo)
March 2007 - Ganbare Goemon: Yukihime Kyuushutsu Emaki (Konami)
Feb 27 - Bare Knuckle (Sega)
March 2007 - Sonic Spinball (Sega)
March 2007 - Virtua Fighter 2 ~Genesis Version~ (Sega)
March 2007 - Alien Storm (Sega)
Feb 27 - Wonder-Momo (Bandai Namco)



They're mine for definite.
Alien Storm FTW! :D

[Johnny]

My most pressing concern at the moment? I'm about to buy Waku Waku 7 for the Saturn but do I pay between £25-£40 for it or do I wait for the emulated Neo version?

Tough call, but WakuWaku7 wasn't a first party title SNK title (at least I don't think it was), so even if NG games are coming to Virtual Console, it doesn't mean its actually going to come to VC.

Yeah, that's true (it's by Sunsoft). Guess it's the SAT version then :sd:

[NickFalzarano]

Wasn't there supposed to be some sort of Tales of _____ announcement on the 21st?

It was just one of those comp games like Tales of the World or something like that. Not an actual new tales RPG. This one'll have Symphonia, Abyss, and Phantasia characters, IIRC.

[ADC]

March2007 - Actraiser (Square Enix)
SOLD! to the gentleman from Sacramento for 800 Wii points. Once it's also on US Wii VC, anyway, which is usually around the same time as anywhere else so far.

[Johnny]

So Monster Hunter Portable 2 came out in Japan yesterday and it seems to be capturing the imagination of the Japanese if these pics are anything to go by (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/02/22/103,1172114586,67506,0,0.html).

Haven't seen queues like that in Japan for a new game release in a while.

Holy shit, this game is really doing well. It's only been out since yesterday and has already racked up 500,000 sales! Didn't it take Dragon Quest Monsters J at least a weekend to hit those numbers (maybe it was a week?). At any rate that's pretty damn amazing.

The rest of the weeks sales so far:

1. Portable Monster Hunter 2 - PSP - 500.000
2. Emblem Fire: The Goddess of Dawn - Wii - 50.000
3. Naruto: Clash of ninja EX - Wii - 20.000
4. Sim City DS - NDS - 20.000
5. Trigger Heart Exelica - DC. - 10.000

Source: Famitsu, as reported on Jeux-France (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19347.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url)

[Suwako Moriya]

It was just one of those comp games like Tales of the World or something like that. Not an actual new tales RPG. This one'll have Symphonia, Abyss, and Phantasia characters, IIRC.

To be exact it's one of those Tales of Fandom things according to RPG Fan (http://rpgfan.com/news/2007/1071.html). Not sure how I'd feel about this, but I highly doubt something like this would come to the U.S. So in the long run it sadly doesn't matter.

[Suwako Moriya]

IGN has a Fire Emble Goddess of Dawn preview (http://wii.ign.com/articles/767/767088p1.html) and you can find some interesting information in it. I'll note two quotes from the preview in a list. As it can be guessed Sousen is Path of Radiance and Akatsuki is Goddess of Dawn.


While Sousen was one full story from start to finish, Akatsuki is split into four parts, each consisting of over 10 chapters, and each with a unique main character.As a bonus, Akatsuki no Megami scans the GameCube memory slot for a Souen no Kiseki save file and awards those who invested time in the GameCube title with extras.

[ADC]

As a bonus, Akatsuki no Megami scans the GameCube memory slot for a Souen no Kiseki save file and awards those who invested time in the GameCube title with extras.
And I have a reason now to go back and finish the Cube game. I didn't like it as much as Sacred Stones, but if it'll impact the Wii game, then I'm going to persevere. Just as soon as I've put FF6A to bed.

I put the Growth Egg on Gau and he's turning :evil:.

[HitokiriShadow]

It was just one of those comp games like Tales of the World or something like that. Not an actual new tales RPG. This one'll have Symphonia, Abyss, and Phantasia characters, IIRC.

To be exact it's one of those Tales of Fandom things according to RPG Fan (http://rpgfan.com/news/2007/1071.html). Not sure how I'd feel about this, but I highly doubt something like this would come to the U.S. So in the long run it sadly doesn't matter.

I was afraid of that. I had heard something about that several days before the 21st, but since it was in some magazine and it wasn't the 21st yet, I thought maybe it was something else.

[Johnny]

There's a new Megaman DS on the way - Megaman ZX Advent. Some pics here (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19362.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url).

Also, some new It's a Wonderful World DS pics (http://www.gamebrink.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13831).

[Chacranajxy]

There's a new Megaman DS on the way - Megaman ZX Advent. Some pics here (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19362.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url).

Also, some new It's a Wonderful World DS pics (http://www.gamebrink.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13831).

I'm not complaining about a new Mega Man ZX since the first one was really good... I seem to like Mega Man games as long as they don't try and get too creative on us since that usually nets us something like... Battle Network.... eww...

[ADC]

I'm not complaining about a new Mega Man ZX since the first one was really good... I seem to like Mega Man games as long as they don't try and get too creative on us since that usually nets us something like... Battle Network.... eww...
I concur. New relatively normal Megaman games are awesome. Battle Network hurt my soul. And yay for MMZXA, which I'll be purchasing.

[Johnny]

I'm not complaining about a new Mega Man ZX since the first one was really good... I seem to like Mega Man games as long as they don't try and get too creative on us since that usually nets us something like... Battle Network.... eww...
I concur. New relatively normal Megaman games are awesome. Battle Network hurt my soul. And yay for MMZXA, which I'll be purchasing.

I'm staying cautiously optimistic. I still get nightmares from that fucking Megaman X Anniversary Collection or whatever it was called due to the difficulty.
I enjoyed ZX but never finished it as the whole "go to area A to get a key to unlock area H, find your way there with no guide whatsoever and get a key to get to area J" etc etc etc really got to me.

[ADC]

I enjoyed ZX but never finished it as the whole "go to area A to get a key to unlock area H, find your way there with no guide whatsoever and get a key to get to area J" etc etc etc really got to me.
Suggestion: Check the map. It's almost useless, but it does show the path from area A to area H, at least. ;) I didn't have much difficulty navigating through MMZX. Granted, when you make a Metroidvania without a constant map feature, you're hurting the ease of exploration.

[HitokiriShadow]

There's a new Megaman DS on the way - Megaman ZX Advent. Some pics here (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19362.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url).


Awesome. That reminds me, I still need to play MegaMan ZX. Eh, maybe after I get my own DS, if my brother still has it. Which will be Summer at earliest. :sigh:

[Johnny]

Since no one ever bothers with positive Sony news, here's some (for UK/Europeans at least) - games will retail at £39.99 (http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3/ps3-games-less-than-360-games-in-uk-239627.php), compared with the 360s frankly fucking rediculous £49.99.

Blue Dragon anime info (http://www.famitsu.com/anime/news/2007/02/25/681,1172401798,67647,0,0.html)

[lostnomad84]

Since no one ever bothers with positive Sony news, here's some (for UK/Europeans at least) - games will retail at £39.99 (http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3/ps3-games-less-than-360-games-in-uk-239627.php), compared with the 360s frankly fucking rediculous £49.99.

Blue Dragon anime info (http://www.famitsu.com/anime/news/2007/02/25/681,1172401798,67647,0,0.html)

I still say paying £39.99 is ridiculous for you UK gamers. Bring it down to £29.99 and then you guys will at least pay on par to what we pay here in the states.

[Johnny]

Since no one ever bothers with positive Sony news, here's some (for UK/Europeans at least) - games will retail at £39.99 (http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3/ps3-games-less-than-360-games-in-uk-239627.php), compared with the 360s frankly fucking rediculous £49.99.

Blue Dragon anime info (http://www.famitsu.com/anime/news/2007/02/25/681,1172401798,67647,0,0.html)

I still say paying £39.99 is ridiculous for you UK gamers. Bring it down to £29.99 and then you guys will at least pay on par to what we pay here in the states.

Well even on the rare occassion I do buy a PAL game, online £40 will be £30-£35.
Imports at £25-£30 is a much better idea though.

[Johnny]

This is pretty interesting - if you want to play GC imports on your Wii but are too cheap to buy a freeloader (or modded Gamecube) then you could always try this newly discovered Wii diskswap:

1. put an orig gc game into the wii.
2. hover the remote over the start button.
3. press the eject button.
4. press start at last second. ie. before the button is disabled
5. swap discs really fast .ie get it started before blue light comes on.
6. away we go AR and imports. note: AR not needed for imports

This was only posted today so I'm not sure about reliability but it sounds interesting enough (if you're a tight ass who won't spend $10 or something on a Freeloader).

[Suwako Moriya]

According to RPG Fan (http://rpgfan.com/news/2007/1077.html) Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm will come out in May. Yes Nis America will be the ones bringing it out here. Also this link (http://www.gamesradar.com/us/ps2/game/previews/article.jsp?articleId=2007022714722787004&releaseId=20070227122551155048&sectionId=1001&pageId=2007022714851647050) from Games Radar has a preview up. Since I liked the first two games I'll likely go for this one, but I may wait for a price drop first like I did with the second game. Which was a result of feeling the first was worth the $26 I paid, but didn't feel like it would have been worth $50. Either way I'll need to adjust my future plans.

[HitokiriShadow]

That's good to hear. I still need to pick up the second one at some point, but I'll probably get #3 as well. Sadly, both will go directly to my backlog (along with the first one) to be played someday when I have time.

[Suwako Moriya]

Hmm planning to buy the second and third game in a series while the first remains in your backlog is kind of interesting. I'd figured one would want to at least try the first game and read up on the second and third first. Although I can say from what I played of the first two games and read of the third there are things that changes and things that remain the same.

[Chacranajxy]

I'm guessing that Iris 3 is still insanely average though?

[Suwako Moriya]

I'm guessing that Iris 3 is still insanely average though?

Granted I haven't played the game, but I would not be surprised if people who found the first two games average found also find the third average as well. Still for me it has a certain charm to it and hence why I'm going for it eventually.

[ADC]

Beautiful artwork and music; interesting battle system setup with multiple weapons; magic system could probably use some work. Still, I've put in a couple of hours and it's good, clean, E10+ fun. And Tamber's a cutie.

[Suwako Moriya]

I personally would just stick with either Luna or Wisp when it comes to magic. Once you can get access to a gem that allows you to regenerate MP one way or the other magic in general improves greatly, but in the end it still has its problems. Which as I've said in past posts is the double standard. Thus you can't be as strategic with magic.

One benefit to sticking with a spirit is you'll be able to familiarize yourself with the pattern of attack and practice with it. Thus making it even easier to use the spirit to attack. Although I find the spirit attack better to use in normal battles than in boss battles. Plus in some boss battles it's better to focus healing with items rather than magic if things get hectic.

Interesting to see you chose Tamber as well. So what look did you go with? My eldest brother used the pink dress I believe. I ended up using the white dress myself. Also I take it this was meant more for the playing thread?

[ADC]

Interesting to see you chose Tamber as well. So what look did you go with? My eldest brother used the pink dress I believe. I ended up using the white dress myself. Also I take it this was meant more for the playing thread?
Frickin' gaming forum finally tripped me up. Now's the time I miss the Gaming Thread. :nervous: And I went with the pink dress and blue hair. Further updates will go in the correct thread. (Really, though, would I have gone with the rabbit-looking dude?)

[Suwako Moriya]

Frickin' gaming forum finally tripped me up. Now's the time I miss the Gaming Thread. :nervous:

Gaming Goodness attacks ADC with confusion slap.
Thou art lost 75,000 HP. Thou Art has *****ing died several times in a row.

And I went with the pink dress and blue hair. Further updates will go in the correct thread. (Really, though, would I have gone with the rabbit-looking dude?)

Well Tamber looks good in general so any choice is a good choice. Ah okay in that case I'll save future replies to your progress for that thread as well. So you can comment on this there. In any case it's kind of fun to have four main characters, but only three saves. Thus meaning to play the fourth you must over write one of the first three.

[ADC]

Gaming Goodness attacks ADC with confusion slap.
Thou art lost 75,000 HP. Thou Art has *****ing died several times in a row.
No, but I am spinning around and throwing my arms in the air (coz I'm a true playa) and smacking myself at random intervals with a little green swoosh over my head. Damn Nike and their logo creep!

[Johnny]

Here's one no-one saw coming: apparently (from SNKs US forum) Art of Fighting Collection is coming to the US sometime in spring.

[ic14]

This probably wont get noticed, and i know most UKers on here already have a Wii (either UK (yay!) or Import (BOOO) but amazon.co.uk have got Zelda Twilight Princess for the GameCube in stock right now
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009UBR3A/ref=pd_ys_pym_a_5/202-7490421-0277424

[Chacranajxy]

Here's one no-one saw coming: apparently (from SNKs US forum) Art of Fighting Collection is coming to the US sometime in spring.

What the fucking shit? Well that was unexpected... especially giving the... well, nearly invisible following in the US. I wonder if it'll make it over unscathed or if SNKPUSA will be up to their usual tactics...

[cxt217]

Ah, that is good news. I would have said "very good" except my opinion of the character design has been less than optimistic.

I personally regard Atelier Iris 1 as the best of the series. AI 2 did not do anything bad (In fact, from a game system design standpoint, AI 2 was much better.), but it did not quite have the same amount of charm as the first one. I was very happy to pay full price for the first, slightly less so for the second. Well, I still buy AI 3 when it comes out.

(I should note that Atelier Iris 1 is one of my favorite games ever, so feeling the less then completely impressed with the sequel was probably to be expected.)

C.T.

[Johnny]

Here's one no-one saw coming: apparently (from SNKs US forum) Art of Fighting Collection is coming to the US sometime in spring.

What the fucking shit? Well that was unexpected... especially giving the... well, nearly invisible following in the US. I wonder if it'll make it over unscathed or if SNKPUSA will be up to their usual tactics...

Does seem like an odd decision when they have the likes of Garou which doesn't have a US release at the minute. AoF is relatively unknown, even for SNK/NeoGeo stuff.

I did read somewhere recently that apparently, with the release of the PS3, Sony are being a bit more lenient with what they will allow to come out of Japan on the PS2, i.e. older and/or 2D stuff which, if you listen to speculation/rumours, will see the floodgates open and the likes of ESPgaluda, Mushihimesama, Ibara etc aswell as 2D fighters.

That's where Europe has one advantage I guess as there's a much more hardcore shmup/2D following here than the states as we do actually get stuff like Neo Geo Battle Coliseum, KoF XI and so on.

[Chacranajxy]

Here's one no-one saw coming: apparently (from SNKs US forum) Art of Fighting Collection is coming to the US sometime in spring.

What the fucking shit? Well that was unexpected... especially giving the... well, nearly invisible following in the US. I wonder if it'll make it over unscathed or if SNKPUSA will be up to their usual tactics...

Does seem like an odd decision when they have the likes of Garou which doesn't have a US release at the minute. AoF is relatively unknown, even for SNK/NeoGeo stuff.

I did read somewhere recently that apparently, with the release of the PS3, Sony are being a bit more lenient with what they will allow to come out of Japan on the PS2, i.e. older and/or 2D stuff which, if you listen to speculation/rumours, will see the floodgates open and the likes of ESPgaluda, Mushihimesama, Ibara etc aswell as 2D fighters.

That's where Europe has one advantage I guess as there's a much more hardcore shmup/2D following here than the states as we do actually get stuff like Neo Geo Battle Coliseum, KoF XI and so on.


Hmm... well I can't really see shmups coming out in the US... SNKP's at least tried to bring stuff out in the US whereas Cave's approach has essentially been "Hey, stupid gringos (I'm well aware it's not Japanese)... you can go fuck yourselves. Ha!"

My concern with SNK's stuff though is that A) SNKPUSA will fuck it up when they bring it out over here (ex: Taking Ecole characters out of Neowave) or B) it'll get censored.

[Leon_Belmont]

Here's one no-one saw coming: apparently (from SNKs US forum) Art of Fighting Collection is coming to the US sometime in spring.

What the fucking shit? Well that was unexpected... especially giving the... well, nearly invisible following in the US. I wonder if it'll make it over unscathed or if SNKPUSA will be up to their usual tactics...

Deservingly invisible though. That game was pretty cool when it came out, what with the zoom in and out thing the camera did. But then it stopped being cool like about three weeks later, and sure hasn't risen to 2-D glory since.

Did the US even get the Fatal Fury collection? Not that US gamers would give two shits about that one either, but I would think that'd be a bigger release. This has got to be some sick early April Fools Day joke on those boards or something. I'm not seeing any logical reason an AoF collection would be released. Samurai Showdown and Fatal Fury I expect would be much more marketable.

[Chacranajxy]

Here's one no-one saw coming: apparently (from SNKs US forum) Art of Fighting Collection is coming to the US sometime in spring.

What the fucking shit? Well that was unexpected... especially giving the... well, nearly invisible following in the US. I wonder if it'll make it over unscathed or if SNKPUSA will be up to their usual tactics...

Deservingly invisible though. That game was pretty cool when it came out, what with the zoom in and out thing the camera did. But then it stopped being cool like about three weeks later, and sure hasn't risen to 2-D glory since.

Did the US even get the Fatal Fury collection? Not that US gamers would give two shits about that one either, but I would think that'd be a bigger release. This has got to be some sick early April Fools Day joke on those boards or something. I'm not seeing any logical reason an AoF collection would be released. Samurai Showdown and Fatal Fury I expect would be much more marketable.

Yeah, AoF is definitely one of the worst series that SNK has so it's kinda ironic that this is the first one they go to. Wouldn't be surprised if this got released, sold horribly, and then SNKPUSA decided that the US just doesn't want any of their games.

[martod]

Ah, that is good news. I would have said "very good" except my opinion of the character design has been less than optimistic.

I personally regard Atelier Iris 1 as the best of the series. AI 2 did not do anything bad (In fact, from a game system design standpoint, AI 2 was much better.), but it did not quite have the same amount of charm as the first one. I was very happy to pay full price for the first, slightly less so for the second. Well, I still buy AI 3 when it comes out.

(I should note that Atelier Iris 1 is one of my favorite games ever, so feeling the less then completely impressed with the sequel was probably to be expected.)

C.T.

I agree. It would have been nice if the characters in 2 were more consistently quirky. But I loved both games and I'm eagerly looking forward to AI 3. Plus the character designs I've seen from AI 3 are :virgin: .

[HitokiriShadow]

Hmm planning to buy the second and third game in a series while the first remains in your backlog is kind of interesting. I'd figured one would want to at least try the first game and read up on the second and third first. Although I can say from what I played of the first two games and read of the third there are things that changes and things that remain the same.

I've actually played the first one for a good 10-15 hours and enjoyed it. I held off on the second game for a while but I want to pick it up before it becomes hard to find.

What's really bad, is at some point I'm finally going to have the money to get a DS (sometime this summer probably, when I've finished several DVD series) and I'll be adding even more games to my backlog. Reading you guys having fun with games like Children of Mana is tempting me greatly. Arg. Well, at least those I'll be able to play on the go, maybe at work even. And once I finish my DVD backlog I may be able to spend some time on gaming.

[Johnny]

More baffling news after the AoF US announcement yesterday - apparently Raiden IV is coming to the US 360 at some point in the future. Bearing in mind that approximately 12 people outside of Japan know/like the series and there's no Japanese 360 or even arcade release of the game and it's even more surprising.
Of course, as stated, the game could be on XBL Arcade only which would be a shame.

Also, fucking hell - Enterbrain reported that Capcom has sold over 700,000 copies of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd in 3 days after the game released in Japan on February 22.

[Chacranajxy]

More baffling news after the AoF US announcement yesterday - apparently Raiden IV is coming to the US 360 at some point in the future. Bearing in mind that approximately 12 people outside of Japan know/like the series and there's no Japanese 360 or even arcade release of the game and it's even more surprising.
Of course, as stated, the game could be on XBL Arcade only which would be a shame.

Also, fucking hell - Enterbrain reported that Capcom has sold over 700,000 copies of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd in 3 days after the game released in Japan on February 22.

Yeah, I'm not interested in XBLA games at all... maybe if it came out on one of those compilations of XBLA games... but as a download only thing? Don't care.


Also, I saw this on NCSX:

Trigger Heart Exelica Restock
The regular edition of Exelica was restocked yesterday. All backorders have shipped and new orders are welcome. Please note that the limited edition is now considered very unlikely to be restocked at normal prices.

Since I wanted the LE, I am really glad that I went ahead and ordered.

[Johnny]

More crazy sales figures - Sony announced God of War II has scored one million pre-orders in the US.

Latest Famitsu scores:

* Virtua Tennis 3 (PS3, Sega): 8, 7, 7, 6 - (28/40)
* Bomberman Land Wii (Wii, Hudson): 7, 6, 7, 7 - (27/40)
* Seiken Densetsu: Heroes of Mana (NDS, Square Enix): 9, 8, 8, 7 - (32/40)
* Doraemon: Nobita no Shin Makai Daibouken DS (NDS, Sega): 8, 8, 8, 7 - (31/40)
* Yoshi's Island DS (NDS, Nintendo): 9, 7, 8, 8 - (32/40)
* Riot Act [Crackdown] (X360, Microsoft): 9, 9, 8, 9 - (35/40)
* Armored Core 4 (X360, From Software) - 8, 8, 8, 8 - (32/40)
* Call of Duty 3 (X360, Activision) - 8, 8, 9, 7 - (32/40)
* Kenka Banchou 2: Full Throttle (PS2, Spike): 7, 8, 7, 7 - (29/40)
* Amekoushi no Kan (PS2, Nippon Ichi): 7, 8, 8, 8 - (31/40)
* Karous (DC, MileStone): 6, 6, 6, 7 - (25/40)

[ADC]

* Seiken Densetsu: Heroes of Mana (NDS, Square Enix): 9, 8, 8, 7 - (32/40)
If it's anywhere near as much fun as Children, I'm there. I haven't had that much fun with a Mana game since Final Fantasy Adventure. No, not even Sword. FFA. And they're the same game!

[GHardin]

Yeah, I'm not interested in XBLA games at all... maybe if it came out on one of those compilations of XBLA games... but as a download only thing? Don't care.


Aside from a lack of physical medium, I don't really see anything wrong with the XBLA titles...it's not like you delete it, you're permafucked. If they release a compilation, I would hope it'd be better than the Unplugged collection...blech.

[Suwako Moriya]

* Seiken Densetsu: Heroes of Mana (NDS, Square Enix): 9, 8, 8, 7 - (32/40)
If it's anywhere near as much fun as Children, I'm there. I haven't had that much fun with a Mana game since Final Fantasy Adventure. No, not even Sword. FFA. And they're the same game!

Heh one of these days I should read up on the changes between adventure and sword. If I remember right Heroes is supposed to be Real Time Strategy or whatever. Either way it seems the Mana series has its way with multiple genres.

[Randall Flagg]

More crazy sales figures - Sony announced God of War II has scored one million pre-orders in the US.

Damn. I guess I need to speed up my purchase of a PS2 and play the first one. I've seen a sweet speedrun of it but never played it.

[Johnny]

According to someone who has an early copy of God of War II, the back of the manual states that a PSP GoW (http://kotaku.com/gaming/rumor/ad-god-of-war-ii-coming-to-psp-241346.php) is coming sometime this year.

[untoldsorrow]

According to someone who has an early copy of God of War II, the back of the manual states that a PSP GoW (http://kotaku.com/gaming/rumor/ad-god-of-war-ii-coming-to-psp-241346.php) is coming sometime this year.

Early copy is true, I already can d/l it and play if off a PS2 harddrive if I wanted to. Someone also ripped and convert it into an ISO. My friend is already playing it, I can't wait.

[Johnny]

Was waiting for the sales figures and expecting them to be good - and it appears they were (http://kotaku.com/gaming/gundam-musou/gundam-musou-sets-ps3-sales-record-241405.php).
Gundam Musou shifted 100,000+ copies on its first day on sale.

My copy arrived today too :)

[Chacranajxy]

Shit. Karous is out tomorrow. I need to find out if this game is good.

[Johnny]

Shit. Karous is out tomorrow. I need to find out if this game is good.

It's out on Thursday dude (unless some import stores are shipping early...).

It will be amazing too. Looks a lot like Radilgy which is a good thing.
Plus, c'mon, this is most likely the last "last" Dreamcast game considering Sega are rumoured to be stopping GD-ROM production :cry:

FWIW, current rumours suggest Sega is planning something for the 10th Anniversary which will be next year. Likely to be a port of the new Dynamite Deka since it's running on Naomi but ya never know, they could really make it go out with a bang...

[Johnny]

Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 pics and info (http://xcomp.gamebrink.com/?p=637).

I told myself I wouldn't buy anymore of the HtS games after the 3rd one, but even though it looks like the same 'ol, same 'ol, the new characters mean I'll likely end up getting this anyway.
Comes out on the 24th May, which makes 4 games for the series in just over 2 years...

[Johnny]

Wangan Midnight PS3 trailer (http://www.gamebrink.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14076). This should be insanely brilliant as everyone knows Genki + racers = win.

There's a PSP version coming too. No release date for either yet but the Wangan Midnight anime is supposed to air in April (looking forward to that so much!) so I'd imagine it'll get a release sometime in the summer.

[Johnny]

First (very blurry) Ouendan 2 scan (http://www.jeux-france.com/news19502_oendan-2-se-devoile-sur-nintendo-ds.html)

And some new Crisis Core: FFVII scans (http://www.jeux-france.com/news19500_crisis-core-ffvii-en-images.html)

[Chacranajxy]

First (very blurry) Ouendan 2 scan (http://www.jeux-france.com/news19502_oendan-2-se-devoile-sur-nintendo-ds.html)

And some new Crisis Core: FFVII scans (http://www.jeux-france.com/news19500_crisis-core-ffvii-en-images.html)

Are those the first gameplay shots we've seen of Crisis Core? Either way, it looks fantastic. Wow.

[Johnny]

First (very blurry) Ouendan 2 scan (http://www.jeux-france.com/news19502_oendan-2-se-devoile-sur-nintendo-ds.html)

And some new Crisis Core: FFVII scans (http://www.jeux-france.com/news19500_crisis-core-ffvii-en-images.html)

Are those the first gameplay shots we've seen of Crisis Core? Either way, it looks fantastic. Wow.

Pretty much, yeah. Up until now it's been the same 4 or 5 pics over and over. But yeah, definitely looking great.
I'd love a translation of the battle system bit as I'm really curious as to how it will play.

[Johnny]

For those that haven't seen it, Sega have a poll on their US page asking which game/series people would most like to see return.

The options are:

NiGHTS
Streets of Rage
Samba de Amigo
Virtua Cop
Flicky

Hard choice. Give me NiGHTS, Samba de Amigo and Virtua Cop on both DS and Wii (different versions of each would be like two different games on each format) and a 2D Streets of Rage 4 as the Dreamcast's swansong. Make it happen Sega!

[Johnny]

Hokuto no Ken trailer (http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2007/03/08/watch-hokuto-no-ken-trailer/) and a better quality Ouendan 2 scan (http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4479/osu2vi6.jpg) than the one posted yesterday.

[Johnny]

Japanese game sales 26th Feb - 4th March:

1. Gundam Musou (PS3, Bandai Namco) - 170,725 units
2. Super Robot Taisen W (NDS, Banpresto) - 139,311 units
3. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (PSP, Capcom) - 137,851 [843,132] units
4. Wii Sports (Wii, Nintendo) - 39,639 [1,130,376] units
5. Layton Kyouju no Fushigi na Machi (NDS, Level 5) - 33,957 [220,673] units
6. Unou no Tatsuhin! Soukai! Machigai Museum 2 (NDS, Bandai Namco) - 28,495 units
7. Hajimete no Wii [Wii Play] (Wii, Nintendo) - 31,702 [976,288] units
8. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker (NDS, Square Enix) - 27,263 [1,201,812] units
9. New Super Mario Bros. (NDS, Nintendo) - 24,545 [4,193,532] units
10. Kawashima Ryuuta Kyouju Kanshuu: Motto Nouo Kitaeru Otona DS Training (NDS, Nintendo) - 22,854 [4,039,850] units

Downloadable content for Motorstorm (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19527.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url) coming at some point.

Starfox 64 rated 'E' (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19526.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url) so should be showing up on the Virtual Console pretty soon.

[Lego]

1. Gundam Musou (PS3, Bandai Namco) - 170,725 units

Gundam Musou is burning up the sales charts in Japan. I was reading something either on Joystiq or Kotaku where they said it made PS3 sales go up 120% or so. The greatest comment that I read though was when someone said "you mean they sold two more of them?" :P

[Johnny]

The PSP2 rumours just won't go away, with Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/rumor-no-denying-it-psp2-is-coming-242845.php) reporting that it could be coming by the end of this year and will be announced at E3.

Features are said to be:

Better screen
Faster loading times
Better buttons
8GB Flash memory
Possible touch screen & built in camera
Still uses UMD

Pretty interesting. Although I expect to see the internet explode with "Sony copies Nintendo again" cries re: the touch screen which is going to be for navigating the XMB and it's highly unlikely it'll be used in games like the DS.

I'd definitely buy one. I think the design of the original is fine but it's the memory that really attracts me as swapping memory sticks full of PSone games gets a bit annoying at times and it'd be nice to have a HDD for storing them.

[lostnomad84]

I'd definitely buy one. I think the design of the original is fine but it's the memory that really attracts me as swapping memory sticks full of PSone games gets a bit annoying at times and it'd be nice to have a HDD for storing them.

Which is exactly why I won't pick it up. I still like the current PSP hardware and I couldn't justify the purchase of a newer one, unlike the DS Lite, simply because I haven't touched my PSP in many months. There are games coming down the road I can see myself buying, but not enough to justify the purchase of a newer version.

[Jarred]

Koei Reveals Opoona for Wii (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158009)
Screenshots via Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/gaming/koei/opoona-revealed-for-wii-244012.php)

Interesting game, as supposedly it will be solely controlled via the nunchuck and no remote action. And the people working on the project are impressive as well.

[ADC]

Koei Reveals Opoona for Wii (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158009)
Screenshots via Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/gaming/koei/opoona-revealed-for-wii-244012.php)
Looks kind of interesting. A bit strange that they'd make it Nunchuk-only rather than Wii Remote-only, but the whole point of the Wii is to make money for Nintendo games which play differently, so there you are. I'll probably give it a try.

[Chacranajxy]

Koei Reveals Opoona for Wii (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158009)
Screenshots via Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/gaming/koei/opoona-revealed-for-wii-244012.php)
Looks kind of interesting. A bit strange that they'd make it Nunchuk-only rather than Wii Remote-only, but the whole point of the Wii is to make money for Nintendo games which play differently, so there you are. I'll probably give it a try.

Yeah, but you need the nunchuck hooked up to the Wiimote in order to use it. That effectively makes this concept fucking stupid.

[lostnomad84]

Retailers forcing PSP Redesign? (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158013)

To follow up Johnny's a few days ago, apparently something indeed is going to happen to the PSP, but not because of an internal decision by Sony, but because retailers seem to have given Sony an ultimatum:

With sales of the PSP lagging (Sony's PSP hardware shipments to retailers last Fall were down 72 percent over the year before, only a meager 10,000 units in the U.S.), word is that a few big name retailers have given Sony a mandate: drop the price or they'll drop the system from their stores. Entirely.

Now wether it will be the PSP Version 2, described as having 8 GB of internal memory, lighter, better screen, etc.., or the same old PSP with different colors, but a lighter internal hardware will remain to be seen.

Now the bigger question is, would a PSP2 really have the same effect like the DS Lite did with the DS?

My thoughts, no. The DS already had attention with a good wave of games coming out one after another and the reincarnation of the DS's hardware just made it all sweeter. What Sony really needs to do is just basically relaunch the PSP, keep the games coming in a wave, and reduce the prices of both games and hardware to compete with Nintendo. Otherwise, I don't think much will change.

[ADC]

Considering that the local Worst Buy has the same PSPs it had before Christmas, gathering dust in a display case (not even kidding; you can see the black on the box has a layer of gray on top), this doesn't surprise me. Some things I think could help Sony on this one:

• Yes, please, bring out more colors in the States. There are three different colors for the DS Lite; there were three different colors for the fat DS; there are three different colors for the GBA SP; there are three different colors plus like seven different faceplates for the GBm. We're stuck with one PSP color, and it's the one that shows the most fingerprints. Good call, Kaz.
• Drop the price. The damn'd thing costs as much as a Wii and isn't half as interesting. Compete with the DS Lite on price and watch the sales ratchet up.
• Two words: PSP micro. The existing unit is big. Reduce the screen size to like 3.5 inches diagonal, which allows them to shrink the rest of the unit as well.

If they want to bump the storage space of the unit to 8 GB, awesome. If they make it so you can dump an entire PSP game onto the internal storage so you only need the UMD to make it boot and then it goes dormant, even better. The battery life should be at least equal to that of the DS Lite, given the size of the unit, and that won't happen with a disc-based delivery method.

[Suwako Moriya]

See this article (http://psp.ign.com/articles/772/772627p1.html) from IGN. Hmm while I don't have a PSP myself this should be good news for the Tales fans that do. Hmm perhaps I should read up later on who is included in this version. Wow at least one character from Rebirth. I guess they did find a way to partially bring Tales of Rebirth out here. :P Perhaps we should have deeper discussion about this in the Tales thread. Although right now I'm on a casual forums visit.

[Suwako Moriya]

I imagine the possibility of a new model of the PSP has some would be buyers thinking they should wait a bit longer before getting the PSP. At the very least it's something I'd consider doing if I were planning to get one. Of course the question is how long to wait. A new model could be months away, but it could also be years away as in at least two.

[Chacranajxy]

See this article (http://psp.ign.com/articles/772/772627p1.html) from IGN. Hmm while I don't have a PSP myself this should be good news for the Tales fans that do. Hmm perhaps I should read up later on who is included in this version. Wow at least one character from Rebirth. I guess they did find a way to partially bring Tales of Rebirth out here. :P Perhaps we should have deeper discussion about this in the Tales thread. Although right now I'm on a casual forums visit.

Wicked awesome news. I honestly think people would like the PSP better if Sony stopped fucking up. It's too expensive for a portable and limiting what devs. can bring to the US is stupid. The system is far better than the DS in a technical sense, so it'd be nice to have a game library that reflects that.

[Jarred]

More Opoona details.

Teaser Site (http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/wii/opoona/)
Press Conference Screenshots (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/03/14/103,1173857487,68536,0,0.html)
More screenshots and artwork (http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070314/opoona.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dwatch.impress%26hl%3Den%26hs%3DT40%26 lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official_s%26sa%3DG)

[Johnny]

I know a few people were interested last time I posted news on the game, so this should keep those people happy - Front Mission 1st DS trailer (http://www.gamebrink.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14224)

Latest Famitsu scores:

Mist of Chaos (PS3, Idea Factory) : 4 / 3 / 4 / 5 - (16/40)
- Bomberman Tournament DS (NDS, Hudson) : 7 / 6 / 7 / 6 - (26/40)
- Dragon Ball Z Card RPG (NDS, Bandai Namco) : 6 / 6 / 7 / 8 - (27/40)
- Crayon Shinchan (NDS, Banpresto) : 7 / 6 / 8 / 8 - (29/40)
- Negima!? Chou Mahora Taisen Chuu : Checkiin Zenin Shuugou! Yappari Onsen Kichaimashitaa (NDS, Marvelous) : 7 / 5 / 6 / 6 - (24/40)
- Bomberman Land Portable (PSP, Hudson) : 6 / 4 / 7 / 6 - (23/40)
- Eyeshield 21 (Wii, Nintendo) : 6 / 6 / 6 / 6 - (24/40)
- Muso Orochi (PS2, Koei) : 9 / 8 / 8 / 8 - (33/40)
- Rozen Maiden : Geppetto Garden (PS2, Taito) : 7 / 6 / 6 / 5 - (24/40)

Capcom announce new Wii game - Treasure Island Z (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?lp=fr_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.jeux-france.com%2fimages0_4_19579.html)

Trusty Bell US screens (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19582.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url)

[Azumangaman]

Trusty Bell US screens (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19582.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url)

When does this come out again? I want O.O O.O

[Suwako Moriya]

Trusty Bell US screens (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19582.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url)

Ah so her name is Polka. Well I guess with a name like Eternal Sonata which is of course being called Trusty Bell here it kind of makes sense. Still she is rather pretty.

[Lovely]

Damn it. Tales for PSP. Trusty Bell for 360.

Two systems I don't have.

Two systems I'll probably buy JUST for those games.

*weep*

I'm just hoping the "newer" and cheaper (rumored) versions of those systems are out by the times the games I mentioned come out.

[Lovely]

Trusty Bell US screens (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19582.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url)

Ah so her name is Polka. Well I guess with a name like Eternal Sonata which is of course being called Trusty Bell here it kind of makes sense.

I believe all the playable characters are named after music actually. Well, from what I can remember reading of the katakana in some earlier screens.

[Lovely]

Eh, well, as long as I'm posting, I might as well mention a little .hack//GU news.

According to the US official blog (http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=7868317&publicUserId=5828549) apparently the US version of volume two is going to have an extra "exclusive scene." So that's pretty nifty.
Though, considering the US version is the only version I'm going to play, I probably won't know what that scene IS. Heh.

[Suwako Moriya]

I believe all the playable characters are named after music actually. Well, from what I can remember reading of the katakana in some earlier screens.

Well in that case the only thing that would make her name being Polka more appropriate is if the name fits her actual character. Kind of like calling a flame user "Crimson" as opposed to "Aqua".

[DustoMan]

I was really hoping that Nintendo wasn't going to stick to the friend code system. I'm very disappointed.

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/wii/wii-friend-codes-unique-to-each-game-%5Bupdate%5D-244356.php

[Azumangaman]

I was really hoping that Nintendo wasn't going to stick to the friend code system. I'm very disappointed.

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/wii/wii-friend-codes-unique-to-each-game-%5Bupdate%5D-244356.php
I agree. I think Friend Codes are the stupidest thing ever. Why enter 304-592081-2794562-97130613957 when you could just add "Azumangaman" <--Not that I have a Wii.
Still, usernames are SO much more convenient.

[indigo0086]

Trusty Bell US screens (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19582.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url)

Ah so her name is Polka. Well I guess with a name like Eternal Sonata which is of course being called Trusty Bell here it kind of makes sense. Still she is rather pretty.
I believe it's Eternal Sonata in the states while Trusty Bell in japan. You can tell by the total lack of sense Trusty Bell makes in English.

[Suwako Moriya]

I believe it's Eternal Sonata in the states while Trusty Bell in japan. You can tell by the total lack of sense Trusty Bell makes in English.

Yeah you're right it is Eternal Sonata in the states. Darn it I got it backwards. I could take personal responsibility or instead find some random person to blame. I'll be back later.

[Chacranajxy]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/772/772809p2.html

Blue Dragon will have the Japanese voice overs included in the US version. Hell fucking yes.

[indigo0086]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/772/772809p2.html

Blue Dragon will have the Japanese voice overs included in the US version. Hell fucking yes.


I wonder if the boss song will stay intact, "SEE THE FEAR, IN YOUR EYES, SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN SEE!!!'

[Chacranajxy]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/772/772809p2.html

Blue Dragon will have the Japanese voice overs included in the US version. Hell fucking yes.


I wonder if the boss song will stay intact, "SEE THE FEAR, IN YOUR EYES, SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN SEE!!!'

Cheesy Japanese butt rock is always equal to win.

[ADC]

Y'know, we haven't seen the birthday perv today. I wonder if he started his drinkin' and figure skatin' early? (I admit I could go for a pint of Guinness m'self.)

Happy birthday, johnny. And remember: Some highschool girls like older men, especially if they have money and nice cars. ;)

[untoldsorrow]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/772/772809p2.html

Blue Dragon will have the Japanese voice overs included in the US version. Hell fucking yes.


I wonder if the boss song will stay intact, "SEE THE FEAR, IN YOUR EYES, SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN SEE!!!'

Cheesy Japanese butt rock is always equal to win.


Thats awesome news to hear. I love it when a company does that.

[ADC]

Per Gamestop (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/news/story.php?sid=6167512&part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6167512), NPD reports February US console sales like this:

1. Nintendo DS (485,000)
2. Nintendo Wii (335,000)
3. Sony Playstation 2 (295,000)
4. Microsoft Xbox 360 (228,000)
5. Sony PSP (176,000)
6. Sony Playstation 3 (127,000)

And US console games sales look like this:

1. Crackdown (Xbox 360) (427,000)
2. Wii Play with Wii Remote (Wii)
3. Diddy Kong Racing (DS)
4. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)
5. Guitar Hero 2 bundle (PlayStation 2)
6. Gears of War (Xbox 360)
7. MLB 2K7 (Xbox 360)
8. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (Xbox 360)
9. WarioWare: Smooth Moves (Wii)
10. NBA Street Homecourt (Xbox 360)

I went to the Elk Grove Worst Buy today and saw a few silver PS2s still on the shelves. I thought those were supposed to be gone by now. There were also GCN Twilight Princess games on hand.

[Ender]

I went to the Elk Grove Worst Buy today and saw a few silver PS2s still on the shelves. I thought those were supposed to be gone by now. There were also GCN Twilight Princess games on hand.

Worst Buy at Palm Beach Lakes also has silver PS2s and GCN Zelda:TP.

[Jarred]

Per Gamestop (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/news/story.php?sid=6167512&part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6167512), NPD reports February US console sales like this:

1. Nintendo DS (485,000)
2. Nintendo Wii (335,000)
3. Sony Playstation 2 (295,000)
4. Microsoft Xbox 360 (228,000)
5. Sony PSP (176,000)
6. Sony Playstation 3 (127,000)

Hmm, I wonder why they didn't include the GBA, which outsold the PS3 (http://kotaku.com/gaming/npd/february-npd-madness-244656.php) by 9K units. :sd:

[ADC]

Hmm, I wonder why they didn't include the GBA, which outsold the PS3 (http://kotaku.com/gaming/npd/february-npd-madness-244656.php) by 9K units. :sd:
Maybe they didn't want to embarrass Sony? Or maybe Sony paid Gamestop to have the info suppressed but forgot to similarly fund Kotaku? Either way, that's pretty sad sauce. There were PS3s in the lockup at the Elk Grove Worst Buy, right next to a stack of PSPs big enough to control the States' entire nuclear and conventional weapons arsenal. (Seriously: price drops, new colors, smaller units.)

[Jarred]

And maybe the gaming history buffs out there can help, but I'm curious if we've ever had a previous version console outsell its next version by 2.3x 3 months after launch before. I mean, I know the PS2 is the best selling console and all, but that can't be encouraging.

And for comparison's sake, here's (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14635) last week's Japanese hardware sales (showing 1-6):
1. DS Lite - 108,512
2. PSP - 56,175
3. Wii - 44,495
4. PS3 - 32,115
5. PS2 - 14,585
6. 360 - 3,333

[TheGreenMan]

Trusty Bell US screens (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19582.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url)

Ah so her name is Polka. Well I guess with a name like Eternal Sonata which is of course being called Trusty Bell here it kind of makes sense. Still she is rather pretty.

New video with Polka dubbed into English (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/trustybellchopinnoyume/news.html?sid=6167509&autoplay=6167506&tag=topslot;link;1)

Not too shabby.

[TheGreenMan]

Rachet & Clank (PS3) screens (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3158049)

O.O O.O O.O

[Suwako Moriya]

New video with Polka dubbed into English (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/trustybellchopinnoyume/news.html?sid=6167509&autoplay=6167506&tag=topslot;link;1)

Wow based on what's said in that interview I'm even more confident of the game's quality and it will be a good choice for those who have a 360 and like RPGs. Still it's nice to have a game that's pretty. Even better it's not using generic advanced graphics like some games.

[Jarred]

New video with Polka dubbed into English (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/trustybellchopinnoyume/news.html?sid=6167509&autoplay=6167506&tag=topslot;link;1)

Not too shabby.

She just said, "scheduled to come out early summer this year", didn't she? Wicked.

[jecca-neko]

I was really hoping that Nintendo wasn't going to stick to the friend code system. I'm very disappointed.

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/wii/wii-friend-codes-unique-to-each-game-%5Bupdate%5D-244356.php
I agree. I think Friend Codes are the stupidest thing ever. Why enter 304-592081-2794562-97130613957 when you could just add "Azumangaman" <--Not that I have a Wii.
Still, usernames are SO much more convenient.

I don't mind Friend Codes if we only need one. The DS Friend Code system is a pain in the ass because each game has a separate Friend Code. Everyone thought the Wii system Friend Code would cover all of the games. Apparently not... and that seriously annoys me. So does this mean that the system Friend Codes are only useful for sending messages and Miis? That's really stupid.

[lostnomad84]

I shall note this as a RUMOR, but apparently very creditable, but apparently... Nights 2 is heading for the Wii! (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14685)

[Johnny]

I shall note this as a RUMOR, but apparently very creditable, but apparently... Nights 2 is heading for the Wii! (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14685)

I'm not getting my hopes up, but if it is (and it's not like this rumour hasn't been about since the dawn of time and Sega had that poll on their site a couple of weeks back asking what classic game people would want to see return - with NiGHTS being one of the choices) a reality and Sonic Team/Yuji Naka are involved then I'm buying this for both Wii's and any and all LE editions that come out. This will be a nice addition to the list of recent Sega hits.

Could be even more suited to the Wii than the Saturn analogue pad too as Sega were planning to release a motion sensitive controller for the game back in the day.

[Jarred]

Opoona JP Trailer (http://www.opoona.com/movie.htm) (Wii)

Okay, I'm now off the fence and most likely picking this one up after watching that 2 min trailer. Such a quirky looking RPG.

[jecca-neko]

I shall note this as a RUMOR, but apparently very creditable, but apparently... Nights 2 is heading for the Wii! (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14685)

I somehow figured a rumor like that would happen after that poll. I'm so totally buying it if it happens to be true. To this day, NiGHTS still makes me want to try to find a Saturn.

Opoona JP Trailer (http://www.opoona.com/movie.htm) (Wii)


Wow, that's a great trailer. Thanks for posting it. I'm considering it now myself. Before I hadn't been. I typically don't care for Koei games so just the developer name scared me a bit. But this looks interesting.

[lostnomad84]

I shall note this as a RUMOR, but apparently very creditable, but apparently... Nights 2 is heading for the Wii! (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14685)

I somehow figured a rumor like that would happen after that poll. I'm so totally buying it if it happens to be true. To this day, NiGHTS still makes me want to try to find a Saturn.



I was very fortunate a few years ago to find a used Saturn for $30 and online I found a brand-new copy of Nights with the controller all for $20! Unfortunately that same site is now out of stock when it comes to the game, otherwise I would have redirected it to you.

Nights is a fun game (one I've yet to finish), but if you add the Wiimote to the gameplay, it will definitely expand the game to a whole new level, making the first look pitiful only using an analog stick.

[Johnny]

Loads of stuff from The Magicbox over the past couple of days which I've been too busy to post until now:


Pics of Capcoms upcoming Wii game, Treasure Island Z (http://www.the-magicbox.com/0703/game070315a.shtml). They said they see the Wii as kiddie and I guess they're gonna be releasing kiddie looking games for it. Having said that, this game looks pretty cool and I'd say it's something I'll buy.


Sega confirmed that Sega Rally Revo for Xbox 360 and PS3 will be released in Europe in Autumn 2007.
This is supposed to be realistic graphics with the gameplay and handling of the first 2 Sega Rally games which is only a good thing in my book.
Sega Rally 2006 which didn't get a release outside Japan was a good game, but didn't feel like Sega Rally.
Sega are back on top in the fighter genre, the sports/tennis genre and now hopefully the rally genre.


EGM have reported that the next Xbox is in development. Peter Moore has apparently confirmed this and it will arrive sometime between 2011-2012.
Not surprising at all, given that Sony have hinted PS4 development has started/will commence soon, but if the new Xbox arrives in 2011, that's a lifespan of 6 years for the 360 which is longer than normal.


Seeds, the new development studio set up by Clover/Capcom staff is working on a new 360 title.


First details of PGR4 to be revealed in the new Official Xbox magazine.

Phil Harrison revealed that PS3 firmware 1.6 will be released on March 23, 2007, which will support backward compatibility to over 1200 PS2 titles for the PAL version of PS3. New firmware also allows PSP to playback media streaming from PS3, or view PS3 web browser on PSP.


Sony confirmed that Warhawk for PS3 will be released on Blu-Ray disc in late summer this year.


Genki announced its PS3 racing game Wangan Midnight will be released in Japan in July 2007.


Sony director Cory Barlog mentioned that God of War III for PS3 will support Rumble function on the Sixaxis controller, and it will run in 1080p.


Sega announced three Sega Ages titles will be released in Japan this summer:

* Sega Ages: Galaxy Force 2
* Sega Ages: Phantasy Star I, II, III & IV
* Sega Ages: Virtual On

[Johnny]

I somehow figured a rumor like that would happen after that poll. I'm so totally buying it if it happens to be true. To this day, NiGHTS still makes me want to try to find a Saturn.


It is, of course, approaching the 1st April so it makes it all the less likely.

As for a Saturn, there's loads and loads of great games besides NiGHTS so it wouldn't be like you could only buy the one game.
Dunno how much the US version goes for but the JP one (and Xmax NiGHTS) go for about £5-£10 w/spinecards.

[Lovely]

As for a Saturn, there's loads and loads of great games besides NiGHTS ...

ASTAL!!!


*cough* Sorry. I just... I just love that game so much.


I will say that I love NiGHTS too though. One of my greatest gamer-related-regrets is that I don't own a copy of NiGHTS. Though I did rent it back in the day. It was so much fun... Even though i didn't own a analogue controller and playing the game did hurt a bit. heh.

[Johnny]

More rumours here, as always, apply the "it's close to April 1st" rule with these:

Apparently, according to some mobile phone pics, 3 new Namco games are coming to the 360 - Warhammer, Ace Combat 6 and Beautiful Katamari (http://www.xboxic.com/news/2595).

[ape2020]

Sony confirmed that Warhawk for PS3 will be released on Blu-Ray disc in late summer this year.


Rumor has it this is not true and it will be download only. Warhawk back to download dist. (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/rumorong-warhawk-back-to-being-downloadable-title/)

-ape2020

[Kurou]

More rumours here, as always, apply the "it's close to April 1st" rule with these:

Apparently, according to some mobile phone pics, 3 new Namco games are coming to the 360 - Warhammer, Ace Combat 6 and Beautiful Katamari (http://www.xboxic.com/news/2595).

The other two are eh, but Ace Combat on the 360 would be great. I want co-op, Namco!

[Johnny]

Sony confirmed that Warhawk for PS3 will be released on Blu-Ray disc in late summer this year.


Rumor has it this is not true and it will be download only. Warhawk back to download dist. (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/rumorong-warhawk-back-to-being-downloadable-title/)



Will this ever end? I don't care if it's BD or DL, I just want the game!

[Jarred]

More rumours here, as always, apply the "it's close to April 1st" rule with these:

Hahaha, I love it how you are already wary of Apr 1st and it's still two weeks away. As if the gaming world is spinning threads two weeks early to get ya!!! :D

BTW, NGamer will also make an announcement (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14708) in next month's issue and the picture looks very similar to ONM's supposed NiGHTS clue.

[Johnny]

More rumours here, as always, apply the "it's close to April 1st" rule with these:

Hahaha, I love it how you are already wary of Apr 1st and it's still two weeks away. As if the gaming world is spinning threads two weeks early to get ya!!! :D

BTW, NGamer will also make an announcement (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14708) in next month's issue and the picture looks very similar to ONM's supposed NiGHTS clue.



OK, looking at that scan, there's no doubt that it's Starfox. 99%.

The reason I'm wary of the 1st April so early is that this sort of thing always crops up - April editions of magazines being leaked a few days/weeks ahead of release. The mags aren't released on the 1st April but that's the edition that the April Fools stuff will appear.

That and I hate getting my hopes up (especially for something as amazing as a new NiGHTS would be) only for them to be dashed.

[FigNewton]

I can't see it being Starfox. If it is, thy're just setting up for a big yawn, as we just got the DS one not too long ago, and the Wii game has long been in discussion anyway. So if it's Starfox... well big deal. :(

[ape2020]

Sony confirmed that Warhawk for PS3 will be released on Blu-Ray disc in late summer this year.


Rumor has it this is not true and it will be download only. Warhawk back to download dist. (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/rumorong-warhawk-back-to-being-downloadable-title/)



Will this ever end? I don't care if it's BD or DL, I just want the game!

I think its a seesaw between higher cost of BD dist and limited market of DL. Still like Shadowrun from MS I don't like were this game is going. Like SR, it seems like the red-headed stepchild of Sony.

-ape2020

[Johnny]

Apparently, according to some mobile phone pics, 3 new Namco games are coming to the 360 - Warhammer, Ace Combat 6 and Beautiful Katamari (http://www.xboxic.com/news/2595).

OK, the Beautiful Katamari rumour is looking more credible.
This site (http://orangeloungeradio.com/phpnuke/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=717) have reported that the game is coming to the PS3 (with Sixaxis support) and 360 on the 17th of October, with a Wii version on the 14th of November.

So yeah, great, just another random site citing the latest rumour. Well, maybe not. Apparently Namco filed a trademark for the name Beautiful Katamari in January (see here (http://orangeloungeradio.com/phpnuke/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1474)).

I hope, I really do, even if the creator of the original won't be having anything to do with it.

[lostnomad84]

More rumours here, as always, apply the "it's close to April 1st" rule with these:

Hahaha, I love it how you are already wary of Apr 1st and it's still two weeks away. As if the gaming world is spinning threads two weeks early to get ya!!! :D

BTW, NGamer will also make an announcement (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14708) in next month's issue and the picture looks very similar to ONM's supposed NiGHTS clue.



OK, looking at that scan, there's no doubt that it's Starfox. 99%.

The reason I'm wary of the 1st April so early is that this sort of thing always crops up - April editions of magazines being leaked a few days/weeks ahead of release. The mags aren't released on the 1st April but that's the edition that the April Fools stuff will appear.

That and I hate getting my hopes up (especially for something as amazing as a new NiGHTS would be) only for them to be dashed.

Could it be both Nights and Starfox? I wouldn't rule out the possibility. I'm open to the possibility of both since both magazines promise to reveal an exclusive new title and both magazines are from the same publisher. Also, the first image from the Official Nintendo Magazine with the superimposed image from Nights is just too good of a coincidence to be wrong. However, the art from the second magazine is just not even close to the art I would expect from Nights, but definitely more from that of Starfox. So I'm open to both being revealed.

As to the whole April fool's caution, it is always a theory, however I'm only familiar with EGM pulling that prank in their magazine and only with websites pulling that prank on the exact day of April 1st. Not only that, but magazines tend not to boast about an exclusive new game in the non-April issue if it were to be a prank. So I'm not going to lean towards the whole April fools theory yet.

[HitokiriShadow]

In case anyone's wondering, EGM's April Fool's joke this year was Mushroom Kingdom Hearts.

PSM used to do April Fool's jokes, but seemed to have stopped doing that a few years ago. I recall reading that they stopped doing it after the Valkyrie Wilde incident, but I could have sworn they still did it for a few years after that.

And I think Game Informer does its Game Infarcer spiel for April Fool's.

Since OPM is gone, that covers all of the magazines I read. However, I'm pretty sure reputable gaming news websites have done it before and there is nothing stopping them from suddenly starting. I'm not concerned about April Fool's jokes at this point (website-wise) unless its something that seems to good to be true or too unrealistic. I'll be much more skeptical a week from now.

[jecca-neko]

* Sega Ages: Phantasy Star I, II, III & IV

That better come out. I've been waiting for that game for frickin' ever. It also better come out outside of Japan.


As for a Saturn, there's loads and loads of great games besides NiGHTS so it wouldn't be like you could only buy the one game.


I didn't say there isn't other games I'm interested in. I could list a lot. NiGHTS is just my favorite. I rented that game several times when I was a kid (and of course the console too). Yes, my dad was crazy enough to rent me a console but he wouldn't buy it for me.

[jecca-neko]

In case anyone's wondering, EGM's April Fool's joke this year was Mushroom Kingdom Hearts.

PSM used to do April Fool's jokes, but seemed to have stopped doing that a few years ago. I recall reading that they stopped doing it after the Valkyrie Wilde incident, but I could have sworn they still did it for a few years after that.

Doesn't everyone know about the Mushroom Kingdom Hearts joke by now? It was also so obvious that no one would fall for it. Unlike Valkyrie Wilde, which was brilliant. I remember reading about that in the day and I found it hilarious. Especially once the media started reporting about it. I really do miss good jokes like that.

Since OPM is gone, that covers all of the magazines I read. However, I'm pretty sure reputable gaming news websites have done it before and there is nothing stopping them from suddenly starting.

RPGamer does it every single year.

Speaking of gaming mags, I don't really read them anymore either. I find out the news waaay beforehand online and they feel like 70% ads. I do have a Nintendo Power subscription but that 1) is cheap, 2) they give you free stuff, 3) has few ads, and 4) sometimes they're the first to report things since it is Nintendo's official mag.

[GHardin]

However, I'm pretty sure reputable gaming news websites have done it before and there is nothing stopping them from suddenly starting. I'm not concerned about April Fool's jokes at this point (website-wise) unless its something that seems to good to be true or too unrealistic. I'll be much more skeptical a week from now.

Just be wary on the first...that's when the game sites throw the bullshit. Gamespot's news page is a riot to go through, as most of the stuff they post on 4/1 are jokes. I hardly go to any sites on the first, so I can't really comment on other places, though.

*Remembers DVD IGN's April Fools joke a couple years ago*
2-disc special edition of Ecks vs. Sever...funny indeed. :D

[Johnny]

New Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19622.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url) and Ouendan 2 (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?lp=fr_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.jeux-france.com%2fnews19623_oendan-2-plus-d-images.html) scans.
Plus, news that Level-5 have a 10th anniversary RPG (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19626.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url) in development.

[Chacranajxy]

* Sega Ages: Phantasy Star I, II, III & IV

That better come out. I've been waiting for that game for frickin' ever. It also better come out outside of Japan.



Huh? But we already have PS 2, 3, and 4 (I think) on the Genesis collection... well anyway, there's 0 chance of something like that coming to the US, but there's a decent change of it having English like some previous Sega Ages collections have had... Sega did do the translations, after all.

Edit: Speaking of Sega Ages. I want some fucking Saturn games and I want them now.

[Johnny]

Edit: Speaking of Sega Ages. I want some fucking Saturn games and I want them now.

Well Virtual On is coming so that's as good a place as any to start.
But yeah some nice Saturn game Sega Ages special editions would be great, especially Burning Rangers.

[Chacranajxy]

Edit: Speaking of Sega Ages. I want some fucking Saturn games and I want them now.

Well Virtual On is coming so that's as good a place as any to start.
But yeah some nice Saturn game Sega Ages special editions would be great, especially Burning Rangers.

Oh yeah, I forgot about Virtual On... has that game aged well? I remember that I was definitely considering picking that one up since giant mechs can = win... though not always.

[Johnny]

Edit: Speaking of Sega Ages. I want some fucking Saturn games and I want them now.

Well Virtual On is coming so that's as good a place as any to start.
But yeah some nice Saturn game Sega Ages special editions would be great, especially Burning Rangers.

Oh yeah, I forgot about Virtual On... has that game aged well? I remember that I was definitely considering picking that one up since giant mechs can = win... though not always.


Graphically not really (32 bit 3D rarely looks good nowadays) but it's the gameplay that counts, right?

[Chacranajxy]

Edit: Speaking of Sega Ages. I want some fucking Saturn games and I want them now.

Well Virtual On is coming so that's as good a place as any to start.
But yeah some nice Saturn game Sega Ages special editions would be great, especially Burning Rangers.

Oh yeah, I forgot about Virtual On... has that game aged well? I remember that I was definitely considering picking that one up since giant mechs can = win... though not always.


Graphically not really (32 bit 3D rarely looks good nowadays) but it's the gameplay that counts, right?

Yes it is... if the game is still fun, then hell yes, I'm in.

[Jarred]

I somehow figured a rumor like that would happen after that poll. I'm so totally buying it if it happens to be true. To this day, NiGHTS still makes me want to try to find a Saturn.

It is, of course, approaching the 1st April so it makes it all the less likely.
ONM has confirmed (http://gonintendo.com/?p=14741) that it is NOT an upcoming April Fool's joke. Breathe easy, johnny. :)

Of course, they didn't say anything about NiGHTS in the statement either. :D

[Lovely]

* Sega Ages: Phantasy Star I, II, III & IV

That better come out. I've been waiting for that game for frickin' ever. It also better come out outside of Japan.



Huh? But we already have PS 2, 3, and 4 (I think) on the Genesis collection...

Yeah, 4 is on there. That's the game I'm currently playing actually.

[jecca-neko]

* Sega Ages: Phantasy Star I, II, III & IV

That better come out. I've been waiting for that game for frickin' ever. It also better come out outside of Japan.



Huh? But we already have PS 2, 3, and 4 (I think) on the Genesis collection...

This isn't the Sega Ages game that's the remake of all the games? That's what I assumed it to be. I know that was confirmed to come out at one point. That was before they put PSIV on the back burner.

[Jarred]

More Eternal Sonata Clips (http://kotaku.com/gaming/eternal/clips-eternal-sonata-story-and-gameplay-245108.php)

First clip is all narration and samples of some scenes, all done in English, which I think we've already seen.

The second clip is of the battle system that shows off a good amount of what you can do. Looks like a mix of real-time and turn-based. You can move around freely when it's your turn, and you have a limited amount of time to do your actions until you have to go back to the sidelines to wait. I also like the abilities to use the shade in the environments to pull of the "dark" attacks. Pretty cool.

Still no date, just "early summer". I really hope it's not another August title.

[Suwako Moriya]

Heh that narration will either be considered poetic or very cheesy depending on the person viewing it. Still it's nice to see a battle scene for Eternal Sonata in English. At the very least it makes the whole "dark/light" magic thing more noticeable now. It was kind of fun to see Polka just rush into the shade and murder the enemies near the end of the game play video. :D

[Suwako Moriya]

In any case a preview of Eternal Sonata (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/773/773425p1.html) at IGN. It seems that as the story progresses they really will make certain changes to make the game more challenging. This sounds like it could be rather interesting, but potentially annoying as well. I guess it's something that has to be experienced first.

[distantmantra]

Eternal Sonata/Trusty Bell looks aboslutely gorgeous, but the battle scenes seem to be lacking visually.

[Johnny]

More development in the Wii NiGHTS rumour - according to Spong, the game in question is definitely a new NiGHTS game coming to the Wii:

Just when we were getting a bit concerned that SPOnG’s office Wii was not getting enough spanking (oo-er) we spend a weekend hammering EA’s rather wonderful SSX Blur only to return to work on Monday morning to hear that Sega is DEFINITELY making a new NiGHTS title for the console, with details and release date imminent.

SPOnG first told you about this news last April and we have been awaiting official confirmation ever since.

This morning we’ve spent a good deal of time chasing up contacts at Sega, Nintendo and elsewhere and we are glad to be the first to confirm 100% that there IS a totally new NiGHTS title for Wii in the works (i.e. it’s not just NiGHTS coming to Virtual Console or whatever).

Full article here (http://news.spong.com/article/12086).

As if you couldn't handle any more rumours, here's another one - Wii getting an external HDD? (http://news.spong.com/article/12084).

[Kurou]

A new NiGHTS title is great, but being on the Wii instead of the other systems seriously dampens my enthusiasm. Wait and see, I guess.

[lostnomad84]

More development in the Wii NiGHTS rumour - according to Spong, the game in question is definitely a new NiGHTS game coming to the Wii:

Just when we were getting a bit concerned that SPOnG’s office Wii was not getting enough spanking (oo-er) we spend a weekend hammering EA’s rather wonderful SSX Blur only to return to work on Monday morning to hear that Sega is DEFINITELY making a new NiGHTS title for the console, with details and release date imminent.

SPOnG first told you about this news last April and we have been awaiting official confirmation ever since.

This morning we’ve spent a good deal of time chasing up contacts at Sega, Nintendo and elsewhere and we are glad to be the first to confirm 100% that there IS a totally new NiGHTS title for Wii in the works (i.e. it’s not just NiGHTS coming to Virtual Console or whatever).

Full article here (http://news.spong.com/article/12086).

As if you couldn't handle any more rumours, here's another one - Wii getting an external HDD? (http://news.spong.com/article/12084).

This alone makes me want to pull my Saturn out of the closet and finally finish Nights. It is a MUST buy and like I said before, it is perfect for the Wii.

As for the hard drive, it is an almost instant buy. I just wish they would give the ability to also allow for any external hard drive to be used if they decide to come out with their own.

[lostnomad84]

A new NiGHTS title is great, but being on the Wii instead of the other systems seriously dampens my enthusiasm. Wait and see, I guess.

Graphically, I agree with you. However, the play mechanics of the Wiimote just make it perfect to expand from the original.

[Johnny]

A new NiGHTS title is great, but being on the Wii instead of the other systems seriously dampens my enthusiasm. Wait and see, I guess.

Graphically, I agree with you. However, the play mechanics of the Wiimote just make it perfect to expand from the original.


Yep, that's true. Remember that, it's a little known fact, but before settling on the '3D pad' which came with NiGHTS, Sega were looking at a motion sensing controller for the game, not unlike what Nintendo is doing with the Wii.

So, initially at least, that's the control scheme the game was designed around.

[Johnny]

PS3 firmware 1.6 coming on Thursday. Here's what to expect:


* Folding @Home
* Internet Browser Pinpoint Zoom and Resolution Settings
* Full size on-screen keyboard
* Remote Plan via Wireless Access Point
* Background Downloading from the PlayStation Store

SotN on XBL Arcade video (http://kotaku.com/gaming/castlevania/clip-castlevania-sotn-360-gameplay-245177.php). Hmm, now do I just buy this on Wednesday or wait for the PSP version...

[ADC]

SotN on XBL Arcade video (http://kotaku.com/gaming/castlevania/clip-castlevania-sotn-360-gameplay-245177.php). Hmm, now do I just buy this on Wednesday or wait for the PSP version...
Oh, come on. You can leave off the angst and be honest with us: You're buying both. Even though you have a PSX Symphony disc somewhere under your pile of Catholic school girls' uniforms. :P

[Johnny]

SotN on XBL Arcade video (http://kotaku.com/gaming/castlevania/clip-castlevania-sotn-360-gameplay-245177.php). Hmm, now do I just buy this on Wednesday or wait for the PSP version...
Oh, come on. You can leave off the angst and be honest with us: You're buying both. Even though you have a PSX Symphony disc somewhere under your pile of Catholic school girls' uniforms. :P

But, but...I have to buy the iDOLM@STER gym uniform on Wednesday too (at 1000 points) and this baby is 800 points (plus there's 5000+ points worth of Virtual Console games I need to buy) :sd:

And admittedly, I don't own SotN on the PSX. I've never even played it before!. Scandalous!

You're right about the school uniforms though...

[ADC]

And admittedly, I don't own SotN on the PSX. I've never even played it before!. Scandalous!
Who are you, and what have you done with johnny?

You're right about the school uniforms though...
Oh. You are johnny. Never mind …

[DiGiKerot]

SotN on XBL Arcade video (http://kotaku.com/gaming/castlevania/clip-castlevania-sotn-360-gameplay-245177.php). Hmm, now do I just buy this on Wednesday or wait for the PSP version...

Both! Both! Boooooooooth!

No disrespect to the PSP, but its going to be so nice to play Castlevania on an actual TV again.

[Chacranajxy]

SotN on XBL Arcade video (http://kotaku.com/gaming/castlevania/clip-castlevania-sotn-360-gameplay-245177.php). Hmm, now do I just buy this on Wednesday or wait for the PSP version...
Oh, come on. You can leave off the angst and be honest with us: You're buying both. Even though you have a PSX Symphony disc somewhere under your pile of Catholic school girls' uniforms. :P

But, but...I have to buy the iDOLM@STER gym uniform on Wednesday too (at 1000 points) and this baby is 800 points (plus there's 5000+ points worth of Virtual Console games I need to buy) :sd:

And admittedly, I don't own SotN on the PSX. I've never even played it before!. Scandalous!

You're right about the school uniforms though...

That SOTN comment will be your last. You must die for committing a grave sin like never playing it.

[Johnny]

That SOTN comment will be your last. You must die for committing a grave sin like never playing it.


I know, I know. I was just never into Castlevania in the PSX days so never bothered with it.

[Chacranajxy]

That SOTN comment will be your last. You must die for committing a grave sin like never playing it.


I know, I know. I was just never into Castlevania in the PSX days so never bothered with it.

hmm.... well the PSP version is clearly going to be the best one, so definitely get that when it comes out... but I guess it couldn't hurt to get the 360 version since it's going to be out so soon.

I've really gotta find a solution for hooking my PSP up to my TV before SOTN since I would much rather play games on a nice TV with a good sound system than on the actual system's hardware.

[distantmantra]

I've really gotta find a solution for hooking my PSP up to my TV before SOTN since I would much rather play games on a nice TV with a good sound system than on the actual system's hardware.

Take it with a grain of salt, but there's a presky rumor that refuses to die that this will be possible with a future PS3 firmware update...

[ADC]

Per Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/news/story.php?sid=6167651&part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6167651), German and British studies are showing that racing gamers are more likely to be dangerous drivers in real life.

Didn't work on me, I guess. I don't even throw banana peels out behind my car (though there are plenty of shitty drivers around here who should go for a spin on Highway 99, I tell ya).

[Kurou]

Per Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/news/story.php?sid=6167651&part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6167651), German and British studies are showing that racing gamers are more likely to be dangerous drivers in real life.

Didn't work on me, I guess. I don't even throw banana peels out behind my car (though there are plenty of shitty drivers around here who should go for a spin on Highway 99, I tell ya).

If racing gamers are "dangerous", what do they consider drivers that are always blabbing on cell phones?

[ADC]

If racing gamers are "dangerous", what do they consider drivers that are always blabbing on cell phones?
I believe that's part 2 of the study: The effect of Xbox Live headsets on driver safety. There'll have to be an accident in which the driver's cellphone gets crammed through his ear into his brain, though, before they'll get serious about passing and enforcing cellphone safety laws.

[Jarred]

Per Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/news/story.php?sid=6167651&part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6167651), German and British studies are showing that racing gamers are more likely to be dangerous drivers in real life.

There's also a study that Flight Sim gamers are more likely to fight off hordes of alien invaders during an invasion.

[indigo0086]

http://ir.capcom.co.jp/news/html/070320.html

The general consensus from the net translators claims this to be confirmation of Devil May Cry going Multiplatform.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fir.capcom.co.jp%2Fnews%2F html%2F070320.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

[Chacranajxy]

http://ir.capcom.co.jp/news/html/070320.html

The general consensus from the net translators claims this to be confirmation of Devil May Cry going Multiplatform.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fir.capcom.co.jp%2Fnews%2F html%2F070320.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

Yep, I'll be picking up the PC version since it'll likely have the best graphics... assuming that Capcom puts some effort into the port... given that they're announcing it as coming to the PC at the same time as the PS3 and the 360 though... the chances of that seem pretty good. If that's not the case, it'll probably be the PS3 version for me.

[lostnomad84]

http://ir.capcom.co.jp/news/html/070320.html

The general consensus from the net translators claims this to be confirmation of Devil May Cry going Multiplatform.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fir.capcom.co.jp%2Fnews%2F html%2F070320.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

And Sony loses another one. This is really bad for that company, especially since I know DMC was a game a good number of people I know would have motivated a good number of people to purchase a PS3. I honestly can only see MGS4 and FFXIII left as the only 2 big ones that would drive PS3 sales and since development costs could be the biggest reason why many games have jumped multi-platform, almost anything is possible now.

[indigo0086]

Confizzermed
http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e070320.html

For me it's the only game so far that I WANT for the ps3. I should now say WANTED.

[HitokiriShadow]

At the moment, MGS4 and FF13 are the only games I'm really looking forward to on the PS3 and there are already a good number of others making a 360 tempting (Bioshock, Eternal Sonada, Blue Dragon, Castlevania SOTN). If Sony loses exclusivity on either of those (both of which have very large fanbases, many of whom would probably buy a PS3 just for those), they will be in serious trouble and I'll have to seriously reconsider whether I'll get PS3. And MGS already has multi-platform history...

[lostnomad84]

At the moment, MGS4 and FF13 are the only games I'm really looking forward to on the PS3 and there are already a good number of others making a 360 tempting (Bioshock, Eternal Sonada, Blue Dragon, Castlevania SOTN). If Sony loses exclusivity on either of those (both of which have very large fanbases, many of whom would probably buy a PS3 just for those), they will be in serious trouble and I'll have to seriously reconsider whether I'll get PS3. And MGS already has multi-platform history...

Not only that, apparently FFXIII's White Engine is apparently cross-platform:

Hironobu Sakaguchi: I feel that the Final Fantasy series should come to Xbox 360 as well. This is wise. It makes so much sense to me...it has so much potential in North America and in Europe. So there's a great chance for the series to succeed on 360 as well.

[in English] And I heard they made the White Engine open platform as well. [Final Fantasy XIII is being developed on the White Engine; if the engine is indeed cross-platform, an Xbox 360 port would be a simple matter. -ed.]
(source (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6167571.html?tag=topslot;title;3&om_act=convert&om_clk=topslot) )

Like I said above, anything is possible. Sony really needs to secure their exclusives.

[distantmantra]

At the moment, MGS4 and FF13 are the only games I'm really looking forward to on the PS3 and there are already a good number of others making a 360 tempting (Bioshock, Eternal Sonada, Blue Dragon, Castlevania SOTN). If Sony loses exclusivity on either of those (both of which have very large fanbases, many of whom would probably buy a PS3 just for those), they will be in serious trouble and I'll have to seriously reconsider whether I'll get PS3. And MGS already has multi-platform history...

Not only that, apparently FFXIII's White Engine is apparently cross-platform:

Hironobu Sakaguchi: I feel that the Final Fantasy series should come to Xbox 360 as well. This is wise. It makes so much sense to me...it has so much potential in North America and in Europe. So there's a great chance for the series to succeed on 360 as well.

[in English] And I heard they made the White Engine open platform as well. [Final Fantasy XIII is being developed on the White Engine; if the engine is indeed cross-platform, an Xbox 360 port would be a simple matter. -ed.]
(source (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6167571.html?tag=topslot;title;3&om_act=convert&om_clk=topslot) )

Like I said above, anything is possible. Sony really needs to secure their exclusives.

Sakaguchi is now somewhat employed by Microsoft via their deal with Mistwalker, I'd take what he says regarding Square-Enix with a grain of salt seeing how he no longer works for them.

Alongside FFXIII and MGS4, I'm eagerly anticipating the next Shin Megami Tensei title, White Knight Story (new Level 5 RPG), Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Ratchet & Clank Future, Lair, Heavenly Sword, Warhawk, Little Big Planet, new game by Ueda's Team ICO, etc.

Sony definitely needs to think about a price drop as the 360 has a nice lineup, but I don't think they're dead yet, it's only been out four months. If Sony's still taking this stance on things holiday '07, then we should start being afraid.

[lostnomad84]

At the moment, MGS4 and FF13 are the only games I'm really looking forward to on the PS3 and there are already a good number of others making a 360 tempting (Bioshock, Eternal Sonada, Blue Dragon, Castlevania SOTN). If Sony loses exclusivity on either of those (both of which have very large fanbases, many of whom would probably buy a PS3 just for those), they will be in serious trouble and I'll have to seriously reconsider whether I'll get PS3. And MGS already has multi-platform history...

Not only that, apparently FFXIII's White Engine is apparently cross-platform:

Hironobu Sakaguchi: I feel that the Final Fantasy series should come to Xbox 360 as well. This is wise. It makes so much sense to me...it has so much potential in North America and in Europe. So there's a great chance for the series to succeed on 360 as well.

[in English] And I heard they made the White Engine open platform as well. [Final Fantasy XIII is being developed on the White Engine; if the engine is indeed cross-platform, an Xbox 360 port would be a simple matter. -ed.]
(source (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6167571.html?tag=topslot;title;3&om_act=convert&om_clk=topslot) )

Like I said above, anything is possible. Sony really needs to secure their exclusives.

Sakaguchi is now somewhat employed by Microsoft via their deal with Mistwalker, I'd take what he says regarding Square-Enix with a grain of salt seeing how he no longer works for them.


Oh I completely agree. He is definitely biased towards Microsoft and I think anyone would be after that company shells all that cash to sponsor them. However, I don't think he is lying about the White Engine. FFXIII is the one major PS3 game I highly doubt would go multiplatform (based off Squares history with non-online final fantasy games). However, I am just pointing out that anything is possible now with high development costs, developers are now looking to place their product on as many consoles as possible to make a profit (in this recent case, Capcom is the latest to make this move). I wouldn't be surprised if we see a lot of Capcom games in the future be across all three platforms and other developers start to follow in Capcom shoes.

[NickFalzarano]

* Sega Ages: Phantasy Star I, II, III & IV

That better come out. I've been waiting for that game for frickin' ever. It also better come out outside of Japan.



Huh? But we already have PS 2, 3, and 4 (I think) on the Genesis collection...

This isn't the Sega Ages game that's the remake of all the games? That's what I assumed it to be. I know that was confirmed to come out at one point. That was before they put PSIV on the back burner.



No, this is the
"Sega puts all four games as they were originally released 10+ years ago onto a CD and calls it a day" version.
So no remake of the fourth game, no differences from the games you have on the Sega Genesis Collection (save the games are in Japanese) and no announced English release.

I want the fourth game remake. Even if only in Japanese. Now. :cry:

[Johnny]

And Sony loses another one. This is really bad for that company, especially since I know DMC was a game a good number of people I know would have motivated a good number of people to purchase a PS3. I honestly can only see MGS4 and FFXIII left as the only 2 big ones that would drive PS3 sales and since development costs could be the biggest reason why many games have jumped multi-platform, almost anything is possible now.

People always seem to forget that the announced games for PS3 aren't the only ones that are ever going to come out for it. There are dozens of games/franchises no one even knows about in development that will be PS3 exclusive (and those that will be 360 exclusive).

Bit of a meh thing too, DMC4 going multiplatform. Would have rather seen that stay PS3 exclusive but then again, money talks I guess. Can't blame Capcom.
Course, it will only have an effect outside of Japan (like all other previously exclusive PS3 games). Just as the 360 VF5 will sell next to nothing, the 360 DMC4 will suffer the same fate.

Guess I'll be staying away from GameFAQS for the next few weeks though. :sigh:

[Suwako Moriya]

People always seem to forget that the announced games for PS3 aren't the only ones that are ever going to come out for it.

That's true, but until a game gets announced you can't really be sure what system it will go to. This is of course not counting "first party" games, but then again when the first party company has multiple systems.... So while Zelda would be definite to Nintendo. One can't say if the next Zelda will be for Wii, DS, or heck a yet unnamed system since by the time a new Zelda gets announced a new system could come out. Then there is the case of Sega moving from first party to third party. I admit it does feel strange to have played Sonic on the PS2.

Also yes there is the past to look at, but think of it this way using FF for example. One could easily claim "All future FFs in the main series will be for Sony. After all the PS1 got 7-9, PS2 got 10-12, and PS3 has gotten 13." Which would complete ignore the fact Nintendo got 1-6 and before 7 was announced the safe bet would have been 7 on either the SNES or N64. Granted the end result would be different, but still...

Part of the reason I'd even consider a PS3 in the future when the price drops (a lot) is because I suspect certain series to stick with it, but with other series I'm not exactly that certain about it. Although sometimes I'm not sure what I'm confident about and what I'm actually not right now.

[indigo0086]

some more good news, for me
http://www.xboxic.com/news/2595

Apparently three new Xbox 360 titles were just added to BlockBuster’s database and they’re rather interesting ones too. We just got three juicy cellphone pics of what appears to be BlockBuster’s register computer, showing off three titles that were previously exclusive to other platforms. According to BlockBuster’s database we’ll see ‘Beautiful Katamari’, ‘Warhammer: Mark of Chaos’ and ‘Ace Combat 6′ on the Xbox 360 sometime in the future.

What’s interesting is that all these titles are published by Namco and Namco is supporting Microsoft’s next-gen platform more and more since it’s launch. The amount of Namco games on the original Xbox might have been pathetic, the amount of 360 titles from the Japanese publishing house has already outnumbered the Xbox releases. Namco is fully supporting the Xbox Live Arcade with titles such as Dig Dug, Galaga and Pac Man and even their biggest title Tekken has been rumored to come to the 360. Some shady cellphone pics of BlockBuster’s register are far from a plausible source but the fact that these are all Namco titles makes it all the more believable. Keep a close eye on Xboxic as soon as we hear anything from any of these titles, especially Beautiful Katmari. We love Katamari!

Thanks for taking the pics and submitting them Firebranded!

[indigo0086]

Course, it will only have an effect outside of Japan (like all other previously exclusive PS3 games).


Well, the company and even keiji believes that to be successful they have to promote outside of japan this gen. While other companies will be riding the coattails of favor in their own country which is hard enough to do (look at okami JP vs US) Capcom is taking a more pro-active approach to outside territories. Not to mention the million sales of their first two games outside of japan, they are going to publish where people buy their games, and for the platform that they bought them on.

[Johnny]

Course, it will only have an effect outside of Japan (like all other previously exclusive PS3 games).


Well, the company and even keiji believes that to be successful they have to promote outside of japan this gen. While other companies will be riding the coattails of favor in their own country which is hard enough to do (look at okami JP vs US) Capcom is taking a more pro-active approach to outside territories. Not to mention the million sales of their first two games outside of japan, they are going to publish where people buy their games, and for the platform that they bought them on.


True, they're going for gamers in and outside of Japan but what I mean is that given the choice, very, very few Japanese will buy DMC 4, VF5 etc on the 360.

[Johnny]

some more good news, for me
http://www.xboxic.com/news/2595


Yeah, I posted this the other day. Beautiful Katamari is also coming the the PS3 at the same time as the 360 one (if this is to be believed and the game is, in fact, actually happening) with a Wii version coming in November.

[indigo0086]

Course, it will only have an effect outside of Japan (like all other previously exclusive PS3 games).


Well, the company and even keiji believes that to be successful they have to promote outside of japan this gen. While other companies will be riding the coattails of favor in their own country which is hard enough to do (look at okami JP vs US) Capcom is taking a more pro-active approach to outside territories. Not to mention the million sales of their first two games outside of japan, they are going to publish where people buy their games, and for the platform that they bought them on.


True, they're going for gamers in and outside of Japan but what I mean is that given the choice, very, very few Japanese will buy DMC 4, VF5 etc on the 360.

well, except the ones who own the 360.

[Johnny]

Course, it will only have an effect outside of Japan (like all other previously exclusive PS3 games).


Well, the company and even keiji believes that to be successful they have to promote outside of japan this gen. While other companies will be riding the coattails of favor in their own country which is hard enough to do (look at okami JP vs US) Capcom is taking a more pro-active approach to outside territories. Not to mention the million sales of their first two games outside of japan, they are going to publish where people buy their games, and for the platform that they bought them on.


True, they're going for gamers in and outside of Japan but what I mean is that given the choice, very, very few Japanese will buy DMC 4, VF5 etc on the 360.

well, except the ones who own the 360.


Exactly - very, very few people :P . Granted, the PS3 sales in Japan aren't exactly skyrocketing, but there's already more PS3 owners than 360 owners in Japan.

[Captain Impulse]

Exactly - very, very few people :P . Granted, the PS3 sales in Japan aren't exactly skyrocketing, but there's already more PS3 owners than 360 owners in Japan.

That's because console fanboyism in Japan is a genetic trait that can not be overcome. ;)

[Johnny]

Exactly - very, very few people :P . Granted, the PS3 sales in Japan aren't exactly skyrocketing, but there's already more PS3 owners than 360 owners in Japan.

That's because console fanboyism in Japan is a genetic trait that can not be overcome. ;)

Or it could be the distrust of foreign companies or even the fact that there's very little on the 360 that Japanese gamers would a) want or b) can't get on the PS2/PS3...

[indigo0086]

I no longer believe japan as a whole wants a type of game. It's always been about advertising in japan, and how a product is presented to the audience. Sony's just got the better hold, I'm not falling for this "not japan's type" again, I refuse to think that they are so disconnected from the world they can't like what everyone else does. Plus there are factors unknown to me such as how many games developed outside of japan actually gets published within, who's publishing them, and so on. If it somehow is true, their loss not ours.

[Kurou]

Course, it will only have an effect outside of Japan (like all other previously exclusive PS3 games). Just as the 360 VF5 will sell next to nothing, the 360 DMC4 will suffer the same fate.

Guess I'll be staying away from GameFAQS for the next few weeks though. :sigh:

I doubt this. If an unknown like Dead Rising can sell bundles on the 360, what will an established franchise like DMC sell..particularly since it'll be the same game, for cheaper?

[Johnny]

Plus there are factors unknown to me such as how many games developed outside of japan actually gets published within, who's publishing them, and so on.

There are quite a few. Most of the big ones anyway. Capcom publishes GTA, God of War etc in Japan and I think EA handle the stuff they publish here too, like Burnout, Black etc.

Apparently there are actually a couple of import stores in Akiba that sell only US games and hardware. I've seen/heard of a US model of the original Xbox going for way, way over the asking price too, even recently.

[Johnny]

Course, it will only have an effect outside of Japan (like all other previously exclusive PS3 games). Just as the 360 VF5 will sell next to nothing, the 360 DMC4 will suffer the same fate.

Guess I'll be staying away from GameFAQS for the next few weeks though. :sigh:

I doubt this. If an unknown like Dead Rising can sell bundles on the 360, what will an established franchise like DMC sell..particularly since it'll be the same game, for cheaper?

Well, look at Blue Dragon, which is the title most aimed squarely at traditional Japanese gaming habits, i.e. a traditional RPG.
It sold relatively well, but many stores in Japan reported that a few weeks after release and sale, a lot of 360/Blue Dragon bundles were being traded in by people who just bought the console to play that one game and then sold it on again.

Blue Dragon, Lost Planet, Dead Rising and iMAS are the four games released on the 360 in Japan so far that have had the biggest chance of the console doing really well there and it just hasn't happened yet.
DMC4 may very well shift more 360s, but I can only see it having around the same effect as Blue Dragon did.

[Johnny]

Don't know if anyone remembers, but last year, it was revealed that a US company had got the rights to publish and translate Tendou Dokuta 2 (sequel to the first DS surgey/doctor sim) in the US (might have been UK/Europe though) under the name Lifesigns.

Anyway, it now appears that the original game is also coming over courtesy of Dreamcatcher.

Lifesigns: Hospital Affairs (which I think is actually the second game) is coming out on the 15th May and Lifesigns: Surgical Unit on the 28th June.

Confused? :sd:

[lostnomad84]

Exactly - very, very few people :P . Granted, the PS3 sales in Japan aren't exactly skyrocketing, but there's already more PS3 owners than 360 owners in Japan.

That's because console fanboyism in Japan is a genetic trait that can not be overcome. ;)

Or it could be the distrust of foreign companies or even the fact that there's very little on the 360 that Japanese gamers would a) want or b) can't get on the PS2/PS3...

b) is very, very untrue. I saw PILES of PS3's in Japan stacked about the height of a person. Every gaming store I visited in Japan had PS3's in stock. Yet, the most interesting thing is that when it came to the displays, there were loads of Japanese people just standing there watching the movies for the PS3. The interest is there in the PS3, however if I could narrow why they aren't taking the bate, it would be because either lack of games or price.

As for Microsoft, the reason why they are not doing well over this simply put in the words of my friend who lived over there for a year, the Japanese just simply don't like Microsoft nor take them seriously as a source for gaming.

[Johnny]

b) is very, very untrue. I saw PILES of PS3's in Japan stacked about the height of a person. Every gaming store I visited in Japan had PS3's in stock. Yet, the most interesting thing is that when it came to the displays, there were loads of Japanese people just standing there watching the movies for the PS3. The interest is there in the PS3, however if I could narrow why they aren't taking the bate, it would be because either lack of games or price.


That may be true, but my point was that the 360 doesn't have enough exclusives or games that can't be found on either the PS2 or PS3 in Japan, making it less likely that Japanese gamers will want to own one.

[indigo0086]

b) is very, very untrue. I saw PILES of PS3's in Japan stacked about the height of a person. Every gaming store I visited in Japan had PS3's in stock. Yet, the most interesting thing is that when it came to the displays, there were loads of Japanese people just standing there watching the movies for the PS3. The interest is there in the PS3, however if I could narrow why they aren't taking the bate, it would be because either lack of games or price.

He meant that there are not games that they want that cannot be gotten on the ps3, which I don't beleive makes too much sense, hoping he elaborates



As for Microsoft, the reason why they are not doing well over this simply put in the words of my friend who lived over there for a year, the Japanese just simply don't like Microsoft nor take them seriously as a source for gaming.

Then they are truly lost [/jedi]
They don't have to really, they have to take western game developers seriously, which in general they have been genetically conditioned not to believe . :P A nation of fanboys, 's not our fault.

[Johnny]

b) is very, very untrue. I saw PILES of PS3's in Japan stacked about the height of a person. Every gaming store I visited in Japan had PS3's in stock. Yet, the most interesting thing is that when it came to the displays, there were loads of Japanese people just standing there watching the movies for the PS3. The interest is there in the PS3, however if I could narrow why they aren't taking the bate, it would be because either lack of games or price.

He meant that there are not games that they want that cannot be gotten on the ps3, which I don't beleive makes too much sense, hoping he elaborates


Again, I'm saying that the games that are available for the 360 in Japan obviously aren't interesting enough for the average Japanese gamer as sales of the console and games show.

The needs of your average Japanese is catered for on the PS2 and/or PS3 (i.e. RPGs, Musou games etc etc) and it seems that the 360 isn't providing them with new/interesting titles, else sales would be up .

[Johnny]

As well as the DMC4 on 360/PC announcement, Capcom revealed some details on a few of their other upcoming games, which can be read in a humourously translated article on Jeux-France (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http://www.jeux-france.com/news19653.html&lp=fr_en&tt=url).

Anyway, as well as news that Resi Wii will be coming sometime this year, there is also the rumour (how many is that this past week?) of DMC PSP.
Apparently Capcom have some other Wii (read: kiddie) games in development, which will be revealed over the coming weeks.

[indigo0086]

Well, if the trend of Japanese developer support continues then at least Microsoft can claim a large victory on one front. MS has never been focused on the consumer, but the developer support, and they're getting that so it's not like they lost. They probably have had more unique successes this gen than the other systems. For everyone else it's just another day at the office.

[Chacranajxy]

Capcom: The Inventory of Fixtures

Let us recall that Capcom made several errors of this type in the past, and especially concerning this famous Devil May Cry on PSP, information to be thus taken with tweezers.

Seriously... babelfish is comedy.

[Chacranajxy]

Oh, did it already get posted that Sega Rally's headed to the 360 and PC now? Microsoft is getting quite a few more Japanese developed games and considering that that's the most significant thing that the PC's lacked... I'm glad to hear this.

[Johnny]

Oh, did it already get posted that Sega Rally's headed to the 360 and PC now? Microsoft is getting quite a few more Japanese developed games and considering that that's the most significant thing that the PC's lacked... I'm glad to hear this.

Sega Rally Revo? I'm pretty sure that's being developed in Europe actually.

At any rate, from what I've read (in mags where they've actually seen the game running), this is back to the roots of the series and not like Sega Rally 2006 which was good, but just didn't feel like Sega rally at all.

[Chacranajxy]

There's also speculation that Ace Combat 6 is only coming to the 360 now...

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/774/774129p1.html

[indigo0086]

There's also speculation that Ace Combat 6 is only coming to the 360 now...

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/774/774129p1.html

It was posted twice. Along with a version of Katamari.

[Johnny]

There's also speculation that Ace Combat 6 is only coming to the 360 now...

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/774/774129p1.html


Cue an updated/improved version (or maybe even Ace Combat 7) coming to the PS3 later this year/next year.
Not unlike another series *cough*Ridge Racer*cough*

[ape2020]

I'm guessing it will just be a timed exclusive since the days of exclusive seem to be coming to an end. Anyhoo it good for me as the Over G Fighters sucks and no sighting of Crimson Skies II has appeared.

Ace Combat 6: Xbox 360 exclusive (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/ace-combat-6-revealed-as-an-xbox-360-exclusive/)

-ape2020

[Johnny]

I'm guessing it will just be a timed exclusive since the days of exclusive seem to be coming to an end. Anyhoo it good for me as the Over G Fighters sucks and no sighting of Crimson Skies II has appeared.

Ace Combat 6: Xbox 360 exclusive (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/ace-combat-6-revealed-as-an-xbox-360-exclusive/)

-ape2020

:sd: All this excitement over an Ace Combat game :P

[ape2020]

I'm guessing it will just be a timed exclusive since the days of exclusive seem to be coming to an end. Anyhoo it good for me as the Over G Fighters sucks and no sighting of Crimson Skies II has appeared.

Ace Combat 6: Xbox 360 exclusive (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/ace-combat-6-revealed-as-an-xbox-360-exclusive/)

-ape2020

:sd: All this excitement over an Ace Combat game :P

Nah, just my slow ass typing skillz are not match for rest of you speed demons here. ;) ;) ;)

-ape2020

[Jarred]

Infinite Undiscovery Screens (http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2007/03/21/art-from-tri-aces-xbox-360-project-infinite-undiscovery/)

An upcoming XBOX 360 RPG from Tri Ace, developers of Star Ocean and Radiata Stories and I believe published by MS.

[ape2020]

Infinite Undiscovery Screens (http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2007/03/21/art-from-tri-aces-xbox-360-project-infinite-undiscovery/)

An upcoming XBOX 360 RPG from Tri Ace, developers of Star Ocean and Radiata Stories and I believe published by MS.

Great more variety this time around make my choice to stick with MS this gen a happy one. Lets see Bioshock, Eternal Sonata, Mass Effect, Blue Dragon, Lost Odessey, and more Oblivion. The future looks so bright I gotta wear shades. :cool: :cool: :cool:


-ape2020

[untoldsorrow]

Infinite Undiscovery Screens (http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2007/03/21/art-from-tri-aces-xbox-360-project-infinite-undiscovery/)

An upcoming XBOX 360 RPG from Tri Ace, developers of Star Ocean and Radiata Stories and I believe published by MS.

Great more variety this time around make my choice to stick with MS this gen a happy one. Lets see Bioshock, Eternal Sonata, Mass Effect, Blue Dragon, Lost Odessey, and more Oblivion. The future looks so bright I gotta wear shades. :cool: :cool: :cool:


-ape2020


This is the reason I brought a 360, one I heard Tri-ace was making a game for it, lol. As of now, my friend has been borrowing my 360 since Aug, lol. I'll get it back when a rpg comes out.

[Suwako Moriya]

This is the reason I brought a 360, one I heard Tri-ace was making a game for it, lol.

Ah I kind of forgot about this myself. It certainly is a tempting reason to get the system in the future. Although my experience with Tri-Ace is a bit limited. I mean I did rather enjoy Star Ocean the Second Story and Star Ocean till the end of time is kind of interesting. Radiata Stories I found to be flawed fun (best way I can put it). Valkyrie Profile I had trouble getting into and I have yet to give it the second chance. Haven't really played Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria because of it. Thus while it's tempting and I'll likely read up on it, I'm not sure it's that tempting yet.