Kotaku: Dragon Quest

Square Announces, Surprise, New Dragon Quest, Valkyrie Games for 09

Brian Crecente — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:00:00 MST

Surprising absolutely no one, Square Enix today announced that a new Dragon Quest and a new Valkyrie Profile are planned for release in North America early next year. Both are for the DS.

Dragon Quest V: Hand of The Heavenly Bride is set to his the U.S. on Feb. 17

Never before released in North America, this entry in the Zenithia Trilogy follows a journey that transcends three generations. Travel alongside your father on his quest to see the world, grow to set forth on a journey of your own and face life-altering decisions as you continue your family's legacy. DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride makes its way to Nintendo DS on February 17, 2009.

Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume is set for a March 17 release.

Destiny by sinner sought. Tragedy by power wrought. The origins of a cult classic are revealed in VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume, the third entry in the critically acclaimed VALKYRIE PROFILE series. Development studio tri-Ace returns to craft a gameplay experience that boasts a captivating storyline with ties to Norse mythology and a familiar yet refreshing battle system enhanced with deeper strategic elements. VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume marks the debut of the series on Nintendo DS with its arrival on March 17, 2009.

These two additions join Star Ocean: Second Evolution, set to hit the PSP on Jan. 6 and Star Ocean: The Last Hope set for a March 17 release on the DS.

That's quite a diverse protfolio Squeenix has going on.

Akihabara Killing To Cause Japanese Internet Regulation?

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:40:00 MDT

It's been several days since tragedy hit Akihabara. While the internet is having its own grinning nerd witch hunt, the Japanese media is having its own. Standard defaults are bandied about (video games, anime). Website Canned Dogs has a handy recap:

• Chugoku Shimbun states the the "Dagger knife" the killer used is an featured in popular games like Dragon Quest.
• Yomiuri Online also says the "Dagger knife" is also in video games and quite popular with teenagers.
• Zakzak points out that the killer was into doujin games like Eternal Fighter Zero and Chantelise, and he apparently loves a cutesy bullet hell shooter for the PC.
• According to Yahoo, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Hiroya Masuda is keen to regulate dangerous information on the internet, since the Akihabara killer posted his plans on a cell phone BBS (not 2ch) about his murderous plans before authorities could stop him.

And like clockwork, the agendas descend like vultures. Lovely.

Akiba Incident [Canned Dogs]

Dragon Quest IV DS Coming to America

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:00:00 MDT

It hasn't been officially announced, but a Square Enix Dragon Quest IV teaser site has popped up online. That's kind of official! Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen is getting an American September 16th release. That's not all! The Square Enix site also lists Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride and Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie as well, but doesn't provide drop dates. So, just like Japan, the US should be getting those as well. This should makes some folks very happy.

English Site Open [Rpgmonkey@NeoGAF via Siliconera]

Retailer Strikes Up Dragon Quest Shortage Fears (Again!)

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:00:00 MDT

Excited about Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride? Well, mister, take that excitement elsewhere. According to Japanese retailer Tsutaya, the DS remake will be in short supply when it goes on sale on July 17th. A Tsutaya notice reads:

An Important Notice From TSUTAYA
Regarding reserves for DS title Dragon Quest (7/17 on sale), security the product is difficult as the shipment from the maker is limited. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the game for customers who pre-order from now. Please understand this in advance.

Huh. That sounds a lot like what happened last year at TSUTAYA when Dragon Quest IV went on sale. What a kwinky-dink. Can't wait until the next DQ remake goes on sale at TSUTAYA. Wonder what will happen? Oh, the suspense, it's killing me!
『ドラゴンクエストⅤ』発売を前にメーカーからまた出荷制限！？ [my game news flash]

The 20 Essential Japanese RPGs As Chosen By Gamasutra

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:40:30 MDT

Gamasutra contributor Kurt Kalata has the unenviable honor of determining what is surely to be a hotly contested list, a run-down of the best, most essential Japanese role-playing games, most of which have made it stateside. Kalata limits his list to the accepted RPG norm, leaving online and strategy RPGs for a possible future list. Sure, most of the genre's best make appearances—Xenogears, Earthbound, Phantasy Star IV: End of the Millenium—but I'm sure vocal enthusiasts will have their own picks.

For those who are relatively green to the world of JRPGs, it's at the very least an informative read. One that makes me think I should get around to that cheap copy of Chrono Cross that never saw the inside of a PlayStation.

A Japanese RPG Primer: The Essential 20 [Gamasutra]

Square Enix Bringing "Dragon Quest Party" Stateside?

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:20:52 MST

Is Square Enix finally bringing its Itadaki Street series to North America? We've got a hunch it is. The latest entry, known as Itadaki Street DS in Japan, features a guest appearance in the long-running board game series from the Mario universe cast, including Peach, Bowser, Wario and Yoshi. While previous games in the series featured characters from Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, the inclusion of Mario and pals may have the star power Square Enix needs to finally localize it.

Square Enix has made no such announcements about such a game, but its recently filed trademark for Party Castle certainly makes us think it may have sights set on an English port. Everyone knows "party" translates to "dice-rolling board game" in Nintendo-speak. Plus, Itadaki Street DS has no shortage of castles. Conjecture? Totally. That's why we're getting in touch with Square Enix to learn more about what this new trademark means. (Pray it's not a mobile game!)

Party Castle Trademark [USPTO]

Papercraft: Dragon Quest Mimic

fdemarco — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:00:00 MST

It's been a while since our last papercraft and given the slow post GDC weekend I figured it would be a good time to pull out some cardstock and get our craft on. This week's offering comes from that bastion of papercraftery, Paperkraft.net. The model is of a Mimic chest from Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. These feisty little guys like to disguise themselves as treasure chests and when you go to open them, they launch their attack. This is a fairly simple model for those of you just getting started in the fine art papercraft. For our more experienced crafters, you might try these Chromehound models.

Dragon Quest VIII Mimic Papercraft [PaperKraft.net - Thanks, Sonia]

The History of Dragon Quest

Maggie Greene — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:30:14 MST

Gamasutra posted a great breakdown of one of my favorite series, Dragon Quest (née Dragon Warrior), all in a mere 10 pages — lengthy, but worth a read through if you're a fan of the games. After a flying introduction on why Dragon Quest has been very popular, the author takes a detailed look at each installment of the series.

Throughout its life, Final Fantasy constantly reinvented itself, keeping certain aspects but bucking trends with each iteration. On the other hand, Dragon Quest has been strongly about keeping with tradition. All of them take place in the same European-style medieval world. All of them feature the same key staff members — Horii, Toriyama, and Sugiyama. As a result, the method of storytelling, the characters, the battle system and the style of music is pretty much the same throughout. It's a series that prides itself not only on familiarity and nostalgia, but also in its consistency.

I'm not sure Final Fantasy deserves credit for 'constantly reinvent[ing] itself,' since I do wonder how many mopey, bizarrely coiffed heroes of dubious renowned one company can churn out, but be that as it may — it's a fun and nostalgic look back at one prolific series.

The History of Dragon Quest [Gamasutra]

Dragon Quest IX "Almost Finished"

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:57 MST

It's been over a year and some change that Dragon Quest IX: Defenders of the Starry Sky was first announced for the DS &mdash and about a half a year that it was announced the game would be delayed to 2008. When talking about Square Enix's M&A business strategy, company honcho Yoichiro Wada tells Bloomberg:

It's almost finished... The balance of single play and multiplayer is very important... Because it's such a big title, we didn't want to rush it out.

Fair enough! We're patient. We can wait.
Wada Talks M&A [Bloomberg via Siliconera]

Dragon Quest Swords Dated For US, Canada

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:40:12 MST

Square-Enix announced today that the Wii exclusive slime slasher Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and The Tower of Mirrors will be shipping to North American retailers on February 26th. The best part? Those of us in the West will be given new, never before released bonus content, which the publisher describes as "a "Payback Mode" and four hidden bosses." This will inevitably lead to Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and The Tower of Mirrors Payback: International Remix + being released in Japan in the summer or fall of 2008. It will then sell an extra 50,000 or so extra copies of the game to people who already own it. Those poor bastards probably don't even see it coming.

Dragon Quest V DS Remake Dated (For Japan)

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:00:34 MST

Sick of those Dragon Quest remakes? Square Enix isn't! Mark your calendars because Dragon Quest V: Tenkuu no Hanayome will go on sale in Japan Spring 2008. The game was originally released for the Super Famicom back in 1992 and got a PS2 remake back in 2004. The game follows over twenty years in the life of the main character. Interesting innovation: Monsters could join the main character's party. So, if you missed the Super Famicom or the PS2, Square Enix has you covered with this DS remake! That's sure kind of them.
DQV Remake [Dengeki Online]

We Don't Rely on Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:30:19 MST

Square Enix sits down with CNet Japan for a chat about the current state of the console — and Square Enix. Before, we get his take on the opinion that Square Enix only makes Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games, let's here what he has to say about the three home consoles:

The Wii is the antithesis of the Xbox 360. It's strictly for hardcore gamers. The attachment rate for the Xbox 360 is much higher than for the Wii. People who buy the 360 really like games... I think the current trend is that most people aren't buying the Wii as a game machine, but as a toy... It seems that Sony isn't sure what it wants to do. Is it making high-end electronics or a game console for gamers? I want them to clearly define their console.

Thanks for that input! What we really want to know if Wada thinks Square Enix is a two trick RGP pony. That, after the jump!

It's not that we are not investing in new franchises. It's necessary to do new games, franchises and remakes. With remakes, we're trying to expand the outlook of that world. If you look at our profits, franchises are 60 percent of our business, while new IPs are 40 percent. There's a misconception that we rely only on Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, while these titles only make half of our business. It's just that people keep asking for new installments.

Yes, that's it, blame the fans. Am I the only one who's suddenly interested in double checking Square Enix's financial statements? Wada Interview [CNet via RPG Fan via Go Nintendo] [Image]

Simple 2000: The Japanese Software Chart

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:00:00 MST

Guess what Japan likes? Dragon Quest, obviously, as the Nintendo DS remake of DQIV moved over a half-million copies in its debut week. The slime-ridden adventure is just one of many new games to chart this week. In fact, nine of the top ten are all brand new games, with only Mario Party DS making a repeat top ten appearance.

The new Professor Layton should chart, and chart well, next week, but here are the top ten for the week of November 19th to the 25th, with twenty more after that.

01. Dragon Quest IV (DS) - 597,000 / NEW
02. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 (PS2) - 294,000 / NEW
03. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 (PS3) - 141,000 / NEW
04. Mario Party DS (DS) - 110,000 / 460,000
05. Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess (PS2) - 68,000 / NEW
06. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii) - 63,000 / NEW
07. Kodai Ouja: Kyouryuu King 7-tsu no Kakera(DS) - 57,000 / NEW
08. Mega Man Star Force 2: Berserk × Shinobi (DS) - 37,000 / NEW
09. Mega Man Star Force 2: Berserk × Dinosaur (DS) - 37,000 / NEW
10. Pachitte Chonmage Tatsujin 13: Pachinko Hissatsu Shigotojin III (PS2) - 36,000 / NEW

11. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
12. Wantame Music Channel: Doko Demo Style (DS)
13. Shin Sangoku Musou 5 (PS3)
14. Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (Wii)
15. Wii Sports (Wii)
16. Pro Yakyuu Famista DS (DS)
17. Wii Play (Wii)
18. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 (Xbox 360)
19. Mario Party 8 (Wii)
20. My Housekeeping Diary (DS)
21. Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day (DS)
22. Pokémon Mysterious Dungeon: Time Expedition Party (DS)
23. Mario Kart DS (DS)
24. Taiko Drum Master DS (DS)
25. Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
26. Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess (Xbox 360)
27. DS Nishimura Kyotaro Suspense Shin Tantei Series: Kyoto Atami Zekkai no Kotou - Satsui no Wana (DS)
28. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
29. Pokémon Mysterious Dungeon: Shadow Expedition Party (DS)
30. DS Bungaku Zenshuu (DS)

Media Create Weekly Sales [Gpara]

Let's Compare Dragon Quest IV Ads

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 03:30:49 MST

Dragon Quest IV hasn't been remade once, but twice. The NES game's first remake was for the PlayStation back in 2001, and it's latest is for the Nintendo DS. (It also spanned a bunch spin-offs, but that's neither here nor there!) So, instead of comparing the game's graphics, we're comparing the games' Japanese tv ads. Which one is the best? Like most things, the original. PlayStation version. Famicom version. Love that hair. LOVE IT.

Dragon Quest IV Ads [Siliconera]

Atari Battling To Retain Dragon Ball Z License

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:40:02 MDT

More good (read: company collapsing) news for Atari, as Dragon Ball Z license holder FUNimation has leveled an accusation against the publisher, claiming breach of contract. According to the Gamespot report of the complain, FUNimation sees the license agreement as terminated, with Atari disagreeing and continuing to sell the games based on the series.

For those who aren't twelve years old, Dragon Ball Z is a long running anime series based on the manga created by Akira Toriyama, who's also responsible for art direction of Dragon Quest and Blue Dragon, among other non-dragony things. Dragon Ball also happens to be one of Atari's major revenue sources, in a time when it really, really needs the revenue.

Let's all hope for a speedy resolution, so that our nation's children can continue to enjoy more Dragon Ball goofiness.

Atari fights to keep Dragon Ball Z [Gamespot]

Square Enix Branches Out to Yoga

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 06:00:32 MDT

Square Enix doesn't *just* do Final Fantasy re-makes and spin-offs. It also does Dragon Quest remakes and Kingdom Hearts spin-offs. And, erm, yoga games. Even though Konami has moved on from yoga to Pilates, Square Enix is offering DS de Hajimeru Tipness no Yoga, which was developed in connection with Japanese health club Tipness. Sadly, the in-game characters look decidedly normal. Frosted hair, leather capes and yoga posing could've really worked!
Square Enix Yoga? [Game Watch Impress]

Dragon Quest IX Not Playable, FFXIII "Undecided"

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 08:00:30 MDT

Do you have TGS fever yet? Square Enix does! The third party publisher unveiled its Tokyo Games Show line-up, which surprisingly includes both Final Fantasy *and* Dragon Quest games. Big news? DS remakes Final Fantasy IV and Dragon Quest IV will be playable, but DS sequel Dragon Quest IX won't be. What's more, Square Enix didn't announce how FFXIII, FF Aigto XIII or FF Versus XIII are going to be shown. We're pulling for shadow theater! Here's the full run-down, complete with details on how the games will be displayed:

Final Fantasy XI Online: Divine Soldiers of Altana
Exhibition Form: Trailer

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
Exhibition Form: Playable

Final Fantasy Tactics A2
Exhibition Form: Trailer and Playable

Final Fantasy IV (DS)
Exhibition Form: Trailer and Playable

Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon
Exhibition Form: Trailer and Playable

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Exhibition Form: Trailer and Playable

Final Fantasy XIII
Exhibition Form: Undecided

Final Fantasy Versus XIII
Exhibition Form: Undecided

Final Fantasy Agito XIII
Exhibition Form: Undecided

Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Complete
Exhibition Form: Trailer

Final Fantasy Dissidia
Exhibition Form: Undecided

The Last Remnant
Exhibition Form: Trailer

Dragon Quest Monster Battle Road
Exhibition Form: Playable

Dragon Quest Monsters Joker
Exhibition Form: Playable

Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest 2
Exhibition Form: Playable

Dragon Quest IV
Exhibition Form: Player and Trailer

Dragon Quest IX
Exhibition Form: Trailer

Besides that, there are a handful of atypical Square Enix games like DS Gardening Life, Will You Also Listen to Classical Music? or Starting Fitness Yoga — games aimed at non-gamers. They will all be playable. Think of it a consolation prize for yet another Dragon Quest IX trailer.

Square's TGS Games [Famitsu]

Square Enix Online Store Dated

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:00:57 MDT

All the Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Kingdom Hearts you could ever want. And buy. On August 20th at 6pm PST, the Official Square Enix Online Merchandise Store opens its doors to sell, well, Square Enix merchandise. Feature products include Final Fantasy XII Play Arts Judge Magister Gabranth and a limited edition Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Sculpture Arts Sephiroth and Could Strife. Back at E3, we spoke to Square about the online store. The impetus for opening it? The company hopes to regulate pricing on its collectibles goods outside Japan. That, and make a crap load of cash.

Thanks, Tarthus!

Square-Enix Sets Up Shop At Comic Con

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:40:12 MDT

Square-Enix's Comic Con store is open for business, ready to push attendee credit cards to their limit (break). Much of the wares for sale at Comic Con 07 were on display at the company's E3 booth, but now you can finally buy all this high quality fan service. Keyblades, statues, super deformed action figures, jewelry, $400 Sephiroths and even plush Cactuars are all on-hand, waiting to be carried home in an oversized PlayStation bag.

Sadly, there was not a single piece of Dragon Quest themed silverware at Comic Con, but a Square-Enix rep hinted that it could be coming to the U.S. in the fall. Comic Con is saved! Check out a photo gallery of all the gorgeous licensed junk below.

Before Square, Enix Had Jesus

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:00:25 MDT

Jesus! Dreadful! Bio-Monster! Years back, developer Enix (of current Square Enix fame) released a Famicom text-based survival horror game called "Jesus: Kyoufu no Bio Monster." The game is set in 2061 when Halley's Comet has changed direction and starts heading right for earth! The nations of the world, who banded together to create the space station "Jesus," must figure out how to stop the comet. Players are the Japanese rep. and military cadet Hayao Musou. While our usually rule of thumb is that no way a game with that kooky title can be any good, Jesus: Dreadful Bio-monster is apparently fairly decent. The game's music was even composed by Koichi Sugiyama, who's behind the instantly recognizable Dragon Quest theme. Jesus: Kyoufu no Bio-Monster never saw an English translation. How sad!
Best part: this post comes via former Kotaku regulars Eliza Gauger and Florian Eckhardt, who's now writing under the so very fake name John Brownlee. Flor and Eliza have a new site, covering things like full-facial tattoos, dolphin sex and Bela Lugosi. Utterly delightful.
Jesus Game [ectoplasmosis]

Dragon Quest Castle Appears in Japan

fdemarco — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:51:30 MDT

As part of Fuji Television's Adventure King 2007 celebration, Square Enix have erected a funhouse style Dragon Quest castle in the Japanese city of Odaiba. The inside houses a maze (and presumably other funhouse staples), a few Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road cabinets and, of course, a gift shop.

Close by in the Fuji Television studios, Square Enix is holding the Dragon Quest Odaiba Expo 2007 featuring more game cabinets, a Dragon Quest figurine collection and something called an iMode corner (you can read more about iMode here) From now until September second you can check out the castle and the Expo if you happen to be in the area and get a free Slime cell phone accessory for your time. Nothing like that sweet, sweet swag.

Dragon Quest castle erected in Odaiba Japan News Review
(Thanks, Marcus)

Square's E3 Line-Up

Brian Crecente — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:00:27 MDT

Square-Enix today unveiled their E3 showing, breakig down the games by what will be playable and what will just be eye candy. Among the single-minded company's showings will be five Final Fantasy games and two Dragon Quest games. Hit the jump for the full descriptions of all of their games.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: November 6, 2007
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is the latest installment in the venerable RPG franchise, developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS and arriving in North America on November 6, 2007. Scout, train and synthesize a colorful array of over 200 classic DRAGON QUEST monsters as you compete in the Monster Scout Challenge. Already achieving sales of more than 1 million units in Japan, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic DRAGON QUEST RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Platform: Wii
Genre: "Virtual Experience" RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: TBA
Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the Wii(TM) and its motion-sensing technology, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors(TM) is set to slice its way onto Nintendo's next-generation platform. This exclusive title utilizes the Wii's motion-sensing controls as players use the Wii Remote(TM) to slash, parry and blast their way through a land filled with trademark DRAGON QUEST foes. Developed with both longtime fans and casual players in mind, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is poised to take video gaming to an entirely new level of fun and interaction.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Spring 2008
Few titles epitomize the very essence of multiplayer camaraderie like the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES(R) series. Released in 2004 as an innovative title that took advantage of the Nintendo GameCube(TM)-to-Game Boy(R) Advance connectivity, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES bred an entirely new gameplay experience that expanded the horizons of conventional RPG gaming. Primed for a release on the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates(TM) is poised to continue this tradition by
providing fans with two distinctly unique games: a fully fleshed single-player RPG experience and an addictive multiplayer element for up to four players.

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS
Platform: PSP system
Genre: Tactical RPG
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: October 9, 2007
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS is a portable update to 1997's turn-based strategy game FINAL FANTASY TACTICS — an undisputed classic that gave birth to the world of Ivalice. In this first title of the IVALICE ALLIANCE(TM), players take center stage as the events of an epic conflict threaten to destroy the lands and peoples of Ivalice — the same world featured in such classic titles as FINAL FANTASY XII and FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS features PSP system-exclusive content such as stunning CG sequences, powerful new jobs, a widescreen presentation, head-to-head multiplayer, new storyline elements, and an all-new English translation. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS will be released simultaneously in North American and European territories.

FINAL FANTASY II
Platform: PSP System
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: July 24, 2007
Originally released in 1987 in Japan, FINAL FANTASY was hailed by gamers and critics alike as one of the first RPGs to create a fantasy world that captured the imagination of players around the globe. Now its sequel, FINAL FANTASY II, seeks to continue the Square Enix tradition of providing quality RPG experiences on a wide variety of formats and platforms.Featuring completely redrawn graphics, 16:9 widescreen presentation and an all-new dungeon, FINAL FANTASY II carries on the legacy of the award-winning franchise that has shipped more than 75 million units worldwide.

FINAL FANTASY XI: WINGS OF THE GODDESS
Platform: PlayStation 2 system, Windows, Xbox 360
Genre: MMORPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Winter 2007
Experience the next chapter in the immersive and ever expanding world of Vana'diel(R) in FINAL FANTASY XI: WINGS OF THE GODDESS(TM), a content-rich expansion pack that brings exciting new features to the world of FINAL FANTASY XI. Delve into new quests, meet new players, view new sights and experience the fourth chapter in the award-winning MMORPG that has a community of more than 500,000 active subscribers and over 1.7 million characters from around the world. FINAL FANTASY XI is the only title capable of triple-platform simultaneous multiplayer, allowing players to take up arms together on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Windows(R) and Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, whether they are in North America, Europe or Japan.

FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Following the story of the beloved classic that captivated more than 5 million players around the world, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS continues the tale that won numerous accolades from the industry's top
publications. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS is an all-new experience that uses the unique features of the Nintendo DS to their fullest. Utilizing full Touch Screen functionality, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS allows players to control massive armies, unleash special moves and activate Gambits, all with the use of the stylus. As the next installment in the IVALICE ALLIANCE, the world of Ivalice comes alive through the respected musical stylings of Hitoshi Sakimoto, the guidance of Akitoshi Kawazu and the direction of Motomu Toriyama, director of FINAL FANTASY X-2 and the upcoming FINAL FANTASY XIII.

FRONT MISSION
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Strategy RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: October 23, 2007
Discover the origins of the FRONT MISSION series in this explosive handheld saga that was never before localized for North America. Reborn exclusively on the Nintendo DS, FRONT MISSION introduces exciting new features, such as dual screen presentation and multiplayer modes, that update the classic that gave birth to seven beloved sequels. Using Touch Screen functionality, players command a squad of customizable mechs known as wanzers and direct them through turn-based skirmishes across the battlefields of the 21st century.

HEROES of MANA
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Strategy RPG
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Release Date: August 14, 2007
Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, HEROES of MANA breathes new life into the WORLD of MANA(TM) by taking it into an entirely new dimension. For the first time in the history of the series, stylus-wielding generals must plan, plot and strategize their way to victory on the battlefield. Utilizing the Touch Screen to the fullest, players take full control of the battle as they gather resources, assemble armies and experience an all-new perspective on the ever-evolving battle for the world of MANA.

Square-Enix Dish On US Online Store

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:30:20 MDT

Gamepro sat down with Square-Enix USA reps to talk about the recently announced, soon to be revealed online store for the United States. Already a licensed stuff selling machine in Japan, Squenix USA see the North American market as a prime milking opportunity.

So what can we expect from the English-language equivalent of the Japanese store? Big stuff. And I mean that literally. The US store will apparently focus on larger sized items, as Americans like their stuff big. That probably means larger figures, larger weapon replicas and (hopefully) full sized Tifa humping pillows. They even promise a few exclusives.

I don't really care about the size of what's available, I just want some damn Slime spoons! And mugs. And a King Slime paperweight. Michael McWhertor

Feature: Square Enix Talks Shop [Gamepro]

Square-Enix To Open US Merch Store

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 22:40:41 MDT

The sheer amount of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest crap one can purchase in Japan is simply astounding. From weapons replicas to jewelry to flatware to toys, there's little that Square-Enix won't churn out for their flagship franchises. In desperate need of a Dirge of Cerberus lighter? Just a few clicks away.

North American gamers will soon be treated to a Square-Enix store that they, too, can purchase licensed stuff from. Will Western gamers finally be able to get their hands on dozens of Dragon Quest slime toys? Are my dreams of finally owning a Slime spoon about to become reality? Squenix isn't forthcoming with the details quite yet, but watch this space.

If you want to be clued in to when the Square-Enix USA online merchandise store will open, register your interest at the link below. Just don't get between me and my Slime silverware. Michael McWhertor

Square-Enix Online Merchandise Store [Square-Enix, thanks Gantz!]

Clip: Dragon Quest The Arcade Game

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 16 May 2007 17:20:24 MDT

The new Dragon Quest arcade game from Square-Enix isn't likely to see much exposure, if any, outside of Japanese arcades as the card-based gaming scene is strongest there. But this trailer, overly dramatic though it may be, makes it look just thrilling to play. With the card-buying revenue stream surely to make greedy executives drool with profit hunger worldwide, I wouldn't be surprised to the see home-based card readers make their way onto store shelves over the next few years.

What do you think? Would a card-reader for the Wii or EyeToy-based game like Eye of Judgment for the PLAYSTATION 3 catch on? Michael McWhertor

Itadaki Street Screens

Kim Phu — Fri, 11 May 2007 12:40:00 MDT

New screens are out for Itakadaki Street, Japan's answer to mashing up a magarita full of fun things into one blender and pressing "mix". Mario and Dragon Quest friends will start playing monopoly together on Itakadaki street June 21 in red-dot-flagland, no word if this is the sort of game Square Enix would consider translating for the English speaking countries. I would, however, like to express my interest in playing a video game version of Clue with a combination of characters from Animal Crossing and Gears of War just so I can say, "Brewster did it with the lead pipe in the emergence hole". Kim Phu

Itadaki Street new characters, screens [Go Nintendo]

Dragon Quest Swords Japanese Box Art

fdemarco — Sun, 06 May 2007 15:00:00 MDT

I always like seeing good box art because let's face it, we all buy games based on their cover art, right? Ok, well maybe not, but having a good cover always helps. Here's the box art for Dragon Quest Swords coming out in Japan. Shouldn't be to long before this one comes stateside, but I hope it's a wee bit shorter than the last one. It seemed like it took an eternity to get through. Flynn De Marco

[via GoNintendo]

Dragon Quest Swords Dated For Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 05:00:55 MDT

Dubbed Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors, this DQ spin-off will hit Japan June 12th and will retail for ¥6,800. Swords is a hack-and-slasher turns the Wii-mote into both a sword and a shield. The Wii exclusive was originally thought to be a launch title, but the game was apparently pushed back. No word on release dates for elsewhere. Brian Ashcraft

Swords Dated For Japan [Dengeki Online]

Won't You Tell Me How to Get to Itadaki Street?

Kim Phu — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:40:00 MDT

Familiar Nintendo faces become greedy, real-estate moguls along side some of the character of Square-Enix's Dragon Quest in Itadaki Street, a monopoly-like game from the DS coming out for the Japanese market in June.

Outside of regular Monopoly rules, players can also buy and sell stocks of an entire block of property (affecting their values), and there is also the option to level-up by collecting icons all over the board. Plus there are different boards like Castle of Torodaine, Death Volcano, Giant Demon's Statue and Yoshi's Island, so it's not like being in that Atlantic City Alcatraz for three hours waiting for some one to "JUST BUY BOARDWALK ALREADY SO WE CAN ALL GO HOME." Kim Phu

Meet the Characters of Itadaki Street DS [Siliconera]

Travel, Gardening, Mozart... Square-Enix Branches Out

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 06:00:22 MDT

In a further effort not to be known as FF/DQ, Inc., Square-Enix is releasing a new series of games for the DS called "DS:Style." Games include World Walker DS, Won't You Listen To Classic Music With the DS? and Flower Bloom DS Gardening Life. The games are fairly self-explanatory. World Walker is based on a popular series of travel books by the same name and will include city/subway maps, currency calculation, world clocks for places like Thailand, France and Italy. The classical music title is packed with 100 of the "best classics" from Toshiba EMI and quizzes wanna-be music experts on who composed certain pieces. The gardening title is based on a popular NHK program and teaches names of different kinds of flowers and herbs. What's more it ranks players gardening knowledge. Doubt if these will see life outside of Japan, but nice to see Square-Enix try something that doesn't involve the letters "F," "D" or "Q." Brian Ashcraft

New Square Games Aren't Typical Square Games [IT Media]

Slimes For Your Wedding Registry

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:40:19 MDT

As a sucker for just about anything Dragon Quest slime related, I was pretty delighted (and envious of our Japanese brethren) to see that Square-Enix is now selling slime silverware.

Made of 100% stainless steel, the utensil trio contains a tea spoon with King Slime, curry spoon with Heal Slime and fork with your standard stock Slime all for a modest 1760 yen. Definitely a bargain.

Now to find myself a wife whom I can somehow convince to allow me to outfit the kitchen, living room and bathroom with slime related merchandise. Salt and pepper shakers, rugs, saucers , towels... I need it all. Yes, NEED! Michael McWhertor

Slime Spoon & Fork Set [Smile Slime]

Square-Enix Party 2007 Line Up

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:40:33 MDT

The official line-up of titles on display at the upcoming Square-Enix Party has been released and, Jesus, does it have a lot of F's. As the advertising for the party made quite clear, Final Fantasy games will be very well represented, with eleven FF games properly milked from the corporate udder.

While fans will become turgid at the thought of finally playing Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII for the PSP, RPG nerds will have to wait a little longer for their Final Fantasy XIII fix. All three titles from the Final Fantasy XIII Fabula Nova Crystallis series will be in video form only. Here's what's scheduled:

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP)
Dragon Quest Monster Battle Road (Arcade)
Dragon Quest Monster Joker (DS)
Dragon Quest Swords (Wii)
Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings (DS)
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War (PSP)
Itadaki Street DS (DS)
It's A Wonderful World (DS)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (DS)
Final Fantasy I (PSP)
Final Fantasy II (PSP)
Final Fantasy XI Online (PS2, Xbox 360, PC)
Final Fantasy XIII (PS3)
Final Fantasy Versus XIII (PS3)
Final Fantasy Agito XIII (Mobile)
Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete (Blu-ray)

uck. I think my -key is starting to act unny now. uckin' Square-Enix! Michael McWhertor

Clip(s): Live Action Dragon Quest

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 01:00:42 MST

Somethings work. For example, the silent film aspect does. Bowl-haircuts and live-action Slimes don't. For those who actually want to see more Dragon Quest, two more clips continue after the jump. Brian Ashcraft

Live Action DQ [TV in Japan]

Clip(s): Dog Attacks Slime

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 23:00:03 MST

A Shiba chewing on Slime from Dragon Quest. And not only does it nibble on a blue Slime, but an orange one. How cute! Brian Ashcraft

And it looks like the dog's owner is a Hanshin Tigers fan.

Dog Vs. Slime [Miya Blog]

GTA San Andreas Bitch Slaps Japan Sales Charts

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 17:20:30 MST

Who said the Japanese don't like Western games? The Capcom published Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas made its Japanese debut last week, moving a healthy 227,261 copies, twice that of local hero Dragon Quest Monsters Joker numbers. Not bad.

Here are the top ten games solid in Japan for the week of January 15th to the 22nd, courtesy of Media Create.

01. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2) - 227261 / new
02. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker (DS) - 103706 / 1026700
03. Sangokushi Taisen DS (DS) - 77229 / new
04. Picross DS (DS) - 71794 / new
05. Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (DS) - 59379 / new
06. Wii Sports (Wii) - 58886 / 910422
07. Wario: The Seven (DS) - 47350 / 138599
08. Wii Play (Wii) - 43612 / 808425
09. Pachinko Winter Sonata (PS2) - 41411 / 41411
10. More Brain Age (DS) - 34028 / 3902307

Next ten after the jump.

11. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
12. Common Knowledge Training (DS)
13. Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS)
14. Prince of Tennis: Doki-Doki Survival (DS)
15. The Idolm@ster (Xbox 360)
16. Mario Kart DS (DS)
17. Pokemon Diamond (DS)
18. English Training (DS)
19. Brain Training (DS)
20. Shining Force EXA (PS2)

While one Xbox 360 game cracked the top twenty, last week's sales darling Gears of War is noticeably absent. It didn't even make the top thirty this week. The only PLAYSTATION 3 game to chart was the recent port of From Software's RPG Enchanted Arms.

Next gen, just call it quits already! DS is your master now. Michael McWhertor

More Media Create Sales

Clips: Otaku Game Idol Is An Otaku Gamer

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:22:12 MST

Shoko Nakagawa, known as "Shoko-tan," doesn't just talk the talk. She lives it. In a tour of her tiny one room apartment, she shows just how much she loves RPGs. How much? She's got a Slime pillow on her bed, a giant TV for playing Dragon Quest and a personalized signed pic from the individual (FIY: Tetsuya Nomura) who created Final Fantasy VII's Sephiroth. Just watch how excited she gets when Dragon Quest fires up. She says that she enjoys playing it more than watching movies and says she would like to marry Dragon Quest V! And out of left field, she puts her mouth over her cat's face in what can only be described as truly fucked up. Brian Ashcraft

Clips: Dragon Quest Swords Trailer

Mike Fahey — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 11:40:21 MST

Now this is what the Wii is all about. Swinging the wiimote around like a sword while making swooshing noises. Pretty sure the whole swooshing noise bit is optional, but it can't help but enhance the gameplay experience.

As you can see the cast includes a prostitute from the French revolution, generic woodsman number 5, pansy rapier boy, and the obligatory spiky-haired protagonist with encephalitis, so we've got all the bases covered. Wii Sports is fun and all, but Dragon Quest Swords has just the geeky flavor I need to forget that I'm technically exercising.

As an aside, I wanted to give a shout out to Jeromy Stroh over at Gamebrink, who added larger size streaming videos to their site awhile back just to help us fill out the page a bit more. He's good people. Michael Fahey

Dragon Quest Swords Jump Festa Trailer [Gamebrink]

Dragon Quest Arcade Game Not To Get Excited About

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:22:00 MST

Looks like we're not only getting Dragon Quest 9 for the DS, but also a DQ arcade game. Don't get too excited yet as this appears to be a Mushi King-type card fighting game.

I officially hate card fighting games. And yes, you can quote me.

They're shooting to have this cabinet in Japanese arcades by next summer. Swell. Brian Ashcraft

DQ Arcade Game [Famitsu, Thanks 108!]

Dragon Quest IX Gameplay Footage

Mike Fahey — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 07:55:07 MST

Hot on the heels of Ashcraft's DQ9 screenies comes this video of the game in motion, straight from the Squeenix press event.

I'm with Brian on this one, as far as being surprised about the move to the DS, though I suppose using the awesome power of the PlayStation 3 to make a cell-shaded RPG would be like swatting a fly with a Buick. Michael Fahey

Dragon Quest IX First Gameplay Footage [GameBrink]

Dragon Quest IX Screenies!

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 06:22:26 MST

Via Famitsu, here are exactly two screens from the upcoming Dragon Quest IX: Defender of the Starry Sky. Yup, they're small and certainly not at 1080p. I'm still slightly shell shocked that the series is jumping from the PlayStation to the DS. Because like that, Square Enix is making the DS Lite go from hard-to-get-in-Japan to bitch-ass-impossible-to-find. Thanks guys. Brian Ashcraft

Dragon Quest IX Screens [Famitsu]