Kotaku: final fantasy xii revenant wings

Simple 2000: The Japanese Hardware Chart

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 18 May 2007 17:20:23 MDT

Japanese hardware sales were down considerably for the week of May 6th through the 13th, especially on the Nintendo DS and Wii fronts. The previous week saw a big boost in DS Lite sales as gamers snapped up the handheld to play Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings. PSP sales held strong amidst dropping numbers, presumably due to the release of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War.

PLAYSTATION 3 hardware took a hit, stumbling into four-figure sales territory, while the rest of the field performed mostly as it has for months. Here's the sales breakdown, courtesy of Media Create.

Nintendo DS Lite - 163,785
Wii - 52,544
PSP - 34,433
PlayStation 2 - 10,414
PLAYSTATION 3 - 8,839
Xbox 360 - 2,105
Game Boy micro - 408
Game Boy Advance SP - 343

Man, I sure hope Japanese PS3 owners hear the good news about this week's Joust trailer hitting the PlayStation Store. That should spur some sales! Michael McWhertor

Media Create Sales

Square-Enix USA Opens Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest Floodgates

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:40:41 MDT

North American gamers will have plenty of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest spin-offs to grind through over the next year as Square-Enix has finally announced four vague release dates for four of its upcoming games.

Dragon Quest Monsters Joker for the Nintendo DS will hit over here in the fourth quarter of 2007 with Dragon Quest Swords for the Wii, announced what-seems-like-forever-ago, still without a release date. DQ: Swords is being developed with "casual audiences in mind" so expect a very laid back release schedule.

The PSP-bound Final Fantasy Tactics remake, redubbed The War of the Lions, has an October release window with the Nintendo DS cutesy spin-off Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings coming sometime in the winter. That could mean early 2008, so start tailoring your Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa wishlists with that in mind.

I've got the latter two on my purchase radar, but we'll see how crowded this holiday season gets. You buyin'? Michael McWhertor

Square Enix Allies DRAGON QUEST and IVALICE For North America

Two Blockbuster Franchises Contain Four Exciting Titles Spanning Three Different Platforms

LOS ANGELES, May 14 /PRNewswire/ — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix(TM) interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that it is bringing the next installments in the vaunted DRAGON QUEST(R) franchise and the all-new IVALICE ALLIANCE(TM) to North America. This exciting announcement brings forth four new titles that are set to revolutionize the way that players experience video gaming on the Nintendo DS(TM), Wii(TM) and the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system in the coming year.

Having sold more than 41 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST is the premiere RPG franchise that has captivated audiences around the world for more than 20 years. Combining ingenious gameplay elements from series creator Yuji Horii, character designs from famed artist Akira Toriyama and music from renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, the "golden trio" of game designers has delivered a timeless franchise that continues to reinvent itself in new and exciting ways. For 2007 and 2008 Square Enix will expand the franchise with the release of DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS -Joker(TM), an addictive handheld monster collection RPG, and DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors(TM), an intuitive action RPG for the Wii home video game system.

Ten years after FINAL FANTASY TACTICS(R) gave birth to the world of Ivalice, Square Enix introduces IVALICE ALLIANCE, a cachet of titles set in the fantastical game world that serves as the backdrop for classic titles such as FINAL FANTASY TACTICS, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS Advance and FINAL FANTASY(R) XII. Comprised of two unique titles for North America thus far, the IVALICE ALLIANCE seeks to offer a diverse collection of titles for a multitude of platforms. Discover a new Ivalice with every addition to the
alliance, each crafted by a development team with a unique vision.

DRAGON QUEST

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS - Joker
Platform: Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Q4 2007

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS - Joker is the latest installment in the venerable RPG franchise that has sold more than 41 million units worldwide. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS and arriving in North America in Q4 2007, players assume the role of a monster hunter as they capture, train and breed a powerful army from more than 200 classic DRAGON QUEST creatures in order to become the world's greatest monster trainer. 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
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: TBA

Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the Nintendo Wii and its motion sensing technology, the worldwide phenomenon that has captivated more than 41 million players across the world slashes its way onto Nintendo's next- generation platform in 2008 in the form of DRAGON QUEST
SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors. This exclusive title utilizes the Wii's motion sensing controls as players use the Wii remote to slash, parry and slice their way through a land filled with trademark DRAGON QUEST foes. Developed with both longtime fans and casual audiences 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.

IVALICE ALLIANCE

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: The War of the Lions
Platform: PSP system
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: October 2007

Originally released in 1997, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: The War of the Lions is a portable update on the classic turn-based strategy game that gave birth to the world of Ivalice. In development exclusively for the PSP system, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: The Lion War features PSP system exclusive content not found on the original classic including all-new CG sequences, all-new jobs, new 16:9 widescreen presentation, new head-to-head multiplayer and new storyline elements that refine the genesis of the IVALICE ALLIANCE. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: The War of the Lions will be released simultaneously in North American and European territories.

FINAL FANTASY XII REVENANT WINGS(TM)
Platform: Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Coming this Winter

Continuing the story of the beloved classic that captivated more than 5 million players around the world, FINAL FANTASY XII REVENANT WINGS progresses the tale that won numerous accolades from the industry's top publications. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY XII REVENANT WINGS is a sophisticated experience that commands full use of the Nintendo DS functionality. Featuring full Touch Screen functionality, FINAL FANTASY XII REVENANT WINGS allows players to control massive armies, utilize special moves and activate Gambits, all with the use of the stylus. The world of Ivalice comes alive through the classic musical composition of Hitoshi Sakimoto and the direction of Motomu Toriyama, the director of FINAL FANTASY X-2 and the upcoming FINAL FANTASY XIII.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Asia, North America and Europe. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 75 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 41 million units worldwide - under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing, and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.

DRAGON QUEST, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS - JOKER, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS, FINAL FANTASY, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS, IVALICE ALLIANCE, THE MASKED QUEEN AND THE TOWER OF MIRRORS, REVENANT WINGS, SQUARE ENIX and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Simple 2000: The Japanese Software Chart

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 10 May 2007 07:40:43 MDT

It's been a week full of ecstasy in list form as Media Create hardware and software charts get back on schedule. No surprise here, as Square-Enix's Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings for the Nintendo DS tops the charts. The rest of the top ten is dominated by DS and Wii software with the first game not on a Nintendo platform showing up at #22.

01. Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings (DS) - 109,326 / 383,330
02. Super Paper Mario (Wii) - 90,151 / 310,182
03. Wii Sports (Wii) - 84,782 / 1,543,596
04. Yoshi's Island DS (DS) - 58,948 / 791,132
05. Wii Play (Wii) - 58,718 / 1,279,131
06. Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis (DS) - 57,741 / 233,477
07. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Wii) - 55,165 / 97,424
08. New Super Mario Bros. (DS) - 51,681 / 4,419,592
09. Momotarou Dentetsu DS Tokyo & Japan (DS) - 45,662 / 124,642
10. More Brain Age (DS) - 44,047 / 4,238,185

Wow. I hadn't realized New Super Mario Bros. was approaching 4.5 million copies sold. In-sane! Lonely PSP and PlayStation 2 games after the jump.

11. Gyakuten Saiban 4 (DS)
12. Mario Kart DS (DS)
13. More English Training (DS)
14. Panel de Pon DS (DS)
15. Brain Age (DS)
16. Animal Crossing Wild World (DS)
17. Professor Layton and the Mysterious Village (DS)
18. Common Knowledge Training (DS)
19. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker (DS)
20. English Training (DS)
21. Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan DS (DS)
22. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (PSP)
23. Pok mon Diamond (DS)
24. Pok mon Pearl (DS)
25. Final Fantasy (PSP)
26. Pro Baseball Spirits 4 (PS2)
27. Persona 3 Fes (PS2)
28. Tamagotchi no Appare! Niji-Venture (DS)
29. One Piece Unlimited Adventure (Wii)
30. Zaidan Houjin Nippon Kanji Nouryoku Kentei Kounin: KanKen DS (DS)

That last one? A popular Kanji test preparation non-game. Ashcraft loves it! Some new releases should start showing in next week's chart as regular shipments have resumed. Michael McWhertor

Simple 2000: The Japanese Software Chart

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 07 May 2007 23:40:57 MDT

What? Japanese software charts on a Monday? Crazy, but also true. With Golden Week shutting down communication with all of Japan, we had to rely on data from Famitsu to take the pulse of our gaming allies, minus the quantitative fun that only Media Create can provide.

You must already know that Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings (unsurprisingly) took the #1 spot during its release week, but with over a quarter million sold in the week following its debut, I think it's safe to say we'll see more Final Fantasys on the horizon. Crazy speculation, I know, but look at these stellar sales!

01. Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings (DS) - 274,004 / NEW
02. Momotarou Dentetsu DS Tokyo & Japan (DS) - 78,980 / NEW
03. Super Paper Mario (Wii) - 75,839 / 220,031
04. Wii Sports (Wii) - 58,026 / 1,458,814
05. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Wii) - 42,259 / NEW
06. Wii Play (Wii) - 41,784 / 1,220,413
07. One Piece Unlimited Adventure (Wii) - 40,003 / NEW
08. Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis (DS) - 37,115 / 175,736
09. Gyakuten Saiban 4 (DS) - 35,052 / 333,535
10. Panel de Pon DS (DS) - 34,583 / NEW

Now, now, don't fret pachislot fans. Daito Giken Koushiki Pachi-Slot Simulator: Hihouden - Ossu! Banchou - Yoshimune DS is right after the jump.

11. Daito Giken Koushiki Pachi-Slot Simulator: Hihouden - Ossu! Banchou - Yoshimune DS (DS)
12. Yoshi's Island DS (DS)
13. More Brain Age (DS)
14. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
15. More English Training (DS)
16. Professor Layton and the Mysterious Village (DS)
17. Final Fantasy (PSP)
18. Persona 3 Fes (PS2)
19. Brain Age (DS)
20. Mario Kart DS (DS)
21. Fate/Stay Night [R alta Nua] (PS2)
22. Animal Crossing Wild World (DS)
23. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (PSP)
24. Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360)
25. Negima!? Dream Tactic Yume miru Otome ha Princess (PS2)
26. Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan DS (DS)
27. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas (Xbox 360)
28. Pro Baseball Spirits 4 (PS2)
29. Common Knowledge Training (DS)
30. English Training (DS)

Two Xbox 360 games in the top 30? The hell?!? Hopefully, this anomaly will be nothing but a bad memory when we get more software sales info on Wednesday. Michael McWhertor

Media Create Software Sales

Final Fantasy XII For DS, First Scan

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 16:40:07 MST

Gamefront has the first (painfully grainy, intensely artifacted) look at in-game screens of Square-Enix's Final Fantasy XII sequel/spin-off, subtitled Revenant Wings. Little is known about the game at this point, save for the name of new character Ryudo, but with the 2007 Jump Festa only a fortnight away, expect to see something at least legible by then.

Hit the jump for the full, huge pic, a case study in how not to use your scanner. If you thought FFXII's man-boy Vaan was wearing just a bit too much, check it out. Michael McWhertor