Remakes of classic games are often a dangerous proposition, risking alienating fans of the original games in order to attract new players. For this week's Frankenreview we've gathered opinions from RPG-centric sites along with the more mainstream gaming press to see how Final Fantasy IV measures up.

RPGamer
It is disappointing, then, that while the characters are tweaked to update and strengthen their personalities and motives, the main story and its transitional events are left entirely untouched. The happenings which progress the narrative often conflict with common sense or with the game world itself. The characters are the most believable they have ever been, but their actions are not. Added lines of dialogue, mostly with NPCs, explain or foreshadow the most spastic story moments and definitely create a rounder, more interesting world. Logic-defying occasions still stand out, though, and reveal a thick, solid line Square Enix refused to cross when remaking a famous game with a large fan following.

RPGFan
The opening FMV is marvelous, but that's basically the first and last time you'll actually be impressed. More FMVs would have given the game the cinematic feeling it deserves, like the FMV's in Final Fantasy VIII. FFIV uses a polished in-game engine for cutscenes, which is not bad but underwhelming. The resolution and detail are average for DS. Stylistically I found myself even less impressed. The characters looked cleaner and more mature back on the SNES. The blocky, disproportioned, childlike models do not suit the game's mature story.

G4 X-Play
The best changes to Final Fantasy IV are the minor ones. The game is less stingy when it comes to precious items. A new feature rewards players for uncovering every corner of dungeon maps. This tiny innovation does double the work. It provides much needed access to resources and it encourages players to get into more fights. The game encourages and, more importantly reduces, the tedium of grinding by rewarding exploration – an act that, for most of us, is a reward in and of itself.

GameSpot
Although it has been rereleased several times throughout the years, this full remake of one of the most celebrated stories in video game history is in many ways more poignant and impressive than it was all those years ago, despite minor irks with the voice acting. With a cast of memorable characters and villains, a more accurate and authentic translation, a new skill-customization system, and a few important new story elements that help to better explain key plot points, this is the definitive version of Final Fantasy IV that everyone should experience.

Interesting. RPG sites are generally more forgiving with roleplaying games, but not so much when you futz about with a classic.

The first big announcement of the press conference had to be exclusive downloadable content for the Xbox 360 and PC for Bethesda's Fallout 3. As a gamer with all three of the title's launch platforms in my home, that was exactly the sort of news that sealed the deal for me, and certainly a bit of a downer for the PlayStation 3 crowd, but that's not what this press conference was all about, was it?

They followed up the Fallout 3 scoop with a gaggle of sequel release dates. Resident Evil 5 in February of next year, with Fable II coming in October and Gears of War 2 slated for a November release. This was Microsoft's way of assuring 360 owners that they'd have plenty of games to look forward to over the holiday season and beyond.

Then came the first real bomb - the reinvention of Xbox Live. Support for custom avatars caught many a gamers' eye, though of course plenty of folks out there saw the new feature as an aping of Nintendo. Me? The move was definitely inspired by Nintendo, but custom avatars seem a natural addition to a console so heavily invested in community.

Along with the newly revamped Xbox Live experience came Live Party, a way for online friends to basically for a gaming group, staying together from game to game, sharing pictures, music, and even videos while never losing touch with one another.

They'll even be able to watch Netflix movies together, with MS announcing a partnership between the two companies that will allow 360 owners to download movies and watch them directly from their console, much like PC owners can do right now.

Further banking on the system's online capabilities, Microsoft also announced Xbox PrimeTime, a game show channel for the Xbox 360 where players around the world could participate in titles like Uno Rush and 1 Vs. 100, based on the hit television show.

Other revelations included news on Guitar Hero DLC from Van Halen and Metallica, a sequel to the classic Galaga coming to Xbox Live Arcade, and some pretty new controller colors.

Just when we though the show was over for Microsoft, ending with Square Enix's Yoichi Wada showing off Infinite Undiscovery, Star Ocean, and The Last Remnant, after which Sony's Don Mattrick came back on stage to sum things up. Some interesting games were shown, and the Xbox Live updates were intriguing, but that was it? Seemed a bit lackluster to me.

Then Yoichi Wada came back on stage and did this. Final Fantasy XIII, the game that launched a million PlayStation 3 systems, was no longer a PS3 exclusive. Up in the press room, Leigh and I actually whooped, scaring those nearby. Sony fanboys were outraged. Every day that I wake up and there isn't a parody of the song American Pie (Bye, bye FF X-I-I-I) in my inbox I am slightly crushed.

That last announcement carries a lot of importance for Microsoft. That a company as well respected as Square Enix deem them worthy of receiving the first multi-platform Final Fantasy title ever (XI still doesn't count) is a tremendous nod to Microsoft's success with the system as well as the perceived potential of the 360 with publishers across the industry.

All in all I'd say that Microsoft took several steps in the right direction this E3. They've taken steps towards further defining their vision of an online gaming community, revealed some extremely lucrative deals both game and movie-wise, and they've shown the sort of extra value that the Xbox 360 has to offer in a world where exclusives are becoming a very rare animal indeed.

Consumers responded to “GTA” on the PS3 just as they did on the 360. And it becomes a bit of a jump ball. But it didn’t rise the tide for them. And I think if you fast forward to when “Final Fantasy XIII” comes out I think you’re going to have millions of people who grew up playing “Final Fantasy” on the PlayStation playing it on a PlayStation 3. They spent a lot of money, I’m sure, to get “Final Fantasy” onto the 360 but at the end of the day it’s on our platform as well. Which is why we focus on, “Let’s look at what happens when you have “Metal Gear Solid” on your platform … when the NPD numbers come out … I think you’ll see the value of what a real exclusive title does and how it raised the bar for PS3 versus 360.

So...exclusives don't really matter, yet exclusives like MGS4 bring "value" and "raise the bar" for the PS3? You seem confused, Peter.

Sony: ‘Final Fantasy XIII’ Going To XBox 360 Creates ‘Jump Ball’ [MTV]

The fact the text is available only as a screen capture (full version after the jump) leads me to be skeptical someone actually feels this way. But, if you're a Microsoft partisan and want to gloat, here you go. And if you are four-square for Sony and want to rage, here is a comrade-in-arms. And if you invest your emotions and identity in pro bono advocacy for multinational corporations with billions in market capitalization and brigades of PR professionals, you need some perspective. Like this guy.

Video Games are Fun to Play. I Enjoy Them [The Internet is Terrible]

"Am I disappointed by it? Yes," he said at a recent meeting with game writers. "Am I surprised? No."

The loss of such a prestigious exclusive wasn't probably unavailable in the current state of the games industry, he added.

"It's going to be harder and harder to hold on to franchises," he said, adding that Final Fantasy XIII will remain a Playstation exclusive in Japan.

[thanks Flame Strike!]

Shinji Hashimoto of Square Enix said at the publisher's press conference today that plans for Final Fantasy Versus XIII to ship as a PlayStation 3 exclusive haven't changed. Of course, we have no inkling about what exactly Square Enix's plans for the title have been from the get go, as the core entry, FF XIII, has long been touted as coming "only to PlayStation 3."

Stay strong, console warriors. We think it'd be best to resign yourselves to the fact that third party console exclusives are but a thing of the past and that both Xbox 360 and PS3 owners will be enjoying the title by 2012.

Yes, just take a moment to soak that up. Final Fantasy XIII coming to the Xbox 360. Holy fucking shit. Simultaneous release in Europe and North America with PS3. Wow.

More info is being revealed during Ashcraft's liveblog of the Square Enix press conference.

Also represented will be two DS titles from Square Enix subsidiary Taito, EXIT DS and The Legend of Kage 2.

Notice anything missing here? Not one mention of any of the Final Fantasy titles for the PlayStation 3. This could mean there is something special in store from PS3 FF fans, or it could simply mean they aren't showing anything, which would make me very sad. Hit the jump for more info on Squeenix's E3 08 line up.

FROM CHRONO TRIGGER TO THE LAST REMNANT: SQUARE ENIX ROLLS OUT AN EXCITING E3 2008 LINE UP OF NEW EPICS AND FAN FAVOURITES

London (9th July 2008) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, and Square Enix, Inc. the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced their extensive line-up for the E3 Media & Business Summit today, confirming an impressive array of games ranging from re-mastered classics to brand-new IP’s.

In addition to the much anticipated next-gen titles INFINITE UNDISCOVERY™, THE LAST REMNANT™ and STAR OCEAN®: The Last Hope™, Square Enix introduces STAR OCEAN: First Departure™ and STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution™ for the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system, TAITO Corporation’s EXIT™ DS and The Legend of Kage™ 2 for Nintendo DS™, and SONG SUMMONER™: The Unsung Heroes, the first full-scale Role Playing Game created for the iPod®.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc. comments, “With simultaneous global releases for several platforms on their way, gamers around the world will be able to experience the full grandeur of our games as never before. Additionally, Square Enix has offerings at this year’s E3 for every gamer, from fan favourites newly available on portable platforms to casual games accessible to a wide range of users.”

On display at the Los Angeles Convention Center at Concourse 401 from July 15 – 17, the following titles will have playable kiosks: CHRONO TRIGGER®, DRAGON QUEST®: The Chapters of the Chosen™, FINAL FANTASY® IV, INFINITE UNDISCOVERY and
SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes. With five playable titles of the show floor, Square Enix offers a wealth of deep and engaging experiences for a variety of platforms.

E3 2008 Line-up
(Square Enix)

Multiplatform

THE LAST REMNANT
Platform: Microsoft Xbox 360® / PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: (Xbox 360) This Winter / (PLAYSTATION 3 system) TBA

The Last Remnant is a brand-new RPG crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer. Set in a fantasy world, war-torn and scarred by years of conflict, gameplay revolves around mysterious artefacts – Remnants – that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics only possible on Xbox 360 bring the intensity to a whole new level. The Last Remnant will only be available on Xbox 360 this winter.

iPod

SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes
Platforms: iPod nano with video, iPod classic and fifth generation iPod
Genre: Role-Playing
Now Available (EU, JP, NA)

Now at the iTunes Store in 22 countries around the world, SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes is a Role-Playing Game that transforms tracks on your iPod® into powerful "Tune Troopers" that you can control in battle! As the protagonist Ziggy, you will embark on an epic journey to rescue your brother from the clutches of the Mechanical Militia! Intriguing characters, an epic story and a tactics-based battle system combine for a rich RPG experience previously only available on home consoles.

Nintendo DS

CHRONO TRIGGER
Genre: RPG
PAL Release: TBC

Re-mastered exclusively for Nintendo DS, CHRONO TRIGGER is a true classic that has set the benchmark for the RPG genre. This all-new edition of the game contains all the classic essence of the original release while introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS, taking players back in time to re-experience the epic RPG that started it all.

DRAGON QUEST: Chapters of the Chosen
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: September 2008

For the first time, a fully-fledged DRAGON QUEST adventure arrives on Nintendo DS with DRAGON QUEST: The Chapters of the Chosen. Experience an adventure of epic proportions, presented through multiple character perspectives. While retaining the classic look and feel of the original release, this remake breathes new life into a much-loved entry in the DRAGON QUEST series with 3D graphics, dual screen presentation and newly animated monsters.

FINAL FANTASY IV
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: TBA

The latest entry in the franchise that has shipped 85 million copies worldwide*, FINAL FANTASY IV for Nintendo DS features beautiful, fully 3D cut-scenes with voiceovers, capturing the emotional drama that first touched the hearts of fans over fifteen years ago. The new ability system and added DS functionality introduce a fresh experience to both new and returning FINAL FANTASY IV fans. With a storyline that sets the stage for all subsequent FINAL FANTASY titles, FINAL FANTASY IV is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.

*As of May 2008.

PSP system

STAR OCEAN: FIRST DEPARTURE
Genre: RPG
PAL Release: TBC

Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. STAR OCEAN: FIRST DEPARTURE marks the first time that the initial instalment in the popular STAR OCEAN franchise is available in North America.

STAR OCEAN: SECOND EVOLUTION
Genre: RPG
PAL Release: TBC

Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfil a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: SECOND EVOLUTION continues the STAR OCEAN saga!

Xbox 360

INFINITE UNDISCOVERY (Xbox 360 Exclusive)
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: September 5, 2008

Infinite Undiscovery is the newest fantasy role-playing console game from Square Enix, drawing gamers into a real-time world woven of countless threads where player choices spin untold discoveries. Players will be confronted with a variety of dramatic situational battles such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amidst towering tidal waves. Dynamic environments change and respond in real time, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre. The title is scheduled to release exclusively on Xbox 360 in September 2008.

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE
Genre: RPG
Release Date: 2009

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy RPG series. Slated for release on Xbox 360 in 2009 and published by Square Enix, this prequel set during the aftermath of World War III combines sci-fi and fantasy elements spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise's famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects only possible on Xbox 360.

E3 2008 Line-up
(TAITO Corporation)

Nintendo DS

EXIT DS
Genre: Action Puzzle
PAL Release: TBC

The stylish and inventive action puzzle game comes to Nintendo DS! As professional escape artist Mr.Esc, players must manoeuvre through burning buildings and sinking ships as they dodge disaster and save survivors along the way. EXIT DS makes a smooth return to the portable scene with all-new Touch-Screen functionality and over 100 stages to solve.

The Legend of Kage 2
Genre: Action
PAL Release: TBC

The hit arcade game is back! The thrilling ninja action of The Legend of Kage 2 takes over both Nintendo DS screens, fully utilizing the dual-screen presentation and scrolling to draw players into a dynamic world filled with exhilarating midair combat. With rich, elaborate stages and a compelling story that follows the tale of two protagonists, The Legend of Kage 2 breathes renewed excitement into the classic action adventure experience.

チョコボ関連のニンテンドーDSソフト2タイトル [IT Media]

Lest you blanch at the notion of Solid Snake lumped in with Days of Our Lives or Waiting to Exhale, I would suggest to fans of Braveheart, Lost, CSI, and virtually every sports movie ever made that you are also fans of melodrama. The Call of Duty series, the Final Fantasy series, Bioshock - even significant portions of GTA IV - all rely on melodrama to deliver their experiences.

And at the center of these tales is the classic Melodrama Hero - a man (sometimes, but rarely a woman) of strength and courage who must do great deeds in an environment of heightened emotional intensity; a hero who operates within a clearly defined world of good and evil, charged with restoring order and stability from chaos. Solid Snake and Dudley Do-Right are cut from the same cloth. One may be a conflicted hero with lots more backstory (and, okay, Dudley is a cartoon caricature), but dramaturgically they function in remarkably similar ways.

I have to say I would think most people would blanch at the idea of Solid Snake lumped in with soap operas ... but he's got a point. Melodrama is a hugely effective narrative style — and the reasonably clear dichotomies we see in many narrative-driven games is one critical part in labeling them as 'melodramas,' or at least as media possessing melodramatic elements. However, I don't think the world is quite ready for the Days of Our Lives RPG. At least, I certainly hope not.

We do melodrama [The Brainy Gamer]

Mr. Nomura [the game's character designer, pictured] has been at all the voice recordings, and the script is double the length ofCrisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.

Sure sounds like Square Enix is making a AAA PSP title. Good for Square Enix. Good for PSP owners.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy Interview [Forever Fantasy via PSP Fanboy]

Amano will be on hand along with Vampire Hunter D novel author Hideyuki Kikuchi and novel translator Kevin Leahy courtesy of the convention and Dark Horse Comics. The New York Anime Festival will be held September 26th through the 28th. Hit the jump for further information in handy press release format.

YOSHITAKA AMANO AT NYAF

FAMED ARTIST TO APPEAR AS A GUEST OF HONOR AT NYAF 2008

Norwalk, CT, June 24, 2008: The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) today announced Yoshitaka Amano — an acclaimed artist whose credits include Final Fantasy, Sandman, and Vampire Hunter D — will appear at the 2008 New York Anime Festival as a Guest of Honor. The New York Anime Festival, an anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture convention from the creators of New York Comic Con, takes place September 26th through the 28th at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Yoshitaka Amano joins fellow Vampire Hunter D talents Hideyuki Kikuchi (the author behind the Vampire Hunter D novel series) and Kevin Leahy (the translator of the Vampire Hunter D novel series) at NYAF. All are Co-Sponsored by Dark Horse Comics.

"The New York Anime Festival is tremendously honored to have Yoshitaka Amano join us," NYAF Show Manager Lance Fensterman said. "Mr. Amano is known around the world for his otherworldly fantasy illustrations, and we are excited to bring the man behind such beauty to New York City to meet all of his American fans."

Yoshitaka Amano began his career at Tatsunoko Productions where he served as a character designer for animated series including Gatchaman and Casshern. After 15 years with the studio, he chose to leave the comfort of a steady job to pursue his career as an artist. As a freelance illustrator, Amano contributed covers and illustrations to novels including Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D, Kaoru Kurimoto's Guin Saga, and Yoshiki Tanaka's The Heroic Legend of Arslan, teamed with Mamoru Oshii to create the film Angel's Egg, collaborated with Neil Gaiman to make the award-winning graphic novel Sandman: The Dream Hunters, and partnered with video game studio Squaresoft to create the look and feel for the company's flagship Final Fantasy series.

Mr. Amano has worked with media including pencils, ink, paint, ceramic, stained glass, and fabric, and exhibitions of his work have taken place in cities including Tokyo, London, Paris, Berlin, and New York City.

Tickets to the 2008 New York Anime Festival are now on sale at newyorkanimefestival.com.

That is completely false information. Regarding FF, our company works very hard every day so that everyone can enjoy it as a game. There is currently no development being made [to bring FF to pachinko/pachi-slot machines].

Good, because Square Enix needs to focus on FFXIII and not other stuff.

『FFXIII』がパチンコ、パチスロに？” [Famitsu]

"Reports that development for Final Fantasy Versus XIII is on hold are false," the publisher said in a statement passed on to Eurogamer. "The truth of the situation is that when free, some staff from the Versus team have been helping with the XIII team on development of Final Fantasy XIII. Development for both titles is continuing as originally scheduled."

So either a misunderstood statement or perhaps someone a bit ticked that his staff is being nicked exaggerating a bit. I'm just a bit boggled by the very concept of game developers with free time myself. Does that happen?

FF Versus XIII reports "are false" [Eurogamer]

Given that it's been over two years since Square Enix first showed off its FFXIII offerings and we're still getting trailers devoid of gameplay, we certainly don't expect to see Final Fantasy XIII until well into 2009. We'll pencil in Versus for 2013 or so.

Let's give it up for ten-year console life cycles!

Nomura: Square Enix blow-out at TGS, Versus XIII on hold [Forever Fantasy]

FINAL FANTASY XIII（PS3）Trailer
FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII（PS3）Trailer
FINAL FANTASY Agito XIII（Mobile）Trailer
KINGDOM HEARTS Coded（Mobile）Trailer
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days（DS）Trailer/Playable Demo
KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep（PSP）Trailer/Playable Demo
DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY（PSP）Trailer/Playable Demo
The 3rd Birthday（Mobile）Trailer
Sigma Harmonics（DS）Trailer/Playable Demo
FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN COMPLETE（Movie／Blu-ray）Trailer

Best part? Knowing how Square Enix rolls, photograph of the demo trailers will be strictly prohibited, and the trailers for the big titles will mostly likely be shown in "closed theaters." So! If you want to see them, be prepared to wait in line for like an hour. Make sure you bring your memory cap so you don't forget the experience! Does Square Enix know how to party or does Square Enix know how to party.

Square Enix Party Info [Famitsu]

Hit the jump for another scan.

Final Fantasy Versus XIII Image [Jeux-France]

Two minutes, that's all I can last before getting angry and feeling like throwing up.

Final Fantasy Remix Album

FINAL FANTASY XIII（PS3）
FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII（PS3）
FINAL FANTASY Agito XIII（Mobile）
KINGDOM HEARTS Coded（Mobile）
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days（DS）
KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep（PSP）
DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY（PSP）
The 3rd Birthday（Mobile）
Sigma Harmonics（DS）
FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN COMPLETE（Movie／Blu-ray）
Whew! Look at that, FINAL FANTASY XIII is of course still listed as only a PS3 title. And look, that rumor that FINAL FANTASY Agito XIII has been canned is not true. Just what Japan needs, more Final Fantasy. But where is Dragon Quest IX? Not listed, that's where! The event seems geared towards the FFXIII series and the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

Oh, and note, no clue what will be in trailer form and what will be playable — but we seriously doubt FINAL FANTASY XIII will be in playable demo form.

New Square Enix Event [IT Media]

Of course those of you in the UK who already have a PSP they don't wish to replace with shiny silver goodness still get to benefit from the exclusive special edition, so while it might take a bit longer for you to get the games, Square Enix and SCEE definitely love you guys the best of all.

FFVII PSP Bundle Bound For Europe [Next Generation]

Moxie Girl tipped us off about this Final Fantasy Black Mage/White Mage cake. As I'm weak in the knees over buttercream, normally I'd find this very delicious, but now it just makes me think of Fahey's blood and arm hair.

I feel like a real part of the family now!

Haha, no... hmm, how am I going to explain this? Let me begin by pointing out that Nomura is designing characters both for FFXIII and FFvXIII and that it’s absolutely not a matter of us not being able to work together. But ok, there are differences between us, what we want to accomplish and how we create games. It’s not a hostile rivalry, but we don’t share the exact same goal. But wouldn’t it be boring if that was the case? My view of it is that we’re two creative minds who work together sometimes and then move on on different paths, but always meet up again.
When we started to plan for FFXIII, I told Nomura that there were certain ideals that we had to attain. There’s a standard we follow when we develop a new mainline FF. Back then, the plan was to develop the game for the PS2 and we decided that Nomura would make FFvXIII for the PS3. With that, he could do something different; that game wouldn’t have to follow the traditional FF format. And I’ve always encouraged him to experiment and try out completely new ideas. He’s allowed to take risks; it’s almost an end in itself with that project.

In fact, both recently had sushi together a few weeks back, where they talking about "how RPGs could evolve and how the command-based system is in need of renewal, all while being an important part of the genre’s popularity." Bet that was truly an interesting conversation. Too bad only some sushi chiefs and nearby customers were able to overhear it. That's a shame.

New Kitase Interview [NeoGAF]

Here you can find pictures and info of a Final Fantasy bar we hosted at Scrollbar in ITU of Copenhagen. We created some special cocktails for the event as well.

Robin and co. were able to pull their Final Fantasy and boozing knowledge together to create 15 FF themed drinks. Three most popular drinks? The Waltz on the Moon, the Summoner Yuna, and the Aerith.

Hit the jump for the recipes and pics:

Waltz on the Moon

For the Beautiful Couple

* 1 cl Bols Lychee
* 1 cl Bols Banana
* 3 cl Apple Juice
* 2 cl Orange Juice

Directions:
Shake with ice and strain into Cocktail glass.

Garnish:
One lime wedge

Notes:
Loosely inspired by the 'Melow Martini'. The Waltz on the Moon was so popular that we're adding it to our normal drink list!

Summoner Yuna

Divine Passion

* 2 cl Gin
* 1 cl Galliano
* Sprite
* 1 cl Passoã

Directions:
Pour gin and galliano in a Highballs Glass filled with ice cubes. Fill up with Sprite and top up with the Passoã.

Notes:
Loosely inspired by the 'South Pacific Breeze'. The Summoner Yuna was so popular that we're adding it to our normal drink list!

Aerith “Virgin”

Pure Innocence

* 3 cl Cranberry Juice
* 5 cl Apple Juice
* 1 cl Lime Juice
* 1½ cl Grenadine
* Ginger Ale

Directions:
Shake first 4 ingredients. Top up with ginger ale.

Garnish:
Three lime wedges put into drink

Final Fantasy Night [Scrollbar]

Also, due to internal loses on development, the company went back and reconsidered in development titles. A mobile game has been shitcanned, apparently. "Concerning the title that connects to the home console," Wada said, "development has been ceased as it is unsuitable at the current time." Wada's remark has lead to some to wonder whether that cancelled mobile game is Final Fantasy Agito XIII as it was supposed to connect to upcoming home console game Final Fantasy XIII.

Square Enix Results [Game Watch Impress via 2channel Thanks, muu and Nirolak!]

I know we're talking about Final Fantasy here, but you really have to question, is it really enough to overcome people's reservations about Xbox 360 in Japan? I don't know. But I know that it would have to be a heck of a lot of money and it would be very risky to do that.

In short, no. Kim does make a good point, saying that success in the Western market is forcing companies to be more open about developing for the Xbox 360. Nice to have that in your back pocket when you're so fucked on their home turf.

Shane Kim Interview [Kikizo] [Pic]

We face competition not only from Japanese videogame companies but from game companies worldwide. We also see some new players from outside the videogame industry coming in... Economies of scale and breadth of scope is getting important. It may be a business alliance or it may be us taking a stake in others, but we need to go beyond traditional Square Enix.

That business alliance sounds nice and all. But, how about stop calling everything Final Fantasy? Or make things other than RPGs? Or if you are going to make RPGs, why not make the games people have been asking for for the past decade?
Yoichi Talks [Reuters] [Pic]

You'd think it'd be hard for Square Enix, whose titles are known for their size and spectacle, to make such a comparatively teeny game. Was it? Says Shiraishi:

"It actually wasn't that difficult. I think we designed the game to fit in the memory space. It wasn't so much that we had a game and had to squeeze it down. If anything, I think the size restriction helped us. I don't think we would've had this game design idea if we didn't have the memory restriction to begin with."

Once we had the restriction, we had... all our artists are veterans, so if you tell them the size, they'll hit it right on. And once we started making it, in the beginning, a lot of people didn't think we could fit this game in the given size, but we were actually quite a bit under. It uses a little bit of compression, and a little bit of techniques. You can fit a lot of game in a small size."

"I'd like to make an ActRaiser sequel. That would be kind of fun."

Content Kings: Square Enix's Shiraishi And Tsuchida On WiiWare And Risk [Gamasutra]

My feelings are that if a remake were to work well then all the core members of the original team must be reassembled, all the artists and designers.

The problem is that, although all of us have an idea of what a remake should be and how to do it, organising such a thing right now is logistically very difficult. All the different members are now involved in very new, very large projects like Final Fantasy XIII and those projects are going to take a while.

Maybe, when all those games are finished then we can look at doing something like that.

Of course, that said we came up with the idea for Crisis Core in just two days. It was a case of 'this is what we want to do, so let's do it'. So, you can definitely expect the probability of something spontaneous happening at some point, but it's hard to predict.

1. Final Fantasty VII

2. Xenogears

3. Seiken Densetsu 3

4. Romancing Saga 3

5. Tactics Ogre

Holy shit! Japanese people really like FF VII. Did not know that. Hit the jump for the rest, along with other thrilling data.

6. Megami Ibunroku Perusona

7. Final Fantasy IX

8. Romancing SaGa 3

9. Saga Frontier

10. Wild Arms 2

Which platforms do they want the remakes to appear on? In order of popularity: PSP, PS3, PS2, DS, Wii and Xbox 360.

The biggest factor polled Dengeki readers would take into account was "improved graphics." That's usually how they do it!
Dengeki Remake Poll [Dengeki Online via Alafista]

FINAL FANTASY IV SET FOR NINTENDO DS

FINAL FANTASY IV
THE STORY THAT SET A NEW RPG STANDARD
RETURNS ON NINTENDO DS

London (24th April 2008) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that FINAL FANTASY® IV will be released across PAL territories in Summer 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS™ system.

FINAL FANTASY IV, one of the highest rated adventure games of all time, makes an impressive return on Nintendo DS. With improved 3D graphics, fully-voiced dramatic cut-scenes, an inspiring remixed score and additional content never before seen, there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in this masterpiece of interactive storytelling.

The game that broke the RPG moulds with its innovative Active Time Battle (ATB) system has been revamped, whilst keeping all the charm of the original release. The gameplay benefits from all the Nintendo DS capabilities and allows for a deeper and richer experience of a tale of exceptional heroes, inevitable betrayal, unforeseen redemption, endless love and colossal magic.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "FINAL FANTASY IV is a benchmark in RPG history. This improved version of FINAL FANTASY IV is a great opportunity for fans, old and new alike, to experience one of the definitive titles in the FINAL FANTASY series in an exciting and innovative new way".

About FINAL FANTASY IV

Story

Four elemental Crystals, each possessing the awesome power, lie scattered throughout the realm. However, men are quick to covet things which offer strength, and easily corrupted by the might which they possess...

Seduced by the promised power of the Crystals, the kingdom of Baron begins employing unprovoked force to seize them from peaceful nations. The dark night Cecil - Lord Captain of Baron's elite force, the Red Wings - is ordered by his king to obtain the Crystals, but soon begins to question the monarch's motives. Stricken with grief at his own actions, yet burdened by his loyalty to his country and his personal sense of honour, Cecil at last decided to turn from the path of darkness and destruction.

Enraged, he king accuses him of disloyalty, strips Cecil of his command, and sends him off to slay a mysterious beast that lurks in the nearby Valley of Mist. Cecil embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Can Cecil open his eyes and become the man of honour that he must be?

Features

- One of the most loved FINAL FANTASY games ever made, returns with a full remake for Nintendo DS.
- A classic, superbly written adventure with heroes, betrayal, redemption, love and magic are awaiting you.
- Beautiful 3D graphics with a stunning hand-painted style and fully arranged audio immerse you into the world of FINAL FANTASY IV like never before.
- Superb gameplay now with all-round additions including Touch Screen control, enhanced Dual Screen usage, arranged boss battles, a dungeon mapping system and also the facility for characters to learn abilities from their friends.
- Fully-voiced cut-scenes, with high quality 3D characters maximise use of the hardware to set a new standard in Nintendo DS storytelling.
- New additional episodes let you explore the unseen lives of the main characters.
- Event Theatre bonus mode lets you replay any scenes that have already been viewed.
- Special new mini-game lets you nurture your own summon monster and battle a friend via DS Wireless Communications!

What follows is my experience getting my very first tattoo, along with some images the squeamish might want to avoid like the plague. It seems I enjoy photographing blood. Call it residual goth.

The Plan

It started off as a joke. My best girl was coming to stay for a week, and we wanted to do something to commemorate the occasion. At first I suggested getting a Prince Albert, which you should probably not Google if you don't already know what it is. That didn't go over very well, so I suggested getting tattoos...again, as a joke, but she got excited about the idea, and by extension so did I, and before I knew it we were in a local tattoo parlor nervously pacing back and forth, straining our ears just in case we heard screaming coming from the back room.

Okay, that last bit was just me.

The Concept

We swung by Psycho Tattoo in Sandy Springs Georgia late on a Friday night, fully expecting them not to have any appointments available for the next several days. Well, I was fully expecting this, the scared-of-pain portion of my being trying to subconsciously sabotage the endeavor at every turn. As luck would have it there were two openings for the next day, so we put down a deposit and headed back to my apartment, dizzy with the possibilities...mainly because I hadn't thought this through.

Yes, I broke one of Flynn's rules. I had no idea what I wanted to get permanently drawn on my body. Not the where, not the what...I just had the when, and that would be tomorrow afternoon, so I had to get cracking.

My first choice was a Space Invader alien. Simple, small, elegant, and possibly tasteful. Recognized the world round as a video game icon. Pixels. Hmm. From those simple pixels my mind wandered to more complicated pixels. From Space Invaders to Galaga, Mario to Link, and finally (no pun intended), Final Fantasy. Flynn suggested the perfect gaming tattoo be something simple yet easily recognized by fellow gamers, so I decided to go with something that would forever brand me an RPG whore. The Black Mage. Holding up a tiny printout to my wrist, it felt good. Soon I would have my own little spellcasting buddy to talk to when things got lonely.

Bravery

When we arrived at Psycho Tattoo the next afternoon we were informed that my girlfriend would be going first. The audible sigh of relief was probably not the manliest move, but come on, it was my first time. Hers too, but someone had to do it. She opted for a half-dollar sized heart at the base of her neck, which took all of 15 minutes. She barely felt a thing. This gave me hope. Surely my experience would be similar!

We're Gonna Need A Bigger Black Mage

Psycho Tattoo is the closest thing you'll get to a tattoo parlor chain, with several locations throughout Atlanta, all with a fine stable of artists. After spending a few moments in the waiting room, I met mine. Justin seemed a nice enough fellow, calm and confident, which I suppose is exactly what you want in a guy who would shortly be plunging a needle into your skin. I showed him my concept, which he took, going to the photocopier behind the counter and returning with a much larger Black Mage than I had intended.
Pixels, while simple enough to draw, are a bit harder to tattoo. Due to the way skin moves and ink gets absorbed, pixels need to be pretty big to be recognizable as pixels. My tiny tattoo just got a whole lot bigger. Justin took the picture in the back and traced it out, returning with an outline of the pixels that revealed a much more complicated job that I expected. He would have to trace all of those lines with as steady a hand as possibly and then fill them in with color. How many lines?

That many lines. Oh boy. This was going to take more than 15 minutes.

Preparation

Justin took the line drawing and created an ink transfer, which he then applied to my inner arm, creating an outline of the design on my skin for him to follow with ink. After about five minutes worth of drying, I was ushered into the back room, where he shaved my skin, set out his equipment, and prepared to get down to business.
Two things about the inner forearm. It's one of the more sensitive spots on the body, and in order for say, a tattoo artist to have access to it for an extended period of time, you have to twist your arm into the most uncomfortable position it can possibly rest in. Just a little FYI.

Two Hours Of Pain, All At Once, All For You

As Justin first placed the ink-dipped needle to my skin, I felt a pinch. A hard pinch. Like someone with neatly filed nails was pinching the skin and then pulling in the direction the needle is traveling. As he filled in the lines - so many lines - I whimpered, I have to admit. It wasn't agonizing, and surely not torture, but not something you'd want to experience every day. Once the needle passed the skin felt like it had been precision burned, which made the fill in all that much more fun. The initial line work took around 30 to 45 minutes, during which my girlfriend ran to the Starbucks next door to get me a chai frappachino. Nothing takes your mind off tattoo pain like an intense ice cream headache - the only time I asked him to stop during the whole process.

Where's That Blood You Promised?

The blood didn't really start until Justin began filling in the colors. Then it welled up big time, and he had to wipe it away every 15 seconds or so to see what he was doing. I made good use of my camera's macro setting as he continued to draw the needle rapidly back and forth across my already burning skin. Two hours after initially sitting down I was done. I was given care instructions, paid my $125, and we were on our merry way, immediately heading over to my parent's house to show my mother what we had done to ourselves. She was most envious. God I love my mom.

But Wait, There's More

So great, now I have a tattoo! A colorful pal to sit on my arm and impress friends and strangers alike for the rest of my life, right? Well, not quite yet. You always see people on television and in movies leaving the tattoo parlor with freshly colored skin, no problem. They never tell you about the proper care and handling of a tattoo. Or the scabbing.

Warning - some of the pictures coming up are not pretty.

There are basically two things you have to do for a new tattoo - keep it clean, and keep it moist. Most good tattoo parlors will have products on hand to get you started. I had to use special tattoo wax for the first several days before moving on to a scentless skin lotion.

Keeping it clean is a high priority, as infected tattoos are just nasty. On the sheet we were given, they placed especially strong emphasis on cat hair, which led to me being absolutely terrified of my cats for a good two weeks. I had visions of cat hair tumbling through the air in slow motion, lighting on my arm while I screamed "NO!" in slow motion, my arm exploding as it made contact. For the first few nights I went to sleep with my arm straight up in the air, just in case they tried to cuddle.

While my girlfriend suffered only minor irritation, my tattoo felt like a sunburn for a few days, though that might have something to do with the whole shaving my arm bit. Then came the scabbing, and the peeling. Brace yourselves.
At least the scabs are color coordinated? See, tattooing basically makes the top layers of skin die. You have to deal with a good week or two of cloudy, dead, zombie skin over your tat before the true colors come shining through, or in this case, peeling off.

It took a full two weeks before the scabs finally healed and flaked off, which was a period of total agony for me. I am scratcher and picker. I am poker and prodder. I am peeler of scabs wherever they may be found. I might also be Beowulf. The point is that as someone who doesn't suffer skin blemishes well, I was desperate to dig into my arm with my fingernails for the better part of two weeks. Towards the end I might have helped the process a long a little bit, but for the most part I behaved.

The Final Product
Now it's been about a month since I got inked, and as you can see my Black Mage has grown a fine head of hair, yet is still easily recognizable as the fantasy RPG icon that he so is. There was a bit of pain involved, and no small amount of frustration, and I'm definitely going to have to go back in for a touch-up, but all in all I am glad to be among the tattooed-gamer masses. Would I do it again? Oh I am. Black Mage needs friends.