Kotaku: tokyo game show 08

White Knight Chronicles, A Powerpoint Presentation

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:00:00 MDT

The producer of upcoming PS3 exclusive White Knight Chronicles Kentaro Motomura gave rundown of the game complete with Powerpoint. Here's that in a duckpress: The game unfolds as a ceremony is being held in The Kingdom of Balandor to celebrate princess Cisna's Coming-of-Age. A wizard ruins the party looking for, as the Powerpoint tells it, "the incredible power of 'knight'." Leonard, the hero, protects the princess and hides in an underground cellar where he finds a set out armor that turns him into The White Knight.

Characters include The White Knight, The Black Knight and the newly announced Dragon Knight.

Battle-wise, it's possible to freely register the commands into the function palettes that allow players to create and name your own combinations. Players can also create in-game alter egos that join the game as the main character's companion. Other sides confirmed the MO quest which was leaked in Famitsu.

There was a Q&A afterwards in which a room full of journalists could ask Motomura questions. Just because questions were asked that doesn't mean they were answered.

Question: For online text chat, how will that work for different languages? Will different regions play on different servers?
Answer: "We cannot disclose how we will separate the language barrier in the online mode."

Question: Is there going to be voice chat?
Answer: "We cannot answer at this time."

Question: Will there be mini-games style play that Level 5 is famous for?
Answer: "We cannot answer at this time."

Good thing there was a press conference. Game looks nice, though.

Lets TGS: The Scariest Booth Companion

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:40:00 MDT

Not all booth companions have to show skin. Some don't have to show any at all. This booth companion doesn't have to even show her face. Spotted at the From Software booth and passing fliers for a suspense title, this female companion was outfitted in a rubber mask that showed off her ample eye lashes. There's not even a slot for the mouth! Must be stuffy. Must.

Microsoft: Japanese Sell Out Is "Totally Legit"

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:30:00 MDT

In mid-August, a seemingly unbelievable thing happened: The Xbox 360 sold out in Japan. Unbelievable because for years Japan ignored the Microsoft game console. But there we were, mid-August and an Xbox 360 sell out. This came just as Namco Bandai RPG Tales of Vesperia hit the Xbox 360. It got so bad that Microsoft actually had to issue an apology for the sell out. September saw a Microsoft Tokyo press conference that announced a console price cut that would hit when stores were restocked with consoles.

The timing for all this is just too damn good. When asked if this was a moved engineered by Microsoft, company exec Aaron Greenberg said, "Oh, it was totally legit. The demand for the console shot up suddenly. How can you plan for that?" Even now, the situation is so bad that apparently there are only roughly 18 or so consoles in the Japanese warehouse. "Everything we're making, we're selling straight through," Greenberg said. "That's why we're selling out. The only machines we're not selling have dents in them or have been accidentally damaged."

Microsoft's optimistic that this isn't a flash in the proverbial pan. "I see no reason this sales trend won't continue," said Xbox Japan boss Takashi Sensui (pictured). "We have the third party line-up." Sensui doesn't think the sell out was necessarily a plus. "It's not good when customers cannot buy your product," he said. Though, it certainly hasn't hurt Nintendo! The Kyoto-base company has profited from product scarcity.

With the Xbox 360 gaining momentum, are there any Japanese titles or franchises that Microsoft still wants on its console? Greenberg didn't specifically point out any titles in particular, but did add, "We want more." Agreeing, Sensui stated, "I'd like the see Final Fantasy XIII on the Xbox 360 in Japan." Square Enix has announced the game for Xbox 360 and the PS3 in the West, but only for the PS3 in Japan.

Yakuza 3's Sexy Rubdown Lady

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:00:00 MDT

Ante upped! SEGA's yakuza title Ryu Ga Gotoku: KENZAN! had deep turtle racing play and historically accurate bikini-wear, PS3 exclusive Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 (the fourth in the Ryu Ga Gotoku/Yakua) series features fashion model Ayana Tsubaki as an oil massage therapist. Working at in-game parlor Lionheart, her gentle hands revive and heal players. Says Tsubaki, "Appearing in game is a strange feeling." Yup! But hey, she's got good company as she'll be joining real life models from Japanese magazine Koakuma Ageha in the game's cast of characters.

Another pic of Ayana after the jump.

椿姫彩菜｢初めてで緊張｣の『龍が如く3』記者発表会が開催 [Famitsu]

Uncharted Waters Online Getting PS3 Version

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:30:00 MDT

Koei's popular PC franchise Uncharted Waters is coming to the PLAYSTATION 3. The series is set between the 15th and 17th century and lets players manage a fleet of ships as they trade, hunt for treasure, explore and do pirate shit. And now, it'll be on the PS3. So there.

Service starts next year and will be on the same server as the PC version.

Last Remnant Team So Cannot Wait For Unreal Engine 4

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:00:00 MDT

The Last Remnant is all about firsts. It's the first title that Square Enix has made using the Unreal Engine 3, and the first title that Square Enix has used actual foreigners during the game's motion capture — a move, according to art director Yusuke Naora "totally changed our way of thinking about the project".

While it's certainly a question of which came first (the game engine or the game), Square Enix decided to make a truly worldwide product on the Unreal Engine 3. That product turned into The Last Remnant, and the undertaking to get a simultaneous worldwide release has been staggering: Teams of two translators worked up to months to get it fully localized for North America and Europe.

Game director Hiroshi Takai pointed out how the team had to get around using the Unreal Engine 3, but that they "didn't have any problems with it." In fact, Takai added that the team is now very much accustomed to working with UE3. "We've seen the next Unreal Engine (Unreal Engine 4), and we cannot wait to get our hands on it," said Takai. Epic, the development behind the Unreal Engine, has said it would not be ready for this generation of consoles, but the next one. "We really enjoy playing with the Unreal Engine," Takai said.

And whether we'll be seeing more Last Remnant titles, Square Enix says it's taking one thing at a time. "We've just submitted the finalized version and haven't even thought about the next one," Nobuyuki Ueda told us. Really? I mean, really?

Vague Date for Final Fantasy XIII, Nothing For Versus XIII

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:20:00 MDT

Square Enix doesn't just have a closed theater, but a closed mega theater. There was about 40 minutes or so of trailers, including new Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailers. They, of course, looked great as one would expect from a big, glossy Square Enix trailer. However, there were not solid release dates for either title. Final Fantasy XIII was dated "Coming 2009 for PS3", while Versus XIII was simply "For PS3 Worldwide". Keep in mind that Final Fantasy XIII will not be getting an Xbox 360 release in Japan and that Versus XIII has always been a PS3 exclusive.

Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G Sells 2.5 Million In Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:40:00 MDT

In Japan, Monster Hunter Portable is huge. Capcom's announced that PSP title Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G has shifted 2.5 million copies since going on sale March 2008. The game is being localized for the U.S. as Monster Hunter Portable Unite and will get beefed up via PSN. Previously, we brought word that Sony is planning to introduce a new feature that will let you take your ad hoc-only PSP games online, simulating infrastructure mode by way of your PLAYSTATION 3. That means select titles that were previously playable only locally will be playable with folks nationwide. The first of those select titles is Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, err Monster Hunter Portable Unite.

Tecmo Announces New Third Person Shooter

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Tecmo is slated to announce third person shooter Quantum Theory. According to this Friday's issue of Japanese mag Famitsu, the game is a third person shooter and being helmed by Tecmo's Keisuke Kikuchi. The game's hero is "Sid", who is described as a "dark hero" and a "black destroyer". The heroine is "Filerna", described as "white rebel". Expect more details come TGS.

[2ch.net]

Xbox Japan Booth Babes Adore New Booth Babe Outfit

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:00:00 MDT

You are looking at last year's Xbox 360 "booth companions" for the Tokyo Game Show. This year, we'll not only get new companions, but new companion outfits. And if you thought last year's was impressive, wait, just wait, until you see this years says Xbox Japan marketing exec Jyoji Sakaguchi:

Every year, our booth companion outfits get an extremely favorable reception, and they are very popular among women. This year, we're going to finally introduce a new design for the outfits. During the booth companion fitting, things like "Wow, I want to wear this outside work!" were overheard about the cool costume.

Hey, why not let them take the outfits home. Free advertising!

【TGS2008特報！】ゲームを遊びまくり！ 140台以上の試遊台を用意するマイクロソフトブース [Trendy.net]

Microsoft Has Over 140 Demo Kiosks, Buddies With Square Enix

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:45:00 MDT

Tokyo time tomorrow, this year's TGS kicks off. Microsoft is already hyping its close proximity to the Square Enix booth as a "cooperative" effort for both companies. Xbox Japan marketing exec Jyoji Sakaguchi explains the game plan:

We're going to take advantage of our booths being side-by-side, because both the Square Enix and Microsoft booths are working in tandem. This time around, we're putting the greatest importance in getting the largest number of visitors to play our games. At the Microsoft and the Square Enix booths, we're holding a lottery. The winner gets to go to the Square Enix booth and play... You'll have to wait to that day to see what happens. (laughs)

He's not kidding about getting a large number of visitors to play Xbox 360 games. Microsoft is rolling out over 140 demo kiosks at TGS.

【TGS2008特報！】ゲームを遊びまくり！ 140台以上の試遊台を用意するマイクロソフトブース [Trendy.net Thanks, Mike!]

Tetsuya Mizuguchi Is Making New IP

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:20:00 MDT

Tetsuya Mizuguchi is best known for Rez, Space Channel 5 and Lumines. He's made lots of Lumines spin-offs like Lumines Live! and Lumines II. Key words: Lumines. We haven't seen a new game from Mizuguchi for a while, but he confirmed to Kotaku that, yes, he's working on a new IP. Says Mizuguchi:

Yes, I'm working on a new IP.

We've heard from sources that it may be an Xbox 360 title. Wonder what it is...

No Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for You, PS2!

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:00 MDT

Namco's Tales team is churning out Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. It's a Wii exclusive, and Namco Bandai producer Teruaki Konishi told us that the game wasn't designed to be multi-plat. In fact, since Namco didn't design the game's memory to fit for the PlayStation 2, a possible (and seemingly profitable) PS2 port is thus ruled out Namco Bandai stated. According to Konishi:

There are lots of casual players for the Wii, and we wanted to make an RPG title that could tap that market... To all the PS2 owners out there, we apologize.

Guess those PS2 owners will just have to go buy Wiis. Or something.

Faux Liveblogging Namco Bandai's Pre-TGS Presser

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:00:00 MDT

Ah, beautiful scenic Shinagawa in Tokyo. We've touched down in Namco Bandai's gianormous corporate headquarters and have been shuffled into a largish theater for a pre-TGS press conference — a largish theater that's actually underneath a waterfall inside NBG's building. Since this presser is embargoed until tomorrow, we’ll be liveblogging it and then posting it, well, tomorrow. Which is today. Whatever.

The lights have gone down. And a dude behind the mic asks us how we are doing. His name is Josh Keller. I do not know Josh Keller. Do you know Josh Keller?

Now, Naruo Uchida has taken the stage, and he is the International Business Dept manager. He’s telling us why Namco Bandai is holding this pre-TGS press conference. Namco Bandai has a “world-wide view”. That’s nice.

He has left the stage, and people are clapping.

Today, Josh Keller, tells us that they will be showing us new trailers and other stuff

Afro Samurai trailer showing with a hip-hoppy soundtrack. Clips of slicing and dicing. WOW. There is a smoke effect, and some Japanese dude dressed as Afro Samurai has taken the stage. Three ninjas enter the room with swords. And they fight. Each swing of the sword gets cheesy sound effects on the loud speaker. It’s like dinner theater!

Show other dude appeared and shot an arrow. Now, another dude has a gun. The lights go down, and the screen goes blood red. I wonder if these are Namco Bandai execs cosplaying and sword fighting for shits and giggles. Damn, I hope so.

This is the first sword fight I’ve ever seen at a press conference. Well, planned sword fight.

More smoke effects. More sword fighting. Endless.

And it’s over. There’s clapping. Josh Keller is back on the stage. He tells us that this end of the Afro Samurai stage show.

There’s now going to be a ceremony so the game gets good luck. Guy comes out on stage, kneels, stands back up and raises his sword, and then he takes it out of the sheath. It’s a real sword. Dude’s cutting what looks like rolled tatami.

The gentlemen who did the sword stage show are introduced. Bravo, these dudes did a good job.

There’s a slide on the screen for Afro Samurai, and Josh Keller is reading what sounds like a press release.

Next up, Takes of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for the Nintendo Wii. It’s an exclusive title, and it’s out in the U.S. next month. PAL is not yet dated.

Eternal Sonata for the PS3 now flashes on the screen. It’ll be out in the U.S. on October 21st and next Feb. for PAL territories.

PowerUp Forever is an Xbox LIVE Arcade shooter that’s coming out this November. It’s an overhead shoot ‘em up with a techno-style soundtrack. Looks nice.

Josh says that National Geographic PANDA lets us “play with and nurture your panda.” It’ll be out this November in the U.S. We’re watching the clip, and the clip is AWESOME. A girl tells us she likes her stuffed panda, but she loves her DS panda. You can dress up you panda in various outfits. Animal cruelty? No, never.

We Ski & Snowboard is announced. This Wii title is dated for March 2009 for the U.S. You can use the Wii-mote, nunchuk and the Balance Board. It’s out in Japan next month. It’s a sequel to the previous skiing Wii title Namco Bandai released in Japan.

Mr. Shimada from the dev team is now showing us a demo. Picking up speed, doing backflips... until he hits a pole. Game seems to have solid integration of Balance Board and Wii-mote.

Dragon Ball: Origins. It’s a DS title and “faithful” to the anime. Touch pen controlled and yep, looks like the anime — man, my kid is gonna love this. Out this December in the U.S.

The second title is Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World, which is the last entry in the Budokai series. It’s for the PS2.

We’re on to Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, an exclusive for the PS3. It’ll be out in November 4th in the U.S. and Nov. 7th for PAL. The Japanese release is TBA.

And the last title shown is... Splatterhouse. The PS3/Xbox 360 title will be out in 2009 for the U.S. and TBA for PAL territories. The trailer: Shows a light bulb flashing, blood splattered tools like a hack saw, drills, and hammers. A panicked woman’s voice plays over an answering machine. It’s Jennifer, Rick’s girlfriend. A mallet covered with nails at the end of the table, and a hand grabs it. The footage is not in game, but live action. Then we get a look at an updated in-game version of Splatterhouse killer Rick — complete with an new mask. “Repulsive and disgusting,” says Josh.

That’s it, and we’re done.

Confirming what we heard last year, several...

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:20:00 MDT

Confirming what we heard last year, several sources tell us that eagerly awaited (and purdy fighter) The King of Fighters XII will be coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Hope to hear more about the game come later this week when the Tokyo Game Show gets fully underway.

Here's Microsoft's TGS Booth Game List

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:00:00 MDT

Did you hear? Microsoft is coming to TGS. And it's bringing games. And here is the list of titles at the Microsoft booth:

FIFA 09: World Soccer Electronic Arts, Demo, Trailer
Mirror's Edge Electronic Arts, Demo, Trailer
Bionic Commando Capcom, Demo, Trailer
Street Fighter IV Capcom, Demo, Trailer
Resident Evil 5 Capcom, Demo, Trailer
Otomedius G (Gorgeous) Konami, Demo, Trailer
Pro Evolution 2009 Konami, Demo, Trailer

There's more. And that is after the jump.

Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope Square Enix, Demo, Trailer
The Last Remnant Square Enix, Demo, Trailer
Bayonetta Sega, Trailer
Sonic World Adventure Sega, Demo, Trailer
Gundam Musou 2 Bandai Namco, Demo, Trailer
Ninja Blade From Software, Demo, Trailer
Race Driver Grid Code Masters, Demo, Trailer
Fallout 3 Bethesda, Demo, Trailer
Fable II Microsoft, Demo, Trailer
Banjo Koozie: Nuts and Bolts Micrsoft, Demo, Trailer
Far Cry 2 Ubisoft, Demo, Trailer
H.A.W.X. Ubisoft, Demo, Trailer
End War Ubisoft, Demo, Trailer
Prince of Persia Ubisoft, Demo, Trailer
11eyes Cross Over 5pb./Genterprise, Trailer
CHAOUS;HEAD NOAH 5pb./Genterprise, Trailer
Ketsui: Kizuna Jigoku Tachi 5pb./Genterprise, Demo, Trailer
Dodonpachi Dai-Ou-Jou Black Label 5pb./Genterprise, Demo, Trailer
Saints Row 2 THQ Japan, Demo, Trailer