News / 2005 / August /
10 articles
- FFXII delay and Matsuno mystery finally explained
Although Yasumi Matsuno, revered visionary responsible for such exceptional works of art as Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story, remains listed as the man credited for "original concept/scenario/supervision" on Final Fantasy XII, he has apparently been very ill for a long time, which would explain 1up's earlier comments about him not being at work for a month. In a message on the official website, Matsuno mentions his regret for being uninvolved for so long but that the project is in good hands now: indeed, Hiroyuki Ito (director of FFIX) and Hiroshi Minagawa (Matsuno's Quest buddy) have taken over directing, and the rest of the staff hasn't really changed much. He also states that he's well again and that the project will meet its targeted release date of March 16, 2006 in Japan. Akitoshi Kawazu replaces Hironobu Sakaguchi as the series' executive producer. FF12.com
- Square Enix Party 2005 Overview
It's been one busy weekend, and a lot to keep straight, so the Haven offers you this less-than-interactive guide to Square Enix Party 2005. Full Article
- PS3 could be pushed to 2007 if conditions favor Sony
According to a report by Wedbush Morgan Securities, Sony could dely the PS3's launch into the early part of 2007. The basis for the projection rests on the production cost of the current PS2 and the soon to be released Xbox 360. If events go as predicted, Sony will drop the PS2's price to $99 around the launch of the Xbox 360. Because the PS2 costs less than $99 to produce, it would serve as a distraction to the higher priced 360 and help counteract a likely $99 Xbox, which would still sell at a loss. If the launch proves to be lackluster due to the cheapened PS2, it's successor console could easily be delayed into 2007, giving Sony plenty of time to produce units to meet demands. Ultimately, however, the release date rests on the success of the 360 and its launch. GameSpot
- Next-gen Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest may see publication on multiple platforms
Japanese newspaper Mainichi received some more exclusive information snippets in the form of Wada commenting that the next-gen FF and DQ games may be released on two or more platforms. He didn't mention which two, however, although at this point it doesn't mean anything considering Nintendo is tightlipped about any announcements. Nevertheless, Wada argues that releasing its two primary franchises across platforms would allow the company to appeal to a wider audience, which is just common sense, really. Look to Final Fantasy XI for an example of how Square Enix may approach the problem (and consider the platform independent PlayOnline model while you do).
- Square Enix announces online magazine
Showing that they have gone completely off the deep end, Square Enix introduced their online magazine, a periodical equipped with columns and developer interviews, as well as information on upcoming games, publications, movies and goods. For free, Japanese readers can subscribe and await their first August 5th edition. With this, the final cogs are in place, and the monolithic Square Enix machine begins to churn out polymorphic madness. Click for insanity
- Scorpions and Megadeth rockers on Heavy Metal Thunder
Yeah, so, okay. Per Insertcredit, who can read Japanese, the following: "[...] for the opening theme, Japanese schlock rock group Sex Machineguns will be playing with Michael Shenker, of Scorpions and MSG fame (he's inexplicably popular in Japan, and referenced in pop culture as easily as Jimmy Hendrix would be). Also featured, Marty Friedman from Megadeth and Hawaii." and "[...] the game is command-based robot fighting, called 'robo-ress' (a play on puroresu, short for 'pro wrestling')". The main character is now named, as "denki akihabara": "Akihabara is of course the big electronics district in Tokyo, also referred to as 'electric town'. Denki indicated electricity, so there's a dual pun there." I certainly approve of this news. insertcredit
- Advent Children soundtrack prepped for release
As recently announced by Square Enix, the two-disc original soundtrack for upcoming DVD/UMD movie Advent Children will find a Japanese release for sale and import on September 28. Following several days after Advent Children's September 13/14 release date, the album will be priced 3000 yen ($27.39 USD). Samples are available as background music on the movie's official websites. Listen
- All your Final Fantasy XI in one easy-to-swallow package
Square Enix will now be selling Final Fantasy XI in a combo packaged called Final Fantasy XI: The Vana'Diel Collection for the PC. This new package will include not only the original game but both expansions, Rise of Zilart and Chains of Promathia. This new release will ship at the price of $29.99 RPGFan
- Square Enix ventures Taito acquisitionSquare Enix intends to purchase a 67% stake in Taito, notable for Puzzle Bobble, Space Invaders and Bust-a-Move titles. Taito has expressed favor to the acquisition, and will become a Square Enix subsidy if and when the 67% stake is purchased. With this latest acquisition, Square Enix is well on the way to becoming Japan's leading gaming conglomerate, just as well as beloved Final Fantasy characters are surely well on their way to being whored out to Taito franchised games. 1UP
- Preposterous 79th consecutive Advent Children delay cited
The latest issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly hints at further delay for the North American release of Final Fantasy VII Advent Children. The solid September 13 release date previously cited officially by Square Enix has now been annulled for a "holiday" release according to an article in the magazine about Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. Square Enix, however, has yet to officially delay the release. 1UP
01 Aug 2005 by 
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