Uriel
This journey isn't ov--AARGH!
I know a lot of us on the boards play video games, but not a whole bunch own an Xbox 360. I am one of them. However, I cannot help me curious, or even excited, about the game developer Mistwalker. A bunch of people from Square Enix branched off into this company, including the legendary Nobuo Uematsu. Not only that, but this one of SK.net's favourite mangaka's is working on a title. Takehiko Inoue is going to be doing to character art for the promising 'Lost Odyssey' that is due to hit the Next-Gen market in 2007. This information didn't take long to compile because I stole most of it, but I'd be interested in any thoughts or feelings towards a bunch of Japanese gaming masters going over to Microsoft....
Official Mistwalker Website:
http://www.mistwalker.info/
Titles:
Blue Dragon, XBOX 360
Lost Odyssey, XBOX 360
Cry On, XBOX 360
ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat, NINTENDO DS
Release Dates:
Blue Dragon - End 2006 Japan
Lost Odyssey - End 2007 Japan
Cry On - End 2007 Japan
ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat - TBA Japan
Blue Dragon
STORY
It was a world where an ancient civilization was destroyed by explosions that came each year. Follow Shu as he obtains the power to bring the light of his spirit to life, the dragon shadow. Only this can protect everyone from the annual disaster.
CHARACTERS delivered by new2ya
Shu
Shu is a very curious 16-year-old who likes to look for ancient ruins that he isn't allowed to get into. He has a strong mind that doesn't give in to anything, and it leads his friends along.
Kluke
Picture
Kluke is a somewhat precarious 16-year-old. Her parents were lost in an attack on the town one year before. To put an end to these disasters, she makes a stand along with Shu and Jiro.
Marumaro
Picture
A member of the batlike Devi clan, Marumaro's age is unknown, but seems about 14 in human years. Customary to the Devi people, Marumaro expresses emotions with dance.
Jiro
Picture
Jiro is Shu's classmate, and at 17, is one year older. He is more level-headed compared to the reckless Shu. Although intelligent, he gets easily discouraged when his plans seem to fail.
Zora
Picture
Zora is a cool and mysterious 20-year-old mercenary. As someone who knows so much about the world, she rarely expresses her emotions, but is a trong ally to Shu and his friends.
GAMEPLAY
Keeping with Mistwalker's approach to create fresh RPG gameplay, Blue Dragon will use the traditional turn-based battle system but with a slice of action.
The shadows will fight together with your characters.
The game uses a Job System, which means depending on your characters job that the player assigns, such as swordsman, assassin and power magic, will enable characters to use their own individual abilities.
STAFF
Hironobu Sakaguchi will not make this project alone; he has a talented support staff making Blue Dragon the best it can possibly be.
Artoon: The developer of Blue Dragon, existing of talents from several SEGA development teams.
Takuya Matsumoto: He will be helping massively market this game. He is known for launching Final Fantasy VII into the RPG beast it was in sales.
Manabu Kusonki: Credited with the Panzer Dragoon series (several platforms), one of the most highly regarded Sega franchises.
Akira Toriyama: Known for his innovative humorous Manga which started with ‘Dr. Slump’ series. He is also known for Dragon Ball which was created in 1984. He has also been on projects to create lead characters for games such as Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Tobal No.1. He’ll be tackling the designs for the lead characters in Blue Dragon.
Nobuo Uematsu: This is the man behind most of the FF games music. Uematsu has created every soundtrack from I to XI and is well known as one of the best composers for video games. He also composed the theme song for FFXII and in the future for FFXIII.
SCANS
X360 Famitsu 1
X360 Famitsu 2
Weekly Jump September
Weekly Jump September 2
Artwork
http://img61.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scan1rj8.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scan2iz7.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scan3ev6.jpg
MUSIC
Music Sample
Nobuo Uematsu confirmed on August the 30th, that he finished recording the soundtrack for Blue Dragon.
http://www.smileplease.co.jp/
TRAILERS
Jump Fest 2005 (3:34 min, uploaded on YouTube)
2005 Trailer (High Quality, uploaded on GameTrailers)
COMMERCIALS
Commercial 1
Commercial 2
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
http://www.mistwalker.info/bd.html
Lost Odyssey
STORY
Damned to live a thousand years, Kaim, the protagonist, will have to live while others die. He will love and lose; know many people and watch them die.
This takes place in a world where humans have gained dark powers, on the verge of a mystical industrial revolution. Kaim's story will include tales about the families he made... the families he lost... the experiences he had... the love interest he found... all during his 1000 years of living.
Lost Odyssey focuses on human Drama and Emotions.
The story is being written by award-winning Japanese novelist: Kiyoshi Shigematsu.
CHARACTERS
Kaim
Kaim is a man who lived for 1,000 years. Even with his ferocity of the battles he encounters, his body will not perish. Though tormented with 1,000 years of memories, he goes about the land as mercenary of war.
Seth
Seth is a woman who, just like Kaim, has lived for 1,000 years. Undaunted by life, she has a strong will not to give in to the memories of the past, and faces the mysteries of her own immortality.
GAMEPLAY
Since Kaim will be immortal, he will be able to absorb the power and skills of those mortals that he defeats in which the player will be able to customize the absorbed abilities.
When asked whether the RPG will use a real-time or turn-based battle system, Hironobu Sakaguchi responded with "something else."
STAFF
Hiroshi Kawai: Producer, one of Square Enix's first 3D CG artists.
Hironobu Sakaguchi: Producer, known for his work on the early FF games.
Daiskuke Fikugawa: Co-Director, known from Final Fantasy Tactics and Legend of Mana.
Takahiro Kaminagayoshi: Co-Director, known from Sony's Legend of Dragoon.
Takehiko Inoue: Art Design, a famous Japanese comic artist, mostly known for Vagabond on these boards.
Kiyoshi Shigematsu: Memories of a 1,000 years Scenario, famous Japanese novel writer.
Nobuo Uematsu: Composer, known for his work on the majority of FF soundtracks.
MUSIC SAMPLE
Trailer Song
TRAILERS
E3 2005
Jump Fest 2005
Press-Briefing, incompleted
SCANS
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/8369/lo...scan26yv.th.jpg
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
http://www.mistwalker.info/lo.html
Last updated on 5th of September, Creators Section
CRY ON
STORY
Cry On takes place in a fantasy world where humanity co-exists with subterranean giants freed from their rocky hibernation and used as instruments of war. Throughout the quest, the player controls a girl named Sally and her giant traveling companion, Boggle. Although normally tiny, Boggle can transform into a giant beast to fight. He'll do so when Sally is in danger. The game promises to give players the perspective not just of Sally, but of Boggle as well.
The game will play out with portions from both characters' perspectives.
As for the game's title, Sakaguchi chose it for its dual connotations. He noted that tears come from overwhelming joy as well as profound sorrow, and he hopes to create a storyline that delivers such varied emotional experiences.
CHARACTERS
Sally
The protagonist of Cry On
GAMEPLAY
All we know is, that it’s going to be an Action-RPG.
SIDE INFORMATION
Visually, the game will use cell shading for its visuals, although Sakaguchi is quick to point out that it's not the kind of cell shading we're used to seeing. Back in Dec. 2005; publisher AQ Interactive showed a trailer for the title featuring what many believed to be hand-drawn animation resembling a Miyazaki movie. The animation was actually computer generated, and Sakaguchi is promising a final game that looks quite similar to it.
IMAGES
http://img79.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cryon35xy.jpg
http://img486.imageshack.us/my.php?image=c...article18tm.jpg
http://img486.imageshack.us/my.php?image=c...article21zk.jpg
http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cryonscan12yb.jpg
ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat
STORY
It's said that people who are burnt by the ancient flame, sealed away long ago, turn to ash and are then revived. However, while the body changes to ash, the person's heart and memories remain.
The story of ASH focuses on Queen Aisha, who is trying to understand the ancient flame because people who were burnt by it are now reviving. Along the way, she'll meet up with people who've traveled back in time from the future, come into contact with a mystery that's been buried beneath the earth since ancient times, and become entangled in other mysterious affairs.
SIDE INFORMATION
The game will have pre-rendered graphics, and the battles will have simulation RPG elements.
From what is known so far, the game-play will be contained on the bottom of the screen, while the top screen contains an FMV depicting the action of the battle.
SCANS
http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=a...aledheat3li.jpg
http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=a...ledheat11ho.jpg
Official Mistwalker Website:
http://www.mistwalker.info/
Titles:
Blue Dragon, XBOX 360
Lost Odyssey, XBOX 360
Cry On, XBOX 360
ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat, NINTENDO DS
Release Dates:
Blue Dragon - End 2006 Japan
Lost Odyssey - End 2007 Japan
Cry On - End 2007 Japan
ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat - TBA Japan
Blue Dragon
STORY
It was a world where an ancient civilization was destroyed by explosions that came each year. Follow Shu as he obtains the power to bring the light of his spirit to life, the dragon shadow. Only this can protect everyone from the annual disaster.
CHARACTERS delivered by new2ya
Shu
Shu is a very curious 16-year-old who likes to look for ancient ruins that he isn't allowed to get into. He has a strong mind that doesn't give in to anything, and it leads his friends along.
Kluke
Picture
Kluke is a somewhat precarious 16-year-old. Her parents were lost in an attack on the town one year before. To put an end to these disasters, she makes a stand along with Shu and Jiro.
Marumaro
Picture
A member of the batlike Devi clan, Marumaro's age is unknown, but seems about 14 in human years. Customary to the Devi people, Marumaro expresses emotions with dance.
Jiro
Picture
Jiro is Shu's classmate, and at 17, is one year older. He is more level-headed compared to the reckless Shu. Although intelligent, he gets easily discouraged when his plans seem to fail.
Zora
Picture
Zora is a cool and mysterious 20-year-old mercenary. As someone who knows so much about the world, she rarely expresses her emotions, but is a trong ally to Shu and his friends.
GAMEPLAY
Keeping with Mistwalker's approach to create fresh RPG gameplay, Blue Dragon will use the traditional turn-based battle system but with a slice of action.
The shadows will fight together with your characters.
The game uses a Job System, which means depending on your characters job that the player assigns, such as swordsman, assassin and power magic, will enable characters to use their own individual abilities.
STAFF
Hironobu Sakaguchi will not make this project alone; he has a talented support staff making Blue Dragon the best it can possibly be.
Artoon: The developer of Blue Dragon, existing of talents from several SEGA development teams.
Takuya Matsumoto: He will be helping massively market this game. He is known for launching Final Fantasy VII into the RPG beast it was in sales.
Manabu Kusonki: Credited with the Panzer Dragoon series (several platforms), one of the most highly regarded Sega franchises.
Akira Toriyama: Known for his innovative humorous Manga which started with ‘Dr. Slump’ series. He is also known for Dragon Ball which was created in 1984. He has also been on projects to create lead characters for games such as Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Tobal No.1. He’ll be tackling the designs for the lead characters in Blue Dragon.
Nobuo Uematsu: This is the man behind most of the FF games music. Uematsu has created every soundtrack from I to XI and is well known as one of the best composers for video games. He also composed the theme song for FFXII and in the future for FFXIII.
SCANS
X360 Famitsu 1
X360 Famitsu 2
Weekly Jump September
Weekly Jump September 2
Artwork
http://img61.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scan1rj8.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scan2iz7.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scan3ev6.jpg
MUSIC
Music Sample
Nobuo Uematsu confirmed on August the 30th, that he finished recording the soundtrack for Blue Dragon.
http://www.smileplease.co.jp/
TRAILERS
Jump Fest 2005 (3:34 min, uploaded on YouTube)
2005 Trailer (High Quality, uploaded on GameTrailers)
COMMERCIALS
Commercial 1
Commercial 2
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
http://www.mistwalker.info/bd.html
Lost Odyssey
STORY
Damned to live a thousand years, Kaim, the protagonist, will have to live while others die. He will love and lose; know many people and watch them die.
This takes place in a world where humans have gained dark powers, on the verge of a mystical industrial revolution. Kaim's story will include tales about the families he made... the families he lost... the experiences he had... the love interest he found... all during his 1000 years of living.
Lost Odyssey focuses on human Drama and Emotions.
The story is being written by award-winning Japanese novelist: Kiyoshi Shigematsu.
CHARACTERS
Kaim
Kaim is a man who lived for 1,000 years. Even with his ferocity of the battles he encounters, his body will not perish. Though tormented with 1,000 years of memories, he goes about the land as mercenary of war.
Seth
Seth is a woman who, just like Kaim, has lived for 1,000 years. Undaunted by life, she has a strong will not to give in to the memories of the past, and faces the mysteries of her own immortality.
GAMEPLAY
Since Kaim will be immortal, he will be able to absorb the power and skills of those mortals that he defeats in which the player will be able to customize the absorbed abilities.
When asked whether the RPG will use a real-time or turn-based battle system, Hironobu Sakaguchi responded with "something else."
STAFF
Hiroshi Kawai: Producer, one of Square Enix's first 3D CG artists.
Hironobu Sakaguchi: Producer, known for his work on the early FF games.
Daiskuke Fikugawa: Co-Director, known from Final Fantasy Tactics and Legend of Mana.
Takahiro Kaminagayoshi: Co-Director, known from Sony's Legend of Dragoon.
Takehiko Inoue: Art Design, a famous Japanese comic artist, mostly known for Vagabond on these boards.
Kiyoshi Shigematsu: Memories of a 1,000 years Scenario, famous Japanese novel writer.
Nobuo Uematsu: Composer, known for his work on the majority of FF soundtracks.
MUSIC SAMPLE
Trailer Song
TRAILERS
E3 2005
Jump Fest 2005
Press-Briefing, incompleted
SCANS
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/8369/lo...scan26yv.th.jpg
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
http://www.mistwalker.info/lo.html
Last updated on 5th of September, Creators Section
CRY ON
STORY
Cry On takes place in a fantasy world where humanity co-exists with subterranean giants freed from their rocky hibernation and used as instruments of war. Throughout the quest, the player controls a girl named Sally and her giant traveling companion, Boggle. Although normally tiny, Boggle can transform into a giant beast to fight. He'll do so when Sally is in danger. The game promises to give players the perspective not just of Sally, but of Boggle as well.
The game will play out with portions from both characters' perspectives.
As for the game's title, Sakaguchi chose it for its dual connotations. He noted that tears come from overwhelming joy as well as profound sorrow, and he hopes to create a storyline that delivers such varied emotional experiences.
CHARACTERS
Sally
The protagonist of Cry On
GAMEPLAY
All we know is, that it’s going to be an Action-RPG.
SIDE INFORMATION
Visually, the game will use cell shading for its visuals, although Sakaguchi is quick to point out that it's not the kind of cell shading we're used to seeing. Back in Dec. 2005; publisher AQ Interactive showed a trailer for the title featuring what many believed to be hand-drawn animation resembling a Miyazaki movie. The animation was actually computer generated, and Sakaguchi is promising a final game that looks quite similar to it.
IMAGES
http://img79.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cryon35xy.jpg
http://img486.imageshack.us/my.php?image=c...article18tm.jpg
http://img486.imageshack.us/my.php?image=c...article21zk.jpg
http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cryonscan12yb.jpg
ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat
STORY
It's said that people who are burnt by the ancient flame, sealed away long ago, turn to ash and are then revived. However, while the body changes to ash, the person's heart and memories remain.
The story of ASH focuses on Queen Aisha, who is trying to understand the ancient flame because people who were burnt by it are now reviving. Along the way, she'll meet up with people who've traveled back in time from the future, come into contact with a mystery that's been buried beneath the earth since ancient times, and become entangled in other mysterious affairs.
SIDE INFORMATION
The game will have pre-rendered graphics, and the battles will have simulation RPG elements.
From what is known so far, the game-play will be contained on the bottom of the screen, while the top screen contains an FMV depicting the action of the battle.
SCANS
http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=a...aledheat3li.jpg
http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=a...ledheat11ho.jpg
