Gaming NDS RPG Preview! - part 1

[CockroachMan]

Hi everyone!

Seeing that Hadrian is not here this week with his weekly preview thread, I decided to make one of those fancy preview threads of my own to see what the fuzz is all about <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" />
Anyway, there's nothing special coming out next week so I decided to make a preview thread to show the huge list of RPGs coming to the DS in the next months/years.. Really, the list is HUGE, I counted 26! So, I decided to make 2 threads.. part 2 coming next week.. hope you guys enjoy it <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

Be aware that not all the games have release dates yet.. some might never get a english version even. If you don't see a game here, wait until the next part.. than you can PM me complaining <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" />


On to the list..


<b>Pokemon Platinum</b>

<b>developer:</b> Nintendo <b>Japan release date:</b> 09/13/2008 <b>Europe release date:</b> some months after the US one
<b>publisher:</b> Nintendo <b>US release date:</b> next year probably..

A new Pokemon! Kinda.. that's basically Pokemon Diamond/Pearl with a new legendary Pokemon, a new evolution for <a href="http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Shaymin_%28Pok%C3%A9mon%29" target="_blank">shaymin</a> and a new 3D dungeon that actually looks very cool..
Not enough for me to play again a game that I spent 50 hours on.. but Pokemon fans will certainly want try it (that 3D dungeon looks REALLY cool, almost makes me want to play it! Check the trailer).
Also, You can get 2 new pokemons for your Wii ranch!

trailer: <a href="http://www.gamekyo.com/video12546_pokemon-platinum-japanese-tv-commercial.html" target="_blank">http://www.gamekyo.com/video12546_pokemon-...commercial.html</a>
<img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/71031020080519_081330_0_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/71031020080519_081330_1_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<hr />


<b>Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled</b>

<b>developer:</b> Archcract Studio <b>Japan release date:</b> TBA <b>Europe release date:</b> TBA
<b>publisher:</b> Graffiti Entertainment <b>US release date:</b> 11/30/2007

This was originaly a GBA game, but ended up being moved to the DS. It's japanese styled RPG made by a western company.. not something you see everyday. The graphics remind me of later SNES RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Tales of Phantasia, not a bad thing.
Yep, it's a game from a small and unknown company, but could certainly be a good surprise.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xFcHvakg4-M&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xFcHvakg4-M&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
<img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/70251020080504_133103_0_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/70251020080504_133106_15_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/70251020080504_133107_21_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

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<b>Blue Dragon Plus</b>

<b>developer:</b> Brownie Brown <b>Japan release date:</b> 09/04/2008 <b>Europe release date:</b> Keep praying
<b>publisher:</b> AQ Interactive <b>US release date:</b> One day, I hope

Not like the 360 game, this is a strategy RPG. Never played the 360 one, but this is supposed to be a spin-off with the same characters and folowing the same plot.
What's more to say? Looks good.. no dates for an english release yet but the 360 game got one, so, I don't see why this wouldn't.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9WNAbbFm3ME&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9WNAbbFm3ME&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
<img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61131020080725_214123_1_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61131020080725_214124_4_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<hr />

<b>Away Shuffle Dungeon</b>

<b>developer:</b> Artoon <b>Japan release date:</b> 10/16/2008 <b>Europe release date:</b> 11/30/2007 (Yey, this one got dates for everyone <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="biggrin.gif" />)
<b>publisher:</b> Virgin Interactive (Majesco in the US/EUR) <b>US release date:</b> 11/30/2007

Now, this is an interesting one.. writed by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the guy from Final Fantasy 1 to 10) and with character design by Naoto Oshima(the original Sonic designer).
It's an action RPG with random generated dungeons! The big catch here is that they change in real time and can change while you're at, killing you if you don't pay attention.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/For2zJA1y0A&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/For2zJA1y0A&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/62451020080721_085247_0_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/62451020080711_210921_3_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/62451020080711_210922_16_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

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<b>Sonic Chronicles : The Dark Brotherhood</b>

<b>developer:</b> BioWare <b>Japan release date:</b> TBA (TAKE THAT JAPAN!) <b>Europe release date:</b> 09/26/2008
<b>publisher:</b> SEGA <b>US release date:</b> 08/31/2008

A Sonic.. RPG.. on the DS.. by BIOWARE.. REALLY.. WTF? That was my first thought when I saw this.
Well, it worked for Mario why coulnd't it work for Sonic? (I know, please don't answer <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sleep.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="-_-" border="0" alt="sleep.gif" />)
Anyway, the game is looking pretty good with 2d handdrawn backgrounds and 3D sprites. The games is controled with the stylus. The battles are turn based with Elite Beat Agent style minigames for special attacks!
According to BioWare the game will have 2 parts, one filled with classical Sonic areas from previous games and a second part, more obscure, with totally new places. Of course, all your favorite Sonic characters are there: Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow (that's your favorite? really?), Cream and even Big, The Cat (who?).
This could finally be the chance to Sonic to redeem from all the crappy he's been giving us lately.. hope Bioware doesn't blow it.

gameplay video: <a href="http://www.gamekyo.com/video12368_sonic-chronicles-ds-new-gameplay-video.html" target="_blank">http://www.gamekyo.com/video12368_sonic-ch...play-video.html</a>

<img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/59481020080519_081220_2_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/59481020080519_081221_7_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/59481020080519_081220_0_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

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<b>Fire Emblem: New Shadow Dragons and the Blade of Light</b>

<b>developer:</b> Intelligent Systems <b>Japan release date:</b> 08/07/2008 <b>Europe release date:</b> TBA
<b>publisher:</b> Nintendo <b>US release date:</b> TBA

A remake of the first Fire Emblem game for the NES.
Not much to say about it (I wasted it all on the Sonic preview), erm.. you play as Marth (cool, I like him in Brawl), I never played the a Fire Emblem actualy, but, well, everyone says that it's a great strategy game. And this version will have Wi-Fi support!
So, here's my chance to finally play the damn thing.

<img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61371020080708_165800_0_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61371020080708_165800_3_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61371020080708_165801_5_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<hr />

<b>Tales of Hearts</b>

<b>developer:</b> Namco Bandai <b>Japan release date:</b> 12/31/2008 <b>Europe release date:</b> who knows!?
<b>publisher:</b> Namco Bandai <b>US release date:</b> I wouldn't bet on it

Another Tales games! And that's it.. has some very pretty videos with androgenous characters, 3D backgrounds with 2D sprites (including on battles) and doubt we'll see it in english.
Anyway, We can always have hope on Namco and romhackers!
Also, the game is being developed by Team Destiny, which is apparently good.. I don't know I only played the SNES game, but some people told me that the team is good, whatever.. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" />

<img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72561020080721_105617_7_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72561020080721_105617_3_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72561020080721_105617_0_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<hr />

<b>World Destruction</b>

<b>developer:</b> Imageepoch <b>Japan release date:</b> 09/25/2008 <b>Europe release date:</b> One day...
<b>publisher:</b> SEGA <b>US release date:</b> One day...


Written by Masato Kato (Chrono Cross, Xenogears) and with OST by Yasunori Mitsuda (again Chrono Cross and Xenogears). 2D sprites, 3D environments, turn based battles using both screens for big/flying enemies.. looks like an interesting title to check.
You control Kirie, a guy with the ability to destroy the world! And he's forced to join a committee that wants to destroy the world! Or that's what I've heard.. kinda creative..
There's also an anime based on the game going on right now (not that I care).

<img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/69781020080707_120119_0_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/69781020080707_120119_1_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/69781020080708_215256_6_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<hr />

<b>Spectrobes - Beyond the Portals</b>

<b>developer:</b> Jupiter <b>Japan release date:</b> TBA <b>Europe release date:</b> 11/30/2008
<b>publisher:</b> Disney Interactive <b>US release date:</b> 11/30/2008

Spectrobes: Beyond The Portals continues the story of Rallen and Jeena, interplanetary patrol officers who discover, excavate, awaken and train mysterious fossilised creatures known as Spectrobes and then use them to battle enemies. The story surrounds the origins of mysterious portals that lead to distant dimensions, and Spectrobes from them.*
Never played the first one, looks like a Pokemon clone to me, some people told me it was actually good.. this sequel is fully 3D, with new Pokemons Spectrobes, and WiFi features!

*I have to admit, I copied that from Wikipedia, should have thought about that before.. damn!

<img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/67451020080429_214025_2_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/67451020080429_214025_1_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/67451020080429_214025_0_big.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<hr />

<b>Wind of Nostalgia</b>

<b>developer:</b> Matrix Software <b>Japan release date:</b> 11/30/2008 <b>Europe release date:</b> ???
<b>publisher:</b> Tecmo <b>US release date:</b> I wish I knew

Ok.. Wikipedia couldn't help me on this one.. anyway, you play as Eddie: "a young London native who’s decided to adventure off to unknown lands in search of his missing father”. The game has real world locations like Africa and Rio de Janeiro (I was born there <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="biggrin.gif" />).
Not much details about it yet, the graphics are pretty.. full 3D here!

<a href="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72581020080705_225501_1_big.jpg" title="Click to view full size" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72581020080705_225501_1_big.jpg" alt="User posted image" height="100" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72581020080705_225501_0_big.jpg" title="Click to view full size" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72581020080705_225501_0_big.jpg" alt="User posted image" height="100" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72581020080704_142812_0_big.jpg" title="Click to view full size" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72581020080704_142812_0_big.jpg" alt="User posted image" height="100" border="0" /></a>

<hr />

Stay tuned for part 2 next week with more cool RPGs and will try to say something usefull about the games instead of just write random observations! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/yaynds.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":yayds:" border="0" alt="yaynds.gif" />

For those who clicked too early, I pressed the "submit" button too early by mistake before.. sorry for maybe crushing your dreams. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" />

 

[Minox]

I thought that it looked a little empty when I first looked at it

Really nice thread btw. Seems like there'll be some interesting RPGs coming out.

 

[m3rox]

Too bad Black Sigil got pushed back, been waiting for that one.

 

[silent sniper]

Yea, i've been following black sigil for a while. really makes me nostalgic.

 

[jacensday]

Team Destiny working on the new Tales game IS exciting, Tales of Destiny is still my favorite of the series.

 

[tinymonkeyt]

...wait for the dates that are set in 07, doesnt that mean it already came out?

 

[FlameTakuya]

...wait for the dates that are set in 07, doesnt that mean it already came out?

Yeah, last two games' release dates are '07, does that mean that they're out already? Or did you just make a typo? ^^;

 

[evoo1]

so many potentially great games, especially Black Sigil and the new Fire Embem.
From a pure "what the DS is able to do" point of view, I'm really interested in World Destruction, it really seems to push a few boundaries. Not so sure gameplay-wise, anime based games tend to be real shitty

props for creating such an awesome list

 

[CockroachMan]

...wait for the dates that are set in 07, doesnt that mean it already came out?

Fixed, that was 08.. got most of the dates from Gamekyo, they were wrong actually

 

[dinofan01]

Very impressive list. I'll be sure to ckeck a couple of them out especially Fire Emblem.

 

[Mei-o]

OMG, IS THAT GOTHIC LOLITA FASHION!? Definitely going to get World Destruction.


Also, I want Tales of Hearts now...seriously, release date is still too far...

 

[jesterscourt]

My take... Away Shuffle Dungeon looks interesting. I'm terrible at roguelikes, but I always like to try them anyhow. The Sonic game is going to disappoint us. Just like every title has in the past 10 years. Spectrobes is interesting, because it will refine the problems inherrant in the first one. Plus, now you can play as the girl. Oh yeah,and FYI, it's more alike to DQM:Joker than Pokemon, from my experience.

The biggest question is... is Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days appearing in Pt. 2? It better be, it's been announced for 2008 release in Japan.

 

[ConraDargo]

But but, where's From the Abyss? >

 

[ojsinnerz.]

Nice. I just hope many of them will get translated.

Great list!

 

[natkoden]

Geez... the DS is so awesome

 

[pilotwangs]

Away looks pretty good,as does World Destruction.

Im not much of a fan of RPG's,but there are some pretty nice looking ones coming out.

 

[Satangel]

Wow, great post, looking forward to part 2!

 

[IOwnAndPwnU]

I don't understand Japanese ... I want to play Pokemon Platinum. Help?

 

[kevenka]

Sigil and fire emblem are top on my list ^^

 

[Satangel]

I think the release dates of the US and the EU of Away are wrong.
It should be 2008 instead of 2007