Sony and Square: The Match Made in Heaven

Well, let's jump right in and tackle the big RPG news. As I'm sure many of you know, Sony recently bought the publishing rights to the US release of the Squaresoft shooter, Einhander (Slated for a May 5th, 1998 release). However since that time, they've also procured the rights to publish two more titles from Square. These two titles are Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon, which is an RPG game, and Parasite's Eve, which is supposedly a cross between Capcom's hit series, Resident Evil, and their own mega hit RPG series, Final Fantasy. From what I've seen, it looks like its going to be really slick. No release dates have been announced, but rest assured, both titles are coming. Its just a matter of time. Rumors stated that Parasite's Eve was already in the process of being translated for those of us east of the Pacific Ocean, but who really knows. Sony will release it when they are good and ready, no matter what time the translation is finished (They sat on the FFVII translation for 4 months or so, so Wild ARMS would sell well.)

So where does this leave Xenogears? Since Final Fantasy VII's success here in North America, the next big budget RPG from Square has us all panting and breathing hard, however according to sources at Square, the religious overtones in the game are too harsh for American gamers. However, since that time, Square has registered the addy www.xenogears.com. Does this mean that they plan on releasing it? My heart says yes..my mind is still out to lunch on the matter..however I will officially predict that if it does make it to US Shores, Square will publish it themselves. Keep your figures crossed.

Tecmo Tips Sony's Hand, Comes Clean About Dual Shock

How many of us are waiting for Dead or Alive? *rasies my hand* I thought so! Well, you're gonna have to wait a little longer than first predicted. It seems that Tecmo was going to remove Dead or Alive's Dual Shock controller support for US audiences, however that didn't happen. Sony approved that Tecmo KEEP the Dual Shock support in the game, and has finally come clean that they want to release the controller over here in time for Tekken 3 (release date April 30th, 1998). There is a downside, however. I suppose since it will support Dual Shock, Tecmo moved the release of Dead or Alive back until the end of March. This is so that when people buy the controller they can buy a game to go with it, I'm guessing.

For those who don't know, Sony wanted to bring over their rumbling joypads long before now, however Nintendo had achieved the rights to their Rumble Pak technology, so Sony had to go back to the drawing board and develop a new style of rumbling controller. The Dual Shock is the fruits of their labor.

Namco Adds "Tobal-esque" Adventure Mode to Tekken 3

I can't help but notice that since Square released Tobal No. 1 back in late 1996, that many of the fighting games have tried to stretch out their characters into a new style of game format instead of the one on one fighting game. Soul Blade had the Edge Master's Mode, Mortal Kombat attempted to break their jinx with MK Mythologies, and in Japan, SNK even attempted to break into Square's domain, RPGs, with the Samurai Showdown RPG. Appears that Square has not only redefined RPGs as we know them, but they've also spread their greatness into fighting games as well.

Anyway, Tekken 3 will have an Adventure Mode in it, which will really resemble everyone's old quarter waster in the arcades, Final Fight. This is actually a good thing. For people like me, who don't play others all that often, fighting games have a whole new look to them with two modes of play like that.

Working Designs Confirms Lunar For US PSX In August

This is very wonderful news! Victor Ireland, the president of Working Designs has announced the US translation of the remake of the Sega CD hit, Lunar: The Silver Star, for the PSX. According to Mr. Ireland, it will include more playable characters, different plot twists and a whopping 400% more animation than its Sega CD little brother. Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete will be out for the PSX in August (translation has actually been under way for some time now...). I'm sorry to inform Sega Saturn owners that the Lunar SSS for that platform has been 86'ed in favor of the PSX port. No word on the sequel to Lunar, Lunar II: Eternal Blue, but I'll keep you all informed.

Go Back to the bar!