Eternal Sonata - it's out now 10/21/2008

[Zoglog]

http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2007/04/23/eternal-sonata-also-coming-to-the-ps3/

For those of you who don't have a 360. This wouldn't be incredibly shocking news considering the 360's struggle in japan.

However, the Blu-ray disc may make way for enough room for them to include a japanese language track w/ subs for those who prefer it.
______________________________________

Japanese Voice Track is in there. Horrah.
go get it ;)

[H.Cornerstone]

We lose DMC, AC, GTA IV, ZOMG SONY IS DOOMED!!!!!

Xbox loses titles, and it isn't shocking considering the 360's failure in Japan...

[argyle]

Excellent, I'll now be waiting for the PS3 release. :)

[The Mana Knight]

My two most wanted 360 games are Ace Combat 6 and Eternal Sonota. If they come to PS3, forget the 360 version.

I'm still keeping my 360 since I want Blue Dragon. :)

[dallow]

My two most wanted 360 games are Ace Combat 6 and Eternal Sonota. If they come to PS3, forget the 360 version.

I'm still keeping my 360 since I want Blue Dragon. :)

Ace Combat 6 should come out a few months after the 360 version.

[Chacrana]

If it's true, then it's the PS3 version for me.

[Zoglog]

We lose DMC, AC, GTA IV, ZOMG SONY IS DOOMED!!!!!

Xbox loses titles, and it isn't shocking considering the 360's failure in Japan...

wow, way to take things out of context...........

[CounterSeal]

So far, the only games I am interested in tha are 360-only are: Blue Dragon, Gears of War, that other RPG Mistwalker is doing, and Eternal Sonata. Now that Sonata might be going to PS3 as well, then that makes me all the more happier as a PS3 owner.

[H.Cornerstone]

wow, way to take things out of context...........

My point is, when PS3 loses exclusives, it';s the biggest news in the industry and everyone predicts doom for it. But when the 360 loses an exclusive, no one seems to care.

[panasonic]

Yeah my friend showed me the ESRB rating page too i can't wait to pick it up on my blu ray beast.

[panasonic]

So far, the only games I am interested in tha are 360-only are: Blue Dragon, Gears of War, that other RPG Mistwalker is doing, and Eternal Sonata. Now that Sonata might be going to PS3 as well, then that makes me all the more happier as a PS3 owner.

I am very sure i read Mistwalker was working on a ps3 game too so maybe they can make your wildest dreams come true:lol:

[dpatel]

I really hope we get Japanese subs. I've been waiting for that ever since Blu-ray was announced for the PS3. I don't really care for it on this game, but MGS HAS TO HAVE IT

[Dr Mario Kart]

Has the omission of the Japanese language track historically really been a matter of space?

During one of the Square-Enix press conferences, a fellow from etoychest.org asked about including them, since they hadnt ever. The guy, who was a pretty high up guy, said that he hadnt ever thought of it. He didnt realize anyone wanted that.

Atlus and NIS are two of the bigger pushers for dual language options, but my experience with RPGs in general and the PS2 HDLoader tells me that space isnt the issue, unless these things take up a lot more room than I think.

[Zoglog]

My point is, when PS3 loses exclusives, it';s the biggest news in the industry and everyone predicts doom for it. But when the 360 loses an exclusive, no one seems to care.

Well you have to remember there are some key differences.

Eternal Sonata is not an established game franchise with an established base. Reception of the game has been so far "looks ok, hope it's good" pretty much. All the titles you listed before are re-occurring fan favorite properties.

And more importantly Eternal Sonata was never named specifically as exclusive, only that it was being developed on the xbox360.

If anything it's just to show Sony used to have a larger grasp on the hot 3rd party exclusives in the past.

[argyle]

Now I'm hoping they announce Culdcept Saga for the PS3. I have a friend I'd love to play with that has no interest in going multi-console this gen. Since Culdcept is mainly a Japanese thing anyway, I figure it's a pretty safe bet that it will go to the PS3 at some point...but I'd like some confirmation. ;)

[imascrub]

they should just slap in all the languages they can fit onto the disc. It's not like japan is the only place that has people that speak and understand japanese, or spanish, or chinese, or french, or whatever..you get the idea.

Am interested in having a go at Genji for the ps3 and was looking around to see which version is the most inclusive, and it looks like the EU version is the winner. Apparently it has Japanese and English languages, along with english subtitles, and the blood. Chinese/asia version of the game also has JP/EN language but with chinese and english subs, so obviously it's not a matter of space, but rather an underestimation of people's interests.

[dpatel]

Has the omission of the Japanese language track historically really been a matter of space?

During one of the Square-Enix press conferences, a fellow from etoychest.org asked about including them, since they hadnt ever. The guy, who was a pretty high up guy, said that he hadnt ever thought of it. He didnt realize anyone wanted that.

Atlus and NIS are two of the bigger pushers for dual language options, but my experience with RPGs in general and the PS2 HDLoader tells me that space isnt the issue, unless these things take up a lot more room than I think.

I think its both. I know audio does take up a lot of space. I'm sure many games could've achieved both languages on one disc, but the demand wasn't there. I don't know why they don't offer it. It's not really anything additional, as far as I know, seeing as how the resources are right there, all they have to do is combine them.

Now I'm hoping they announce Culdcept Saga for the PS3. I have a friend I'd love to play with that has no interest in going multi-console this gen. Since Culdcept is mainly a Japanese thing anyway, I figure it's a pretty safe bet that it will go to the PS3 at some point...but I'd like some confirmation. ;)

Definitely! I was extremely disappointed to see the sequel going to the 360. I'm actually surprised it got a sequel (seeing how unpopular the PS2 one was). I do expect it to hit the PS3 at some point.

[62t]

Has the omission of the Japanese language track historically really been a matter of space?

During one of the Square-Enix press conferences, a fellow from etoychest.org asked about including them, since they hadnt ever. The guy, who was a pretty high up guy, said that he hadnt ever thought of it. He didnt realize anyone wanted that.

Atlus and NIS are two of the bigger pushers for dual language options, but my experience with RPGs in general and the PS2 HDLoader tells me that space isnt the issue, unless these things take up a lot more room than I think.

Well even Atlus couldnt include dual language in Stella Deus or Digital Devil Saga since there isnt enough space. It just happen that the games NIS published are small in size. In fact the NIS games are originally on CD, and had to be on DVD for the US release with the extra vocie track. Enchanted Arms X360 only had English, but the PS3 version has english and Japanese. In the original .hack they were able to fit the japanese voice track by removing the Parody Mode, and in .hack GU they just dont have space and is English only.

For Square Enix or SCEA, putting Japanese voice track isnt a priority, but for Atlus or Namco Bandi, space is a concern.

[Zoglog]

they should just slap in all the languages they can fit onto the disc. It's not like japan is the only place that has people that speak and understand japanese, or spanish, or chinese, or french, or whatever..you get the idea.

Am interested in having a go at Genji for the ps3 and was looking around to see which version is the most inclusive, and it looks like the EU version is the winner. Apparently it has Japanese and English languages, along with english subtitles, and the blood. Chinese/asia version of the game also has JP/EN language but with chinese and english subs, so obviously it's not a matter of space, but rather an underestimation of people's interests.

the USA Genji 2 also included Japanese language track. In some cases it is a matter of space.

Here's Trusty Bell Battle music just for fun
http://www.xboxyde.com/news_4226_en.html

[CAG 79]

Is this still coming out? I haven't gotten the 360 version yet because I have been waiting on the PS3 version w/ the extras. Seems like there hasn't been any news on this game's release since early this year. Anyone have any new info? Should I just get the 360 version and hope that the characters will be on the XBLM as DLC?

[Snake2715]

Very interested in this game and I will probably not buy a 360 this generation (at least not again as I have had two).

So this would be good news, so i dont entirely miss this game. I dont have time for three current gen consoles.

[The Mana Knight]

Is this still coming out? I haven't gotten the 360 version yet because I have been waiting on the PS3 version w/ the extras. Seems like there hasn't been any news on this game's release since early this year. Anyone have any new info? Should I just get the 360 version and hope that the characters will be on the XBLM as DLC?Namco Bandai hasn't said a word in a while along with not even listing it on their site as coming out soon. One assumed they might have canceled it since it sold pretty poor overall, probably won't say much higher on PS3 even in Japan, and Namco Bandai probably doesn't want to split their fanbase (since they seem to greatly be preferring 360 putting just about everything on it).

I just went ahead and got it used at GS w/ a 25% coupon. Definitely an awesome game and glad I just got. If the PS3 version comes out, I may eventually get it too and play again for the extras.

[CAG 79]

Yeah I might just go ahead and do what you did. I haven't played a good RPG since Dragon Quest 8.

[The Mana Knight]

Yeah I might just go ahead and do what you did. I haven't played a good RPG since Dragon Quest 8.Just buy it cheap (It's getting cheap now), and if the PS3 version adds enough (it does make additions), then go ahead and get it sometime if you feel like playing it again. By the time the PS3 one does come probably, I'll probably be busy with Valkyria Chronicles and Disgaea 3 already on PS3 (along with two 360 RPGs).

[darken]

i just bought the game on 360. Guess I'll wait to open it to see what bonuses PS3 will offer

[thelonepig]

Is this still coming out? I haven't gotten the 360 version yet because I have been waiting on the PS3 version w/ the extras. Seems like there hasn't been any news on this game's release since early this year. Anyone have any new info? Should I just get the 360 version and hope that the characters will be on the XBLM as DLC?

I've seen nothing new for about a year, unfortunately.

Also, to chime in on a year-old topic, another reason that dual language is left off of games is the additional licensing fees. This was cited as one of the two reasons Persona 3 did not include the original Japanese track (the other being space).

[zerolens]

Namco Bandai hasn't said a word in a while along with not even listing it on their site as coming out soon. One assumed they might have canceled it since it sold pretty poor overall, probably won't say much higher on PS3 even in Japan, and Namco Bandai probably doesn't want to split their fanbase (since they seem to greatly be preferring 360 putting just about everything on it).

I just went ahead and got it used at GS w/ a 25% coupon. Definitely an awesome game and glad I just got. If the PS3 version comes out, I may eventually get it too and play again for the extras.

Well they announced it in April and revealed more info in September. One can also assume they were pretty deep into porting it. Kind of foolish to bail out that far in IMO. And what did they expect by releasing it on top of Halo 3, Bioshock, Blue Dragon, etc. Not only that they revealed the PS3 version exclusive features one week before the US 360 release of the game. People who keep up with news like that might have held off on a purchase if they owned both consoles or planned to. Might as well put your money into all the other games releasing at that point. It's just one stupid mistake after another for Namco IMO.

[alexi_666]

OMFG!!!! i can't wait! i'm getting this shit day f'ing one!

[Nephlabobo]

I'm hoping we'll get a late fall/Nov/Dec release for this.
I found this bit of info on Wikipedia.

On September 14, 2007 Bandai Namco officially announced Eternal Sonata was coming to the PS3, during Spring 2008 in Japan.

[Warner1281]

Now I'm hoping they announce Culdcept Saga for the PS3. I have a friend I'd love to play with that has no interest in going multi-console this gen. Since Culdcept is mainly a Japanese thing anyway, I figure it's a pretty safe bet that it will go to the PS3 at some point...but I'd like some confirmation. ;)

^THIS!!!!

I was soooooooo disappointed to see it going to the 360. The original was so much fun and one of the few strategy based games that I got my wife into. We had a blast playing it together back in the day and I would LOVE to have Saga now.

[Vanigan]

Yes, it's still coming out until we hear otherwise, and there's even rumors that Tales of Vermillion will go PS3 as well.


The thing to remember is that RPGs are big games, and porting them means a lot of time and changes. Even if they port the engine successfully, they then need to do Q&A on the whole game over. All the while, the team doing the port is likely smaller than the original team and might even be working on other games.

[The Mana Knight]

Yes, it's still coming out until we hear otherwise, and there's even rumors that Tales of Vermillion will go PS3 as well.


The thing to remember is that RPGs are big games, and porting them means a lot of time and changes. Even if they port the engine successfully, they then need to do Q&A on the whole game over. All the while, the team doing the port is likely smaller than the original team and might even be working on other games.It's Tales of Vespiria.

We'll see, but the port is definitely taking time (but then again, took over a year to port ToS to PS2).

[The Mana Knight]

Here's an update:
Namco Bandai US has told videogaming247 that as far as it’s aware, the PS3 version of tri-Crescendo’s JRPG Eternal Sonata won’t make it out of Japan.

“I can’t speak for any other territories, but I believe Eternal Sonata is only announced for the PS3 in Japan right now,” said the spokesperson.

“We have no plans to release the game on the PS3 in the US at this moment.”

We reported earlier that there was “no news” as far as this title is concerned. Well, now there is some. http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/06/02/namco-bandai-eternal-sonata-ps3-japan-only/

That's Namco Bandai USA for you. They left Tales of Destiny 2 (PS2 and PSP), Tales of Rebirth (PS2 and PSP), Tales of Phantasia (PS1 and PSP versions, but GBA version came thanks to Nintendo), Tales of Symphonia (PS2 version), Tales of Destiny PS2 remakes, Tales of the Tempest (DS), Tales of Innocence (DS), etc. as Japan only. They tend to bring over the worst (or not so very well liked Tales stateside) such as Tales of the World: RM (PSP) and Tales of Legendia (PS2) stateside. Oh course Namco X Capcom (probably because of licensing) and Xenosaga Episode I & II didn't come stateside on DS.

Overall, they make the stupidest business decisions (they were the portion of Namco Bandai to lose money), take way too long to bring some games stateside (why did it take them over 6 months to bring Tekken 4 stateside and a wile to bring an English Soul Calibur II stateside?, and so on.

But oh well, I already have the game so not a big problem (I really like it too, and definitely one of my favorites on 360).

[pete5883]

I wouldn't flip out just yet. The game hasn't been released, and doesn't even have a Japanese release date yet. At some point in time, Namco said they had no plans to release Xenosaga in America, but we all know what happened there.

And to be fair, Tales of the Tempest was allegedly a terrible game.

[The Mana Knight]

I wouldn't flip out just yet. The game hasn't been released, and doesn't even have a Japanese release date yet. At some point in time, Namco said they had no plans to release Xenosaga in America, but we all know what happened there.

And to be fair, Tales of the Tempest was allegedly a terrible game.Oh course, but ToI was fantastic and we aren't getting that game.

But they way they sounded, they aren't completely sure, so who knows.

[CAG 79]

Eh, I'm just going to pick it up for the 360 sometime this summer. I think I'm done waiting.

[zerolens]

They aren't ready to announce a US/European version yet (if they plan to do one). It's basically pointless for these sites to go looking for an answer from these companies. Bioshock, Oblivion, etc. were denied for the PS3 to the very end until those companies were good and ready to announce it.

Eternal Sonata was price dropped to $40. A sure sign they still have games to get rid of. There's no advantage in announcing a PS3 US version while they still have unsold stock.

http://www.siliconera.com/2007/08/16/eternal-sonata-designed-for-gamers-to-hear-chopin/

Also Namco Bandai is “not aware” of a Playstation 3 version at the moment, which confirms the Xbox 360 exclusivity mentioned at the E3 Microsoft press conference.

That was one month before they announced the PS3 version (my previous post was wrong about it being announced in April, that was just the ESRB rating not an official announcement). Just one month but they claim "not aware"? Companies will deny it until they're ready to announce it on their own terms, not because a website went to them asking questions.

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=80551

However, the obvious conclusion is apparently the wrong one to jump to. "We are not porting Overlord to PS3," a spokesperson told Eurogamer this morning.

There are lots of examples of this type of thing.

[Vanigan]

Yep. They can't say anything officially until the deal expired. Not even a peep or they stand to lose a lot of money.

[H.Cornerstone]

Lucky for us that the game is region free. :)

But It would be stupid to not bring the game over. The only difference would be the voice track which I can't imagine would be that hard to port over from the 360.

[CAG 79]

New Info:

http://www.siliconera.com/2008/06/20/ps3-trusty-bell-rings-in-september/

Last year Namco Bandai revealed Trusty Bell: Chopin no Yume (aka Eternal Sonata) would get a PlayStation 3 port with extra content. We don’t know if it’s coming to North America. We’re not even sure when Japan will play with Prince Crescendo in combat. It might be soon, though. Play-Asia just posted a September 18 release date for the Asian version. A few weeks ago Play-Asia leaked Afrika's release date so this could be real. On the other hand, Trusty Bell: Chopin no Yume won’t come out until September 18, 2009 in Japan.

[V4oLDbOY]

I hope it'll have a moveable camera, that just killed it for me in the 360 version. The environments look so great, but I cant see them fully. I was fairly excited for this when it was announced, but after playing the demo, I didn't want to play it.

[The Mana Knight]

I hope it'll have a moveable camera, that just killed it for me in the 360 version. The environments look so great, but I cant see them fully. I was fairly excited for this when it was announced, but after playing the demo, I didn't want to play it.Mostly likely, it will not change. Personally, I prefer a fixed camera since that gives me one less thing to bother with when playing an RPG.

We'll see if this comes stateside. If it does, I may buy the PS3 version also if I beat the 360 version (I'm 10 hours into it, but once I got MGS4, I haven't really played).

[thelonepig]

I'm still eagerly waiting. This is one of maybe three games that has me tempted to get a 360. Of course, by the time it does come Stateside (IF it comes Stateside), it'll be in the middle of a bunch of RPG titles.

[Agrippan]

Hope this game does get a PS3 release. I've started it on 360 and it's a thoroughly enjoyable game. Solid artwork, original story (at least the way they deliver it) and fun battle system. It would be great to see it get some more exposure.

[Dezuria]

I beat it on the 360, and overall I enjoyed it thanks to it being so beautiful to look at, and the cool combat. The storyline never really went anywhere though. I wouldn't re-buy this for my PS3.

[stevelee2k]

Where are the ps3 rpgs? :( besides this, and ff13 which isn't even close to coming out.

[62t]

Where are the ps3 rpgs? :( besides this, and ff13 which isn't even close to coming out.

Valkyria Chronicles
Disgaea 3

[Kapwanil]

I guess localization would depend upon how much content will eventually be added. If they have to do things like change around scripted events and cut scenes in order to facilitate Crescendo's party usage, that may require getting the dubbing studio back on the phone. If it's just battle phrases the expense may not be too great but if they have to start replacing scenes and more the costs can add up really quickly.

It's sort of a quandary, really. The story could really use fleshing out in the middle and towards the end since it gets all choppy and disjointed, but doing so may decrease its potential for release outside of Japan if localization efforts are concerned. Tricky stuff.

Fantastic game, though. I heartily recommend playing it however you can. The camera also ends up not being that much of an issue since the enemies tend to only take one of three different formations in each battle. Just pay attention to the intro and you can see if anything will be blocking your movement at the start (usually at center position or some combination of north and south) and you're good to go.

I'm a 360 guy myself this generation (the PS3 is fascinating but I can't justify the size, price, or games yet) but I sincerely hope the game hits the PS3. It's a solid title that should have sold a tad better than it did, although 250K units worldwide may not be too terrible?

[Vanigan]

I think perhaps selling on the PS3 will get a bit more success. This isn't a knock against the 360, but frankly the playstation brand was pretty much the defacto JRPG console during the last generation. A lot of people who buy 360s aren't looking for JRPG games, meanwhile it's likely a lot more PS3 owners would play and buy JRPGs.

It may very well be their poorer showings are because of a lower interest in JRPGs amongst 360 owners.

This will change this generation as MS actively pursues JRPGs and the Japanese market in general, but for now a lot of these JRPGs you see on the 360 are really just the result of MS of Asia handing out wads of money for timed or full exclusive JRPGs in an attempt to get more market share in those territories.

[thelonepig]

The story could really use fleshing out in the middle and towards the end since it gets all choppy and disjointed, but doing so may decrease its potential for release outside of Japan if localization efforts are concerned. Tricky stuff.

The story gets all choppy. Chopin. Get it? ;)

[The Mana Knight]

Here's a scan:
http://www.jeux-france.com/Webmasters/Images/61001420080626_162717_0_big.jpg

The PS3 version of Trusty Bell (also known as Eternal Sonata in the States) is hitting Japan on September 18th, more than a year after its original release on Xbox 360. Sales of the 360 original were respectable, but it's clear that the PS3 version will attract a largest audience, especially in the RPG-hungry Japanese territory.

To make up for the long delay, new content will be exclusive to the PS3 release. New event scenes, which flesh out the story, will be thrown on the Blu-ray disc. A new quest will be added, and unlike the original release of the game, there will be multiple endings. This new "director's cut" should alleviate some of the biggest complaints about the original. Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski had this to say about the ending of the original Eternal Sonata: "It was like the team gave up, knew they still had to pack in a 40 hour experience and just rushed through the rest. And unless you're a pretentious philosophy major, the ending makes no kinds of sense."

While the PS3 version of Eternal Sonata is confirmed for release this year, the fate of a potential US release has been undetermined.
http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/06/26/eternal-sonata-hits-japan-in-september-features-tons-of-new-con/

[zerolens]

Where are the ps3 rpgs? :( besides this, and ff13 which isn't even close to coming out.

If you count western RPG's then the PS3 has quite a bit to look forward to. If you mean JRPG's then yeah that's kind of true. Japan hasn't really held up on their end as far as RPG's go IMO on any platform. There's probably some stuff going on behind the scenes so stuff will most likely show up, whether it's for PS3 or not is another story though. Eternal Sonata is the only 3rd party RPG out on the 360 that I really want ported to PS3 (to USA obviously). Everything else I'm only mildly interested in or not interested at all.

This year
-----------

Disgaea 3
Fallout 3
Valkyria Chronicles
Sacred 2
Rise of the Argonauts

Next year and beyond
--------------------------

White Knight
Last Remnant
FF13
FF13 Versus
Gothic 4
Alpha Protocol
multiple MMORPG's from SquareEnix, Sony, NCSoft, etc.
RPG from "Big Huge Games"

Rumored games and possibilities
---------------------------------------

Eternal Sonata (US release)
possible Japanese-only games brought over from Atlus and NIS such as Agarest Senki, Steambot Chronicles 2, etc.
Dungeon Lords 2
possible 360 ports such as Star Ocean 4, Tales of Vesparia, etc. (most everything is being ported nowadays, these are just as likely as anything else, requires a great deal of patience though)
Angel Rings (supposed RPG Sony is working on)

Possibly many more we don't even know about. I'm personally fine with the current situation and have plenty to keep me busy and to look forward to, others may not.

[The Mana Knight]

http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2008/071508b.html
Along with that, Namco Bandai has announced that RPGamer's RPG of 2007, Eternal Sonata, will be released on the PlayStation 3 this fall here as well. The game has expanded since its Xbox 360 release and now includes new playable characters Serenade and Crescendo, bonus dungeons, several new outfits, extra cutscenes and additional endings.

Awesome news, for those who want it.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/889/889625p1.html

[Dead of Knight]

Excellent... I'm definitely getting this.

[dallow]

Glad they stopped being stupid.
Will buy.

[Paco]

This game still won't beat Enchanted Arms.

[CAG 79]

http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2008/071508b.html


Awesome news, for those who want it.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/889/889625p1.html

Of course this had to come out the day after I bought it for the 360. I think I'm going to go return it now.

[Doc Bacca]

Good that they finally decided to stop being ridiculous. Definitely picking this one up.

[lanzarlaluna]

Nice. I've been waiting for those fuckers to announce it for NA. =]

[The Mana Knight]

I'm not sure yet I will buy it again. Depends on the price I can get it for.

[pete5883]

They were never being ridiculous or stupid in the first place. They either hadn't decided yet, or weren't ready to announce it.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.gamefly.com/products/detail.asp?pid=133500&-?-
http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Sonata-Playstation-3/dp/B001CRQY1E/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1219971317&sr=8-3

Looks like this will be coming out October 21.

[Gourd]

Awesomesauce. PS3 is my single player console of choice for things like this.

[The Mana Knight]

Yup, I saw the news. I might get, but not sure.

[Dead of Knight]

Same day as Star Ocean PSP. Weak.

[pete5883]

So in 1 day, Eternal Sonata ps3, Fallout 3, Bioshock ps3, and Star Ocean PSP are all released? Wise.

[The Mana Knight]

So in 1 day, Eternal Sonata ps3, Fallout 3, Bioshock ps3, and Star Ocean PSP are all released? Wise.It's Namco, since they send ALL their games out to die. That's the same day as LittleBigPlanet also (RB2 is out that week also). I want to get it, but I'll admit the release timing it terrible. One week later in October would have been better IMO.

[Blackout]

Sweet I can't wait for this game. I'm going to try to pick it up the first week.

[Fuzi0n]

Damn October might be an expensive month. Since I already played ES I'll probably wait for a price drop.

[pete5883]

It's Namco, since they send ALL their games out to die.
Are you saying Namco hates money?

[The Mana Knight]

Are you saying Namco hates money?I think they do, because many of their games would have been best if they were multi-platform (TC4, AC6, ToV, etc.), and they've targeted way too many games for the wrong platform (Beautiful Katamari and Mr. Driller Online especially). That's why I sometimes think they don't want money (they released Tales of the Abyss and Legendia at very bad times, and even skipped out on ToI on DS for stateside release).

Anyway, I'm still interested in this, but kind of hate spending $60.

[Sarang01]

I'm interested in this definitely but will NOT buy the American version if it doesn't include the Japanese audio. The voice of "Shinobu" from Love Hina is in it. If I have to I'll just import the Japanese version of it.

[62t]

the xbox 360 version allows you to chose japanese or english audio. I assume it will be same on ps3

[pete5883]

I think they do, because many of their games would have been best if they were multi-platform (TC4, AC6, ToV, etc.), and they've targeted way too many games for the wrong platform (Beautiful Katamari and Mr. Driller Online especially). That's why I sometimes think they don't want money (they released Tales of the Abyss and Legendia at very bad times, and even skipped out on ToI on DS for stateside release).
I think you'd have a hell of a time proving that any of these games would be better if they were developed for the "right" platform.

[Ice2Dragon]

It's Namco, since they send ALL their games out to die. That's the same day as LittleBigPlanet also (RB2 is out that week also). I want to get it, but I'll admit the release timing it terrible. One week later in October would have been better IMO.

Yeah I hate to inform you, but rockband NEVER sold incredibly for any system..

Little Big Planet will sell the most that week.. by far

[pete5883]

Yeah I hate to inform you, but rockband NEVER sold incredibly for any system..

Little Big Planet will sell the most that week.. by far
:rofl:, no, I don't think it will. Fallout 3 will probably beat it.

[Doc Bacca]

Great to hear that it's coming to the states. Terrible date though and will probably have to push back buying it in favor of Fallout.

[depascal22]

Fallout 3 will sell the most that week and LBP will sell more in the long run. Not a very smart move to release Eternal Sonata, Bioshock, and anything else that week. It's like they know ES will end up in the bargain bin for the holidays.

[MrBrando]

fallout 3 doesn't even come out the week of the 21st, it comes out the next week on the 28th.

[depascal22]

Then it'll be LBP the 21st and Fallout the 28th. I still don't see ES selling a ton of copies.

[The Mana Knight]

Then it'll be LBP the 21st and Fallout the 28th. I still don't see ES selling a ton of copies.I dunno, go to a few certain PS3 centric forums. Tons and tons of people really, really want it to get their RPG fix (that isn't SRPG). I have no doubt it will sell decently (If PS3 had more RPGs, it would get lost in the shuffle). Many badly want to buy it to convince Namco to bring ToV to PS3.

[depascal22]

The problem with any console-centric forum is that it doesn't really represent the public in general. I'd think that CAG is a little more representative of the public at large. I'm not trying to bash those forums but I check them out from time to time and they seem to skew to the "fanboy". Yes, most of those people will buy the game but that won't make any of us forget about LBP or Fallout 3.

Also, buying one game to encourage a company to port other games is borderline retarded. For example, fighting game heads rushed out to buy the crappy Art of Fighting Anthology in the hopes of getting the other SNK games over here. It worked except for the fact that SNK made sloppy ports of games that have been out for over a year (KOF XI and Neo Geo Battle Coliseum). I'm not saying ES will be as bad as KOF XI but the potential is there. Yes, it's going to have new playable characters and all that jazz but will the framerate hold up? Will there be any other problems that usually plague ports? Only time will tell.

If Namco is going to expand ToV like they did the port of Eternal Sonata, it'll come out sometime next year and that puts it up against FFXIII and how many copies will it sell then? I'd rather see original properties or a completely new Tales for the PS3.

[happy]

While the forums aren't representative of the majority of gamers, I assume sales don't need to be that large for the port to be a success, so if they get the JRPG crowd to buy it in America it will do pretty well.

And if you think FFXIII is going to be out in America next year... I'd say Japan will see it at the end of next year at the earliest and the US a year later (remember they need time to do a 360 port that they aren't starting till after the Japan release. ToV needs to aim for the summer before a Star Ocean port I think.

[The Mana Knight]

PS3boxart, courtesy of GameFly.
http://images.gamefly.com/images/games/e/133500e.jpg

[depascal22]

I like that cover art. If they used the same art as the 360 version, people might have thought it to be another shoddy port.

And yes, I think FFXIII will come out in time for next year's holiday rush. Nothing to back up the claim but I just like to be ballsy.

[Blackout]

Cool cover.

[Dead of Knight]

Epic boxart. Is this gonna be $60 though? :cry:

[Ice2Dragon]

PS3 art > 360 art

But did they say anything NEW would be on the ps3? Or no -_-V

Cuz if not.. pass :( Im not redoing the entire game and getting all the possible trophies if there are any like on the 360 version.. collecting every single score was such a pain

[depascal22]

There will be two new playable characters, a couple new cutscenes, and a new ending. So it looks like it will be the definitive version.

[Ice2Dragon]

mh.. may have to pick it up once it hits 39.99...

[The Mana Knight]

Epic boxart. Is this gonna be $60 though? :cry:Wait till Meijer gives out Santa Bucks and get it cheaper there. That's what I'll probably do.

[willardhaven]

Awesome, now if Namco announces a PS3 version of Tales of Vesperia, my next-gen console decision will be made.

[Dead of Knight]

Awesome, now if Namco announces a PS3 version of Tales of Vesperia, my next-gen console decision will be made.

I'd count on it. There've been multiple sightings of Tales of Vesperia being listed as a PS3 game on Namco's Japanese site for a few hours, then them taking it down, probably due to the money hats at MS. I'm patiently waiting for an official announcement.

[thelonepig]

And if you think FFXIII is going to be out in America next year... I'd say Japan will see it at the end of next year at the earliest and the US a year later (remember they need time to do a 360 port that they aren't starting till after the Japan release. ToV needs to aim for the summer before a Star Ocean port I think.

FF XIII is a simultaneous release for both consoles in both regions, IIRC.

[willardhaven]

I could see ToV coming to the PS3 for Christmas or during the winter.

[FriskyTanuki]

FF XIII is a simultaneous release for both consoles in both regions, IIRC.
Europe and North America, not North America and Japan. Square's finishing development of the PS3 version for release in Japan before starting 360 development.

[Dead of Knight]

I could see ToV coming to the PS3 for Christmas or during the winter.

It'll probably be a bit longer than that, but I'm sure it'll be announced within a year.

[willardhaven]

Maybe next summer. I figured they'd want a holiday title for PS3 owners but I guess ES will do.

[aznguyen316]

I dunno, go to a few certain PS3 centric forums. Tons and tons of people really, really want it to get their RPG fix (that isn't SRPG). I have no doubt it will sell decently (If PS3 had more RPGs, it would get lost in the shuffle). Many badly want to buy it to convince Namco to bring ToV to PS3.

You are totally right, I was needing an RPG fix for my PS3 ended up getting some PS2 game to sort of tide me over but they were action rpg and picked up Disgaea HoD but like you said SRPG. Unfortunately before I sold my 360 I had played through Eternal Sonata. Great JRPG though, don't miss it if you're looking for one seriously, fun battles, very active. Oh plus great music.. the whole game is about music actually.

[thelonepig]

Europe and North America, not North America and Japan. Square's finishing development of the PS3 version for release in Japan before starting 360 development.

Thanks for the clarification!

[The Mana Knight]

The demo is up on the Japanese PS Store. I played it, looks basically the same as the 360 version, except a tad darker and a little softer looking. It still holds up pretty well.

Out of warning, since the demo is Japanese, you press circle to attack instead of X.

[bigl523]

Interesting, I'll give this one a shot some point this week. Not sure if I'm sold on this game yet.

[MSUHitman]

Just so I can understand, what's wrong with Microsoft having the edge in RPG's now? It's clear Sony is dropping the ball in this department, and with the XBox being so much cheaper, why not just go in that direction?

They have the best RPG lineup in the world, bar none. I'm happy ES is coming to the PS3 for 1 console owners, but being a PS360 owner is so the way to go. I'm really enjoying my ToV LE and have yet to finish LO, ES, BD, or even touch Oblivion and Infinite Undiscovery.

[The Mana Knight]

Just so I can understand, what's wrong with Microsoft having the edge in RPG's now? It's clear Sony is dropping the ball in this department, and with the XBox being so much cheaper, why not just go in that direction?There are people out there who enjoy a lot of Sony's offerings, and want those types of games too. They have them on PS1, PS2, and PSP, that's why some are expecting them on PS3 too. Some prefer to not get a cheaper 360 because they are too afraid of RRoD, just don't like MS, or even have no interests in most MS exclusive games (I hear the comments).

Actually, the main reason it happened for ToV and some other games was because they started development BEFORE there were actually PS3 development kits (IU was also originally a MS published game, but switched to Square Enix), and there's no way Mistwalker would ever work for Sony (Sakaguichi and Sony don't have a very good relationship). Do you think Tales Studio was just going to wait for PS3 development kits before to start ToV development? I don't think so. Sony themselves aren't developing many outside of Level 5 games because many series they invested during the PS2 era (that did well on PS1, like PoPoLoCrois, Arc The Lad, Legaia, Wild Arms, etc.) have greatly declined on PS2 compared to PS1, and that's why they aren't dealing with them.

But all I was trying to say is, buying Eternal Sonata shows developers people want RPGs on PS3 (although I rather people buy Valkyria Chronicles because that game is truly great and exclusive). If developers see PS3 owners not buying them, they may just ignore PS3 all together.

They have the best RPG lineup in the world, bar none. I'm happy ES is coming to the PS3 for 1 console owners, but being a PS360 owner is so the way to go. I'm really enjoying my ToV LE and have yet to finish LO, ES, BD, or even touch Oblivion and Infinite Undiscovery.Not everyone has the time/money to invest in multiple consoles. Also, if I made the same post here that I did on other forums, technically, Sony and MS are on the same level for RPGs. In year 1, 360 had one JRPG, while PS3 had one. Year 2, PS3 has 3, while 360 had two. If PS3 has how ever many came to 360 this year, next year, it's right in line with 360. The big difference is RPGs do take a while to develop (2-3+ years) and normally don't show up for a bit (PS2 was originally pretty bad at RPGs, but eventually it had several).

[pete5883]

Actually, the main reason it happened for ToV and some other games was because they started development BEFORE there were actually PS3 development kits (IU was also originally a MS published game, but switched to Square Enix), and there's no way Mistwalker would ever work for Sony (Sakaguichi and Sony don't have a very good relationship). Do you think Tales Studio was just going to wait for PS3 development kits before to start ToV development? I don't think so. Sony themselves aren't developing many outside of Level 5 games because many series they invested during the PS2 era (that did well on PS1, like PoPoLoCrois, Arc The Lad, Legaia, Wild Arms, etc.) have greatly declined on PS2 compared to PS1, and that's why they aren't dealing with them.
Unless you have an actual source, I'm going to say you don't know what you're talking about. You don't need a dev kit to start developing a game.

The big difference is RPGs do take a while to develop (2-3+ years) and normally don't show up for a bit (PS2 was originally pretty bad at RPGs, but eventually it had several).
Again, outside of Madden, most games across all genres take ~3 years to develop.

[MSUHitman]

I just wonder if Sony really cares about the JRPG market anymore. I think they are only interested in "mainstream" and online-only gamesales while Microsoft is more interested in having the best overall library.

You're talking to someone that has over 130 PS1/2 games and loved how Sony helped RPG's become a viable game type in America, but I'm not above facing the fact that Microsoft is valuing these titles more than Sony right now. Microsoft is making special bundles in Japan for almost all of these JRPG releases, and the promo for the 360 version of ES (faceplate) was really cool.

Again I'm glad ES is coming to Sony but I wonder if more RPG developers will go with M$ or Sony this gen. M$ seems to have a HUGE lead right now and I'm not sure PS3 can catch up.

I know lots of people who are huge RPG fans with PS2's that refuse to get PS3's because of the cost, then seeing that M$ is getting all the RPG's makes it a no-brainer for them. It's a significant market I feel Sony is ignoring to its detrement.

I think the question of where the RPG's on PS3 will be one of the great questions on this generation of console games, right up there with all the M$ dependability issues, and who's buying all these Wii's and why are they not buying any other games for it.

[The Mana Knight]

I just wonder if Sony really cares about the JRPG market anymore. I think they are only interested in "mainstream" and online-only gamesales while Microsoft is more interested in having the best overall library.If they didn't care, then why are they publishing White Knight Story and published Folklore (which is somewhat RPG)? Sony themselves have never been big RPG developers. It's just that Squaresoft, Enix, Namco, etc. CHOOSE to previously bring their RPGs to Sony's platform. Sony didn't moneyhat these developers either, they chose (Sony just handed a PS2 development kit and devs instantly jumped on).

The problem is, let's just say Sony tried encouraging these developers to develop on PS3. If they just say "no thank you, we rather develop on handhelds, rather make a game for Wii, or rather make it on 360 because it's much easier/cheaper to developer for", then what exactly can Sony do. The PS3 itself (hardware) is perceived by Japanaese devs the same way the original Xbox was, which was part of the reason it didn't get much support (it was seen as big, too much power, and too ahead). Most Japanese developers are behind on tech (like the articles have said) and many prefer platforms which are cheaper/easier to develop for.

Here's the main issue with JRPGs. Many publishers themselves have stated that in order to break even on most, you gotta sell 500k. Now just in the Japanese market alone, what RPG series can still sell at least 500K? Only Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Dragon Quest. That's why fewer developers these days are even bothering bringing next gen RPGs (see how DQIX went to DS, Suikoden to DS, several Tales of DS and PSP, etc.).

You're talking to someone that has over 130 PS1/2 games and loved how Sony helped RPG's become a viable game type in America, but I'm not above facing the fact that Microsoft is valuing these titles more than Sony right now. Microsoft is making special bundles in Japan for almost all of these JRPG releases, and the promo for the 360 version of ES (faceplate) was really cool.Sony made special bundles too for just about every major game that came out in Japan too. DW6, Kenzan, MGS4, and many other games got special bundles. Heck, basically every big PS3 release gets a special bundle. The FFXIII demo that comes with FFVII: AC is getting a special demo. Look at PSP. Just about every major game release like Tales of the World: RM, Star Ocean: FD, Crisis Core, FF Dissidia, etc. has gotten or is getting a special bundle.

Here's how it goes:

1 year
360 has Enchanted Arms
PS3 has Enchanted Arms + Folklore

2 year
360 has Blue Dragon + Eternal Sonata
PS3 has Disgaea 3 + Eternal Sonata + Valkyria Chronicles

3 year
360 has Culdcept Saga + IU + Lost Odyssey + Operation of Darkness + Spectral Force 3 + ToV + Zoids + LR
PS3 hasn't even been out 3 years

PS3 already has White Knight Story coming out next year, Cross X Edge has been mentioned to come stateside. Last Remnant will come to PS3 next year (UE3 issues held back the PS3 version). If PS3 matches or tops what 360 has next year, it's right on track.

Again I'm glad ES is coming to Sony but I wonder if more RPG developers will go with M$ or Sony this gen. M$ seems to have a HUGE lead right now and I'm not sure PS3 can catch up. Sony has the 10 year plan for PS3. Some developers like Gust, Atlus, Konami, Banpresto, etc. haven't even moved to next gen consoles for their RPGs. NIS plans to make an SRPG for PS3 yearly (or I'd think, because they said they have another PS3 game which will be announced soon). Gust has been looking for PS3 programmers for a while. There's still Level 5 who is close to Sony and can crank out a decent number of games (I consider Level 5 is to Sony like Mistwalker is to MS).

I know lots of people who are huge RPG fans with PS2's that refuse to get PS3's because of the cost, then seeing that M$ is getting all the RPG's makes it a no-brainer for them. It's a significant market I feel Sony is ignoring to its detrement.If it was significant, then explain to me why any RPG that wasn't Square Enix struggled to sell stateside last gen? I mean Disgaea did good, Odin Sphere did good, and so on, but most all RPGs are niche 50k sellers. There were still a minority of PS2 fans (most PS2 fans if anything were GT, SOCOM, etc.).

I think the question of where the RPG's on PS3 will be one of the great questions on this generation of console games, right up there with all the M$ dependability issues, and who's buying all these Wii's and why are they not buying any other games for it.If anything, most RPGs will be going handheld. The reason they went PS2 last gen was because it already had a huge lead early on (with no RPGs) and just kept building. Right now, DS and PSP are getting the majority of sales in Japan. which explains why most RPG announcements in Japan go to DS (many do not come stateside). Also for the fact handheld development is much cheaper than console development (and the greatly percentage of Japanese developers don't really push consoles at all) is why most RPGs will go that way. I do see the Wii being the console with the most, but the results of that probably won't be seen until 2009 (Marvelous Interactive, one RPG developer, is basically Wii/DS exclusive). Sony can't tell a developer to develop on PS3 when development kits are expensive (Hudson (http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/07/04/hudson-soft-thinks-ps3-development-costs-are-too-high/) who makes some RPGs said that and so did SNK (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/snk-to-hold-off-on-ps3-development-until-2009)).

Sony themselves has already lost close to $3 Billion (http://www.cdrinfo.com/sections/news/Details.aspx?NewsId=23571) on PS3 development, and they can't easily suffer more loses by paying every Japanese developer to make a PS3 game to lift up its initial development.
Unless you have an actual source, I'm going to say you don't know what you're talking about. You don't need a dev kit to start developing a game.You can plan a storyline and draw the art, but you can't actually develop the gameplay engine in some cases or even the graphic engine. The developers of ToV started right after TotA came out in Japan, which was December 2005, and the majority of developers had no PS3 development kits (but had 360). Their choice was to make another Tales game on PS2 or go next gen on 360. They wanted better graphics, so they went with 360. Everyone familiar with Japanese development at GAF even said the same thing (I'm talking those who bring us the Famitsu news and such).
Again, outside of Madden, most games across all genres take ~3 years to develop.It varies to he honest. Most music games, fighters, and so on don't take all that long to develop (it's mostly the balancing and perfecting that take time). RPGs take a while since you gotta design several dungeons, equipment, enemies, characters, etc. Most FPS only have like 15-20 enemy types. RPGs have hundreds of enemy types.

Also, it doesn't help for there aren't that many people in Japan in the high tech graphic development, according to Yoshida (SCE World World):
Speaking to VG247, Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida has said that Japanese developers are making “slow progress” compared to the West thanks to a generational shift in technology power to the US and Europe.
“What’s happened since the days of PS2; technology becomes more sophisticated, and more and more intense graphics technology [has appeared],” he said.
“The technology base has shifted from Japan to the US and Europe.”
Geography and the intrinsic needs of creating graphic-heavy games have led to a struggling Japanese games tradem the exec said.
“There are also talented people, engineers… in the US and Europe, and it’s relatively easy to form a large team that required to create this generation of games,” he added.
“That’s not the case in Japan. Because they don’t have a large base, like the movie industry; there aren’t [a lot of people] in the high end of computer graphics. That’s making the many great developers in Japan make slow progress.”
Yoshida pointed to the obvious examples of Metal Gear and Gran Turismo as ongoing Japanese success stories, but said the rest of the industry in Japan was not so fortunate.
“It’s amazing that some teams like Kojima-san’s team and Polyphony Digital are still creating such immense games,” he said. “But that’s not [indicative] of the core Japanese software industry, unfortunately.”
Yoshida was speaking at Games Convention in Germany.
http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/09/24/yoshida-games-tech-power-has-shifted-from-japan-to-the-us-and-europe/

I don't really want to continue this argument to be honest, but this is pretty much all the stuff I've picked up from being around several forums, news sites, etc.

[pete5883]

Sony can't tell a developer to develop on PS3 when development kits are expensive (http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/07/04/hudson-soft-thinks-ps3-development-costs-are-too-high) ..
Development kits are not the same as development costs.

You can plan a storyline and draw the art, but you can't actually develop the gameplay engine in some cases or even the graphic engine.
:wall: Yes, you can. You obviously can't finish, but you can start without dev kits.

RPGs take a while since you gotta design several dungeons, equipment, enemies, characters, etc. Most FPS only have like 15-20 enemy types. RPGs have hundreds of enemy types. The hundreds of enemy types distill to a couple dozen enemies, palette-swapped to hell. FPS's you gotta design several levels, guns, physics, etc.

[Vanigan]

Actually, pete, while you can certainly start developing and engine for a game, you still have to consider the idea of wasted man hours developing engine parts that end up not working and have to be scrapped. That's wasted money.

If you make it a financial decision it's much easier to see why things went the way they did. The 360 was there with devkits, and the 360 was currently pretty successful. Sony was pretty silent and was still coming off its PS2 era dominance where they didn't have to deign to talk to developers and give them support or incentives.

Pete, do you have any game development experience? If so, in what area?

[bigl523]

After playing the demo I'm gonna have to pass on this one. Just didn't do much for me.

[The Mana Knight]

After playing the demo I'm gonna have to pass on this one. Just didn't do much for me.The battle system is similar to the full game, but the demo lacks any story which the game has (lots of it has been added).

From what someone said on the Eternal Sonata thread at GAF, here's how much story was added for each character:
Polka - 1.5x original script
Allegretto - 1.7x original script
Chopin - 1.7x original script
Serenade - 2.0x original script
Waltz - 2.2x original script
March - 2.3x original script
GAF (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=327171&page=6)

That's not too bad.

[pete5883]

Actually, pete, while you can certainly start developing and engine for a game, you still have to consider the idea of wasted man hours developing engine parts that end up not working and have to be scrapped. That's wasted money.

If you make it a financial decision it's much easier to see why things went the way they did. The 360 was there with devkits, and the 360 was currently pretty successful. Sony was pretty silent and was still coming off its PS2 era dominance where they didn't have to deign to talk to developers and give them support or incentives.

Pete, do you have any game development experience? If so, in what area?
Game development? No. Software development? Yes. However I have read interviews, I can't remember which system, but the developer was saying how they had to
scale back their game engine because they got dev kits very late in the process, and they learned the system's actual specs were not as good as they were told. I think it was PS3.

Edit: Wow thats a lot of new script. Good for them. Hopefully it's good script

[FriskyTanuki]

Is the Japanese demo the same one as what's offered on the 360? Or is there anything new to show off what's new in the PS3 version?

I enjoyed the 360 demo, much, much more than ToV, and haven't really bothered to pick it up on the 360, so I'm interested in picking it up for the PS3 for an RPG fix for the fall.

[The Mana Knight]

Is the Japanese demo the same one as what's offered on the 360? Or is there anything new to show off what's new in the PS3 version?

I enjoyed the 360 demo, much, much more than ToV, and haven't really bothered to pick it up on the 360, so I'm interested in picking it up for the PS3 for an RPG fix for the fall.The PS3 demos is basically the same. As for content, this is what Namco Bandai said:
* New Quests, Battles and Events: Experience new quests, battles and events that will shed new light to the dramatic and evolving storyline compared to the previous version.

* New Playable Characters and Costume Changes: Now players can play as Crescendo or Serenade and change some of your favorite character’s costume to your liking.

* Exclusive New Music: Listen to newly added Chopin music – a key element in the environment and story

* Custom-Made for Next-Gen: Enjoy amazing, high-definition, anime style cel-shading and high quality textures to truly deliver an awesome next gen experience.

* Innovative Battle System: Battle using a unique, hybrid turn-based/action RPG system that combines free-roam and turn-based action (up to three players during battle).

* Strategic Use of Light and Darkness: Adjust your battle strategy in the ongoing struggle between light and darkness. Beware of enemies lurking in the shadows, as their stats – attacks and potency – will change, as will their physical form. Lure them out into the light or destroy them within the cloak of darkness. Change your special attacks depending on whether you are in the light or in the dark.

* Dramatic and Evolving Storyline: Experience a deeply moving story focusing on the enduring struggle between good and evil all taking place in a dream during the final 3 hours of world-famous music composer Frederic Chopin’s life.

http://www.namcobandaigames.com/games/eternalsonataps3/

[Ice2Dragon]

I got TOV + IU at the same time.. played IU.. then went back to TOV.. finished one play thru.. about to do the 15 hour speed run @_@

[The Mana Knight]

The demo is up in the U.S. PS Store now. I'm downloading it (just replacing my Japanese demo with it).

[thelonepig]

I really enjoyed the demo and am now looking forward to getting this in October.

[pob14]

I played with the demo for a bit last night.

This is my first experience with JRPGs, so I have a question. Are they all this . . . well, weird? Not that I have any problem with bashing bouncing pumpkins with an umbrella while they try to kill me with their evil bad breath, or with collecting magic cookies, or with people commenting randomly on their lives like I'm not even there, but - is any of it supposed to make sense?

I guess I haven't decided yet whether it's massively stupid or absolute genius. Or possibly both.

[Tom Ato]

I played with the demo for a bit last night.

This is my first experience with JRPGs, so I have a question. Are they all this . . . well, weird? Not that I have any problem with bashing bouncing pumpkins with an umbrella while they try to kill me with their evil bad breath, or with collecting magic cookies, or with people commenting randomly on their lives like I'm not even there, but - is any of it supposed to make sense?

I guess I haven't decided yet whether it's massively stupid or absolute genius. Or possibly both.

Yep they are all pretty much like that. I'm trying to think of the stupidest thing I've ever beaten the crap out of, but it all seems so normal now. . .

[The Mana Knight]

I played with the demo for a bit last night.

This is my first experience with JRPGs, so I have a question. Are they all this . . . well, weird? Not that I have any problem with bashing bouncing pumpkins with an umbrella while they try to kill me with their evil bad breath, or with collecting magic cookies, or with people commenting randomly on their lives like I'm not even there, but - is any of it supposed to make sense?

I guess I haven't decided yet whether it's massively stupid or absolute genius. Or possibly both.There are MUCH weirder JRPGs out there.

[NamPaehc]

I hate fighting "evil treasure chests" with huge tongues lol.

[argyle]

Yep they are all pretty much like that. I'm trying to think of the stupidest thing I've ever beaten the crap out of, but it all seems so normal now. . .

I'd say the penis monsters in Shadow Hearts ranks pretty high for me on the weird factor.

[imascrub]

I'd say the penis monsters in Shadow Hearts ranks pretty high for me on the weird factor.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w8/feix/lolwut.jpg

[pete5883]

Why don't I remember penis monsters in Shadow Hearts? I know Persona 3 FES had a penis summon, though.

[R1V3R5]

This game is really underrated and worth the purchase. The demo doesn't do a very good job of showing off the game as it gets much better as your progress, both in story and in gameplay. Linking "super moves" makes a big difference later on, especially in boss battles. Plus, the game is chop full of whimsy. Whimsy, dammit!

[The Mana Knight]

I just bought the game:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=23&pictureid=3017

I'll play a little later.

[dallow]

Different cover, interesting.
My friend bought the game too, I'll pick it up before year end.

[johnnypark]

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but am I the only one who found the demo kind of unbalanced? Some of the earliest encounters in it can kill a party member in a single move, and they don't really give you many healing items at all.

I don't like games to be too easy, but the demo seemed brutal. Am I doing something wrong?

[The Mana Knight]

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but am I the only one who found the demo kind of unbalanced? Some of the earliest encounters in it can kill a party member in a single move, and they don't really give you many healing items at all.

I don't like games to be too easy, but the demo seemed brutal. Am I doing something wrong?They did increase the difficulty in the PS3 version, but the game is far from being brutal. Even on 360, the demo felt a little harder than the full game, mostly because the demo just kind of places you somewhere. By the time you encounter the grown up enemy (of whatever it is you played at the beginning) and the forest, you will be on level 5-6 or so. If you enjoyed the gameplay you should be fine.

The game does require SOME blocking and it's best to touch enemies from the back side, so you get first attack in battle and at times get to attack again.

[Snake2715]

probably next n my list for the PS3 waiting for Grid to drop a bit in price as well.

Cant wait.

[Ice2Dragon]

They did increase the difficulty in the PS3 version, but the game is far from being brutal. Even on 360, the demo felt a little harder than the full game, mostly because the demo just kind of places you somewhere. By the time you encounter the grown up enemy (of whatever it is you played at the beginning) and the forest, you will be on level 5-6 or so. If you enjoyed the gameplay you should be fine.

The game does require SOME blocking and it's best to touch enemies from the back side, so you get first attack in battle and at times get to attack again.

I didnt notice an increase in difficulty at all.. still the same as I remembered it.. trying to run thru it the first time so i can get to the harder play thru.

[The Mana Knight]

I didnt notice an increase in difficulty at all.. still the same as I remembered it.. trying to run thru it the first time so i can get to the harder play thru.Since I've played my retail copy, I haven't noticed that much of a difficulty difference (I heard from some who imported it was much harder than on 360, but that might be Japanese 360 comparisons with Japanese PS3 comparisons). I've been far from dying so far, from what I played.

[thelonepig]

Where have you folks found this game for purchase? I've been scouring my area and nobody has it - not even Gamestop.

[Zoglog]

i'll probably be picking this up next year sometime when the price drops. Too many damn games this holiday season

[aznguyen316]

great game, beat it on the 360, worth playing for PS3 owners that didn't get to play it before.

[KingBroly]

great game, beat it on the 360, worth playing for PS3 owners that didn't get to play it before.

Were you high, or something? I thought Eternal Sonata was terrible from almost every angle aside from graphics and sound. I couldn't even get through Chapter 3 it was so boring. I don't even know who the Princess-looking girl on the cover is. Who is she?

[Dead of Knight]

i'll probably be picking this up next year sometime when the price drops. Too many damn games this holiday season

Same, though I'm just too fucking cheap to buy this at $60 when it's going for $30 or less on 360.

[Ice2Dragon]

Where have you folks found this game for purchase? I've been scouring my area and nobody has it - not even Gamestop.

www.bestbuy.com (http://www.bestbuy.com) and use their store locator. youll have to ask an employee if its not on the shelf, mine had them hidden in the back for some stupid reason.

[The Mana Knight]

Same, though I'm just too fucking cheap to buy this at $60 when it's going for $30 or less on 360.It's still $40 at most retailers on 360 (that's the MSRP). I think $50 would have been best. I believe Namco is going to ship this in limited quantities, so it will be a matter of whether people can find it later on.

[Ice2Dragon]

Best buy said they only got a few copies in and since they werent out on the shelves its a pretty good indication this may indeed become somewhat hard to find.

I really have been enjoying it much more than the 360 version..

Disappointed about the save times though.. takes like a minute it seems to.. that shouldn't be.

The cutscenes and movie scenes though look phenomenal!

[darkcecil32]

I, too, wish this had been priced a bit lower considering the 360 version's price point. Same with Bioshock. I refuse to pay 60 for either, especially considering both have been out for 1 year plus. I hope both last around long enough for the TRU b2g1 next year hehe.

[snakelda]

How long is it?

[Ice2Dragon]

How long is it?

First play thru is roughly 20 hours.

Second play thru takes a little longer, as the enemies have double health and 1.5 times the amount of damage they deal.. plus you have a LOT more items to find :)

[Ice2Dragon]

They didnt nerf viola.. im sad...

Viola is so insanely over powered in this game it makes it too easy :( Her and Falsetto needed tweaks lol

[The Mana Knight]

Some reviews are up

8.7
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/923/923711p1.html

8.5
http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/eternalsonata/review.html

IGN gave it a higher score than the 360 version I believe. The PS3 version runs very well graphically and actually has nicer looking colors (they feel a bit softer). The ONLY issue with the PS3 version is that saving takes a little more time to access the HDD (but it's no longer than most JRPGs to save).

I'm absolutely loving it and plan to play more.

[thelonepig]

I finally found a "Gamestop New" copy and snagged it. I played quite a bit this weekend and am really enjoying it. I've got roughly 10 hours into it and am still in Chapter 2. I'd heard the game was less than 20 hours, so I'm a bit perplexed.

In any case, it is much slower than I'm used to, but I love it in any case. The battle system is great and I enjoy how it gets more difficult as the party level goes up. Also, yay for the Chopin biography portions of the game. Too cool. :applause:

[The Mana Knight]

I finally found a "Gamestop New" copy and snagged it. I played quite a bit this weekend and am really enjoying it. I've got roughly 10 hours into it and am still in Chapter 2. I'd heard the game was less than 20 hours, so I'm a bit perplexed.

In any case, it is much slower than I'm used to, but I love it in any case. The battle system is great and I enjoy how it gets more difficult as the party level goes up. Also, yay for the Chopin biography portions of the game. Too cool. :applause:
I think it will take you about 30 hours to beat the game. I think the only way people played for 20 hours was because they skipped pretty much every battle.

[Ice2Dragon]

I finally found a "Gamestop New" copy and snagged it. I played quite a bit this weekend and am really enjoying it. I've got roughly 10 hours into it and am still in Chapter 2. I'd heard the game was less than 20 hours, so I'm a bit perplexed.


In any case, it is much slower than I'm used to, but I love it in any case. The battle system is great and I enjoy how it gets more difficult as the party level goes up. Also, yay for the Chopin biography portions of the game. Too cool. :applause:


Wow, 10 hours and still chapter 2? Holy god lol.

Use Viola and you can RUN thru the game so fast.. shes so insanely overpowered still :( It hurts not to use her though.. her healing arrow.. sigh.

[thelonepig]

Wow, 10 hours and still chapter 2? Holy god lol.

Use Viola and you can RUN thru the game so fast.. shes so insanely overpowered still :( It hurts not to use her though.. her healing arrow.. sigh.

Actually, I'm stuck fighting Tuba on the bridge. That guy is insanely overpowered. Even if I block, he can take out one of my characters in two moves (which he often gets consecutively). It really makes me think I'm playing the game wrong...

I'm at level 19/20 on all characters, if anyone is curious.

[Ice2Dragon]

Actually, I'm stuck fighting Tuba on the bridge. That guy is insanely overpowered. Even if I block, he can take out one of my characters in two moves (which he often gets consecutively). It really makes me think I'm playing the game wrong...

I'm at level 19/20 on all characters, if anyone is curious.

Who are you using? Theres no way he should be killing all your characters.. by comparison im level 19 and just got past the fort fermta boss.. lol..

Try leveling up first.. I remember from 360 days I used Viola/Allegreto/Chopin.. keep allegreto/chopin close to tuba and have viola stand far away in the light and spam holy arrow twice.

or use her to shoot him from really far away.. it should deal a hell of a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

[thelonepig]

Who are you using? Theres no way he should be killing all your characters.. by comparison im level 19 and just got past the fort fermta boss.. lol..

Try leveling up first.. I remember from 360 days I used Viola/Allegreto/Chopin.. keep allegreto/chopin close to tuba and have viola stand far away in the light and spam holy arrow twice.

or use her to shoot him from really far away.. it should deal a hell of a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

Well, it forced Beat into the fight, so I took in Beat, Viola, and Allegretto. I ended up taking him down last night by taking some revives in with me. Up until that point, I hadn't used items at all.

Now I'm stuck at the boss in the cemetery.

[Ice2Dragon]

Well, it forced Beat into the fight, so I took in Beat, Viola, and Allegretto. I ended up taking him down last night by taking some revives in with me. Up until that point, I hadn't used items at all.

Now I'm stuck at the boss in the cemetery.

Thats impossible. Falsetto is a beast.. you can get a 24 hit combo easy everytime..

[thelonepig]

Okay, so Chapters 3, 4, and 5 screamed by in about 6 hours. Now I see how some folks beat it at 20 hours. I'm at 18 hours now and my party is all roughly level 24.

I wish the story elements were better placed within the game. There are some areas that make me feel like I'm playing Xenosaga again (cutscene, walk to next area, cutscene, walk to next area, cutscene, boss fight, cutscene, cutscene...).

[Ice2Dragon]

Okay, so Chapters 3, 4, and 5 screamed by in about 6 hours. Now I see how some folks beat it at 20 hours. I'm at 18 hours now and my party is all roughly level 24.

I wish the story elements were better placed within the game. There are some areas that make me feel like I'm playing Xenosaga again (cutscene, walk to next area, cutscene, walk to next area, cutscene, boss fight, cutscene, cutscene...).

Yeah, 3/4/5 go by real fast if you used polka/salsa at all, otherwise they are insanely hard if they are underleveled.. the pirate boss battle twice is freaking impossible if you don't level them past 20.

Don't worry, you have a long way to go still.. a very long way to go.. final dungeon takes hours (The extra one, the actual final dungeon is a joke compared to it..)

A word of caution, if you do do the extra dungeon, you will be heavily overleveled for the final boss battle.. and the boss will last maybe 30 seconds against you lol.

[thelonepig]

I just beat the game. 39 hrs, 48 min. My entire party was at level 48. That was much, much more difficult than had been suggested by those that played through the 360 version.

In any case, I rather enjoyed the game and am looking forward to running through on encore mode.

[dyeknom]

I found a used copy, but am debating if i want to pick it up since i have an unopened copy of the 360 version. Will we be getting any DLC on the ps3?

[pete5883]

I just beat the game. 39 hrs, 48 min. My entire party was at level 48. That was much, much more difficult than had been suggested by those that played through the 360 version.

In any case, I rather enjoyed the game and am looking forward to running through on encore mode.
Did you play through with Japanese language on? Were there parts of the ending that were missing subtitles?

[thelonepig]

Did you play through with Japanese language on? Were there parts of the ending that were missing subtitles?

I played through in English. The ending did not have subtitles, though the rest of the game did.

In the part of the ending that you are referring to, the characters just regurgitated their lines throughout the game. There was no new dialogue during that portion.

I found a used copy, but am debating if i want to pick it up since i have an unopened copy of the 360 version. Will we be getting any DLC on the ps3?

No DLC has been reported.

The PS3 version is more difficult (from what I've heard - enemies give less experience, takes more experience to level up), contains two additional dungeons (one of which can only be accessed in encore mode), five costumes (three for Polka, one each for Retto and Beat), and two new playable characters (Crescendo and Serenade).