Black Sigil: Blade of the Exile (Out Now!)

[cletus]

Game is finally out! Everyone go buy it while supplies last. Initial impressions and discussions starts at post #253 (page 13)

Website up for this game here (http://www.graffitientertainment.com/index.php/games/black-sigil). There are lots more pics on the site.

New trailer which shows top DS screen http://youtube.com/watch?v=i_S6hyYqA6w
Old trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PioZ3ievw-c


This is a indie game made by a few guys in Canada that I've been following for the last half a year. I didn't want to start a thread until I was sure they would actually release something. Now it looks like they have a publisher and a release date. I was almost ready to give up on this game too.

It looks like one of those old 16-bit RPGs I grew up playing. You can clearly see the... homage... if you want to call it. It is like a combination of Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy 3 with a bit of Secret of Mana throwin in. I am more excited about this game then anything else coming out for the DS this year. It was originally intended for the GBA and later switched to the DS. That may be why it is taking so much longer then initially thought.

Anyone else here looking forward to this? I'm still a little skeptical since I haven't heard any info beyond that list of upcoming Nintendo games. Their site hasn't been updated in a while but there is a announcement in the forum. I guess it's just because I've been waiting so long for this to come out.

Graffiti Entertainment. Here's their official site. http://www.studioarchcraft.com/project.htm

[ch3zyp00fs]

Wow. I'll buy this when it comes out. I only wish Chrono Resurrection didn't get stopped.

[BlueLobstah]

Wow, that looks pretty good. I will certainly keep my eye on this.

Makes me long for the days of RPGs on the SNES.

[Riyonuk]

Oh, judging by the topic title, I thought it was a compilation. This game looks cool actually :)

[DarkKnightCecil]

Doesn't look half bad.

[defiance_17]

I've been keeping an eye on this for several months. It could be great.

[maigoyume]

its almost exactly like chrono trigger in terms of animation, battle system seems to be a toss up with FFIII and SoM

[sayHey]

Oh, judging by the topic title, I thought it was a compilation. This game looks cool actually :)

+1 for disappointment.

seriously though, i'll probably pick this up... looks fun

[magiic]

AND to top all of that off it's made by some Canadians :)

[Backlash]

Wow, 16 bit RPG glory can be ours once more. Thanks for the thread OP! I never played Chrono Trigger (I know, shut up) but I loved FF4, FF6, and Secret of Mana.

[hohez]

I've been waiting for this for a long time now and it's about time it sees the light of day.

here's the developer website http://www.studioarchcraft.com/project.htm

[pete5883]

I used to check their website over a year ago. I don't think it's ever really coming out.

[johnnypark]

Dear Project Exile:

Welcome to my backlog. I have far too many games waiting to be played to buy any more new ones, but for you, I will make an exception because you look fucking amazing.

[Chacrana]

I was disappointed as hell when I found out this wasn't a compilation, but the game does look really good, so... I'm a bit less disappointed.

[Purple Flames]

I can see where everyone got the wrong idea thinking this was a compilation, but I can see a little bit from each of those games, especially Chrono Trigger.

[Strell]

AND to top all of that off it's made by some Canadians :)

We can't all be perfect.

[ChibiJosh]

Oh man. That looked beautiful. I can't wait for this.

We can't all be perfect.
Zing!

[cletus]

Ok I changed the title a bit. Hope that's less confusing.

Anyways I plan on buying this game on release day for full price (March 1). I don't even remember the last time I paid full price for a game.

[DQT]

I've also been following this game and I'm glad that they decided to port it to the DS since it's pretty much over for the GBA. I think the reason that people keep comparing this game to FF3 and CT is because aside from the battle system, the font they use is almost exactly the same.

If Square did games inspired by their previous hits rather than remakes and sequels to them like these guys are (to be fair, they don't have a choice) than I think Square would be in a much better place.

[yukine]

Looks really nice.

I like how "Canadians" is in the thread title as well. :lol:

[pete5883]

According to this (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168389) it is being released March 1 by Graffiti Entertainment. Here's their official site. http://www.studioarchcraft.com/project.htm
Oh wow I must've missed this part, will buy even though there's no way it will live up to it's potential.

[tiredfornow]

AND to top all of that off it's made by some Canadians :)

You're lucky the video looks awesome, because having ''Canadians'' in the title almost made me not click it. :[

[Gameboy415]

That looks fantastic!

I WISH it controlled like Secret of Mana, but the gameplay looks fast and fun regardless.

Any idea if/how it will make use of the DS's functions?

[jer7583]

It looks like they stole pretty liberally from Square's 16 bit character art. Like directly took the sprites and changed their colors/clothes, but kept the animations and poses. Not to mention most of the environments look exactly like FF3 and Chrono Trigger. Not complaining, cause I loved those games.. Just saying these guys could probably have been a bit more original.

[Apokolypz84]

Is there any other info about this game out there besides what the video and official website have to say? Very interested in the game now and would like to know what the battle system is like. Looks like the ATB system but the characters actually move around on the field (though not as much as you could in Mana)...

[Wolfkin]

well first off. I'm not seeing any sort of second screen love. Aside from that I'm looking forward to it. Hope I can get to buy it. I'm enjoying FFIII and had a lotta fun with Magical Starsign not so much with CoMana.

[defiance_17]

well first off. I'm not seeing any sort of second screen love. Aside from that I'm looking forward to it. Hope I can get to buy it. I'm enjoying FFIII and had a lotta fun with Magical Starsign not so much with CoMana.
I'm pretty sure the project started as a GBA title.

[whitereflection]

It looks like a romhack. I'd be very surprised if there isn't any pending litigation from Square soon.

[pete5883]

I'm pretty sure the project started as a GBA title.
Indeed it did.

[Monsta Mack]

Just saw this. Wow, looks like CT/FF3 indeed mixed together. I will purchase this day one if it gets good reviews.

[Vinny]

Damn, that looks pretty cool. But so many RPGs for the DS looked great but when they actually came out... they turned out to be pretty lame.

[banpeikun]

gameplay looks good, but the characters didn't seem that likeable to me

[crystalklear64]

Looks very generic, and not something that requires the DS hardware. More like a GBA game.

[banpeikun]

Looks very generic, and not something that requires the DS hardware. More like a GBA game.i agree with the first clause, but disagree with the rest. GBA definately couldn't do those graphics.

[RevdrJFlash]

It looks like they stole pretty liberally from Square's 16 bit character art. Like directly took the sprites and changed their colors/clothes, but kept the animations and poses. Not to mention most of the environments look exactly like FF3 and Chrono Trigger. Not complaining, cause I loved those games.. Just saying these guys could probably have been a bit more original.

If it were a rom hack that's one thing, i doubt square would care. But these guys are trying to commercially release a game with someone else's work? I don't see that happening.

When they get their C&D i hope they just release the rom on the net, story seems interesting.

[infamyRISE]

March is awful close and I've seen not a drop of new info about this.

Whats going oooooon?

[blueweltall]

Its out already.

[laaj]

Its out already.

Where?

[blueweltall]

Where?

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Graffiti-Entertainment-Project-Exile/dp/B00104KJ2E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1204271737&sr=1-1

Make sure you buy it from amazon if you want the free shipping.

[laaj]

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Graffiti-Entertainment-Project-Exile/dp/B00104KJ2E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1204271737&sr=1-1

Make sure you buy it from amazon if you want the free shipping.

Thanks got in my pre-order but is going to take 3-5 weeks. I have a feeling this could be vaporware.

Edit> Kind of odd that non of the major sites listed this game on new releases for this week. Even CAG's Foreplay missed it.

[pete5883]

Wait, what? I thought Project Exile wasn't even the final name of the game. They haven't even supplied cover art. It isn't even on their website.

[nectarsis1]

hmmmmmmm not on Gamestoop site...any where else that actually has this In stock??

[leveskikesko]

Looks charmingly retro surprisingly.

Still not sure about it though, never heard of the company...but maybe they're one of them up and comings...

[cletus]

Looks like they've changed the name to Black Sigil: Legend of the Exile and the release date has been pushed back. I'll update the OP once I find out more.

[guinaevere]

Canadians and DS games?


*yells in a northerly direction* HEY SIRTECH, HOW ABOUT JAGGED ALLIANCE ON THE FREAKIN' DS?!!?


Now that that's out of my system, this looks neat.

[blueweltall]

Looks like they've changed the name to Black Sigil: Legend of the Exile and the release date has been pushed back. I'll update the OP once I find out more.

Really? Than why come amazon and hubbagames have it instock? No wonder there isn't a picture yet.

[banpeikun]

Really? Than why come amazon and hubbagames have it instock? No wonder there isn't a picture yet.You have to be kind of careful reading Amazon product pages. A lot of times they're on Amazon's site but offered by a 3rd party vendor (in this case "Hubbagames") which are not as accurate as Amazon at keeping up to date with inventory and availability.

[Vinny]

You have to be kind of careful reading Amazon product pages. A lot of times they're on Amazon's site but offered by a 3rd party vendor (in this case "Hubbagames") which are not as accurate as Amazon at keeping up to date with inventory and availability.

Yeah, that happens from time to time. A seller will list an item as a preorder with an availability date and on that day, it just shows up as available if the seller hasn't updated their listing.

[laaj]

You have to be kind of careful reading Amazon product pages. A lot of times they're on Amazon's site but offered by a 3rd party vendor (in this case "Hubbagames") which are not as accurate as Amazon at keeping up to date with inventory and availability.

If you click on "2 new & used" link, you can see that Amazon itself is selling this game also. Amazon sometimes lists 3rd party seller as main seller if it beats the Amazon's price.

[pete5883]

Yeah, but "ships in 3 - 5 weeks" doesn't exactly instill a lot of confidence.

[Like A Breath]

Looks good, but does anyone know if this has been reviewed by anything?

[Rollett]

^_^ im interested....

[catapult37]

DO WANT. Too bad it's vaporware. :-(

[infamyRISE]

The title of the game was updated on Amazon's page....that's...kind of good..right?

[nectarsis1]

WE can hope :)

Plese oh please let it actually come out...

[Jayayess1190]

Amazon.com now lists it as April 8th release.

[pete5883]

It's progress. It's depressing that in order to get a 2D, SNES-style RPG published, you have to go to the publisher of Crazy Frog Racer.

http://img.tesco.com/pi/entertainment/MM/LF/668894_GS_L_F.jpg

[maigoyume]

my EYES they BURN :bomb:

[laaj]

It's progress. It's depressing that in order to get a 2D, SNES-style RPG published, you have to go to the publisher of Crazy Frog Racer.


Doubt it had anything to do with SNES rpg style. I think more reasonable scenario could be developer wanted such a larger cut that it scared away all other publishers.

[pete5883]

I really doubt it. The development team is 10 people, tops. With this publisher, there isn't going to be much of a cut because they're only going to sell a few hundred copies. Unless some promotion starts coming out of nowhere.

[zatos]

Subscribing to this!

[Purkeynator]

Looks good. I would rather they had released it on GBA so I could play it on the big screen instead of shoe-horning it onto DS like other developers on DS and Wii.

[Purkeynator]

Hmm the studio's website is down today. The link worked fine yesterday...

[botticus]

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Signature Devices, Inc. (Pink Sheets: SDVI (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=sdvi.pk&d=t) - News (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=sdvi.pk)) is pleased to announce the first playable version of Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled, a role playing game (RPG) for Nintendo DS. The Company will look to release Black Sigil into the retail market, in which role playing games currently make up thirteen percent of the eight billion dollar U.S. video game software market.

Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled contains classic aspects of most role playing games while equally differentiating itself, allowing users to strategize during gameplay and remain tactical in character placement and weapon use. A number of sidequests will be included in the game, along with extra areas to explore, supporting character-related tales, and end-altering game segments focusing on the various characters and the history of the world. Black Sigil was developed by Studio Archcraft, Inc. and is due to be released in the second quarter of 2008.

"We are very excited about the first version of Black Sigil having been completed. Role playing games have picked up in popularity over the last five years with the releases of very popular online and console based versions. We look forward to releasing Black Sigil into the retail arena," stated Kenneth Hurley, CEO of Signature Devices, Inc. and Graffiti Entertainment, LLC.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080304/latu518.html?.v=1

March 4 PR

[pete5883]

Press release announcing... their internal beta is done? Bit of a stretch as far as newsworthiness goes.

[defiance_17]

http://www.studioarchcraft.com/index.htm

This was released March 8.

[DQT]

Read your link.

[Gold_guardian]

Wow this game looks good. I just hope they release it at a time when I've got money and at a time when it won't be overshadowed by the inevitable release of FF4 remake or another big ds rpg that would overshadow it.

[laaj]

Why is there so much hype for this game when developer has no previous track record. I think it might be lack of non-strategy RPGs on DS.

[Hostile]

Uh, no.

First off, a developer does not need a previous track record for a game to be hyped up. Show me something interesting and I want it. Second, this basically looks like Chrono Trigger and is a fully-fledged RPG for the DS so of course there should be hype. Third, there really isn't that much hype.

[laaj]

First off, a developer does not need a previous track record for a game to be hyped up. Show me something interesting and I want it. Second, this basically looks like Chrono Trigger and is a fully-fledged RPG for the DS so of course there should be hype.

All we saw were some early screenshots which might not even represent the final game. How does it look like Chrono Trigger? Art style (characters) looks more like Tales of Phantasia to me. Chrono Trigger had more kiddy feel. About being a fully-fledged RPG being a rarity on DS, I already mentioned it above.

[Jayayess1190]

More than 50 hours of gameplay! I put 14 hours 31 minutes into beating Professor Layton and still don't have all the puzzles found and completed! This game will take me months to finish.

[laaj]

More than 50 hours of gameplay! I put 14 hours 31 minutes into beating Professor Layton and still don't have all the puzzles found and completed! This game will take me months to finish.

There goes any chance of it getting good reviews. I can already picture reviewers complaining about how much text they have to read or amount of level grind. I have a feeling this game could be out of print really quick considering the publisher and reviews (if it even gets a review) it'll get. Good thing I pre-ordered.

[Jayayess1190]

Delayed until Q2 of this year: http://gonintendo.com/?p=39160#comments

[ChibiJosh]

Delayed until Q2 of this year: http://gonintendo.com/?p=39160#comments

Read:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080304/latu518.html?.v=1

March 4 PR

[Jayayess1190]

iFail. :(

[jeremywoods]

canadians eh....

[laaj]

canadians eh....

Sucks for them that they spent CAN$ to develop when US$ is worthless

[Snake2715]

Change the title...

but I am excited for this one!! Thanks OP.

[Jayayess1190]

New possible release date: http://www.amazon.com/Graffiti-Entertainment-Black-Sigil-Exiled/dp/B00104KJ2E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1209676439&sr=1-1

[Backlash]

Rated M? That's a surprise (to me, at least)

[Wolfkin]

not a BIG fan of the cover art but I'm still hyped for it.

[DQT]

Rated M? That's a surprise (to me, at least)

That has to be a mistake. They do want the game to sell right?

[pete5883]

That's probably why Graffiti is the only company that would publish it.

[Wolfkin]

M rating perks my interest.

[Masterkyo]

Wow! Impressive title. Sadly, GS/EB and most chain stores didn't list this game !!!

[aminaha]

i don't see an m rating and doesn't look like a ds cover-probably just placeholder

[Backlash]

I seriously doubt it will come out with an M rating, but that is what the amazon information said.

[Wolfkin]

yeah bet if we asked Gamestop would still take pre-order money though.

[frizbekid101]

Black Sigil: Blade of The Exiled is a game I have had my eye on for a long 2 years. It originally went by the name Black Sigil on the GBA and got canceled and became known as Project Exile. This game is now being published by Graffiti Entertainment. It looks like an INSTANT classic. It holds the snes classic RPG feel but looks and plays great on the DS!!! See for yourself:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=i_S6hyYqA6w (High and Low quality)

[Wolfkin]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=i_S6hyYqA6w (High and Low quality)
i'm just saying isn't htis the same trailer on the first post?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PioZ3ievw-c

[Jayayess1190]

i'm just saying isn't htis the same trailer on the first post?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PioZ3ievw-c

This one shows the top screen of the ds.

[Jesus_S_Preston]

Woah, M Rated RPG is rated M!

Be nice if it ever got released, though.

[Strell]

I think we need to give them some of that Internet Money.

That'll speed things up.

[mykevermin]

It's progress. It's depressing that in order to get a 2D, SNES-style RPG published, you have to go to the publisher of Crazy Frog Racer.

http://img.tesco.com/pi/entertainment/MM/LF/668894_GS_L_F.jpg

Heh. "Featuring The Annoying Thing."

[rodeojones903]

Preordered from amazon.

[defiance_17]

I think we need to give them some of that Internet Money.

That'll speed things up.
:lol:
I really hope this game doesn't blue-ball me. I've been way too excited for way too long, and it's getting to the point where the game couldn't possibly live up to my expectations.

[defiance_17]

The website says the game has entered beta testing. Hopefully we'll see this by the end of the year.

[thegame1921]

I was just having a discussion on this game earlier today at work. For the love of god it needs to come out. I need a good RPG to play again.

[Poor2More]

According to Amazon, all preorders ship on June 23rd

I WANT THIS GAME BAD

[johnnypark]

According to Amazon, all preorders ship on June 23rd

I WANT THIS GAME BAD

Are you sure? I just checked and it says it'll be out in September.

[Poor2More]

Are you sure? I just checked and it says it'll be out in September.

They just changed it

[aminaha]

here's an interview with rpgamer.com
http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/nds/projexile/projexileinterview.html
:cry:to random encounters, :) to save anytime on world map. They talk of a worldwide release, but they should concentrate on releasing the game in na-its been delay so may times. and i have doubts if it'll release before 2009.

[Backlash]

:) to save anytime on world map.

Now that it's on the DS that's not a big deal - yay for sleep mode. (Unless dying a lot is a problem in this game, in which case frequent saves would help)

[nectarsis1]

I take it no new news :(

[Poor2More]

October is the new release date

[pete5883]

November is the new release date according to Amazon. Bunch of screenshots up here http://graffitientertainment.com/index.php/games/black-sigil

So, they've got Chrono Trigger's font, FFVI's backgrounds, and looks like CT's battle menu? And look at the story:

The story begins when Kairono is awakened in his home by his mother to go to the Century Fair, where his friend Pucca is testing out a new machine.

Of course I made that up, but this is just green Luminaire:
http://graffitientertainment.com/images/stories/screenshots/blacksigil-11.jpg

This looks like where you pop out in 600 A.D.:
http://graffitientertainment.com/images/stories/screenshots/blacksigil-2.jpg

And this is indistinguishable from the FFVI world map:
http://graffitientertainment.com/images/stories/screenshots/blacksigil-26.jpg

[mykevermin]

Oh, man. What was that one game a few months back that seemed to rip off its scenes from everything (most heavily Oblivion)?

This may end up like that if other screen indict it as well.

[Chacrana]

It always looked damn similar to Square's SNES games, but the more I see of it, the more it looks like Limbo of the Lost: Part Deux. Like, I'm pretty sure a lot of these sprites were ripped from other games.

[tokitoki50]

I hope not, this game has always looked somewhat promising.

[Chacrana]

I thought it looked promising because it was like "oh, there's a Square SNES style game coming to the DS." But now that we've got Chrono Trigger on the way... I just don't really care at all. Looks way too derivative.

[sonderiaom]

I know I'll be getting it, if only to prompt more studios to focus on this sort of stuff instead of licensed crud.

[whitereflection]

To "focus on this sort of stuff"? You mean romhacks? To steal other game's assets a la Limbo of the Lost and Commando: Steel Disaster? I hope they get their asses nailed to the wall.

[mykevermin]

Hmm. Will y'all post some comparative screenshots so I can see the reference work (so I can know if this is derivative work or plagiarism)?

[pete5883]

I don't think this is actually a hack, or a case of stolen assets. It just looks damn similar. I mean, it's not like you can trademark brown caves.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__eauwLGqqGQ/RgyFN_CVNrI/AAAAAAAAAdM/f42EKTMHxN4/s1600/Chrono%2BTrigger%2B0005.bmp

http://graffitientertainment.com/images/stories/screenshots/blacksigil-20.jpg

[mykevermin]

ha.

[jer7583]

It's very similar though. I think they're really hoping to sell to fans of mid 90s squaresoft by making it as similar looking as possible.

And for that reason I'm ignoring it.

[sonderiaom]

To "focus on this sort of stuff"? You mean romhacks? To steal other game's assets a la Limbo of the Lost and Commando: Steel Disaster? I hope they get their asses nailed to the wall.

Quite frankly, I miss the days when people weren't so focused on the visual aspects of the game, where back in the snes days and such they were limited by the hardware so instead had to build an engaging game out of it. A game can look pretty as all hell, and still be a cruddy game, look at Sonic The Hedgehog for the 360.

As well, they've gone on to say that they've stolen nothing, and just because something looks similar, doesn't mean they are exactly the same.

[cletus]

I didn't think just changing the title would get people to start posting in this thread again. I haven't forgotten about this game or thread and I'll still edit the OP as I hear more news. It's just not much more has been said lately other then the Graffiti site with all the new pics. I'm crossing my fingers this comes out by Christmas and it does amazing so these guys will keep making games.

[DQT]

Doesn't Tactics Ogre have similar battle menu's as well? Yes the similarities are striking, but at least it's a brand new game and not reheated seconds. I don't mind that they seem to be wearing their inspiration on their sleave.

Now that I think about it, why are they still using the same font? The GBA FFs all have an improved font that's easier on the eyes and can fit all the characters they need (heck, subsequent Pokemon games improved after the hideous Ruby/Saphire font) plus portraits. Of all the quirks to ape, do they really need to ape that?

[pete5883]

It's very similar though. I think they're really hoping to sell to fans of mid 90s squaresoft by making it as similar looking as possible.

And for that reason I'm ignoring it.

And for that reason I'm buying it.

Now that I think about it, why are they still using the same font? The GBA FFs all have an improved font that's easier on the eyes and can fit all the characters they need (heck, subsequent Pokemon games improved after the hideous Ruby/Saphire font) plus portraits. Of all the quirks to ape, do they really need to ape that?
I thought the GBA FF font was way too small.

[Darkrogg]

Here the newest trailer of the game... Hopefully it comes out before christmas like the developers said!!:

awK39HLavts&fmt=18

[xycury]

Here the newest trailer of the game... Hopefully it comes out before christmas like the developers said!!:

awK39HLavts&fmt=18

No matter how much it takes from other games, it's the good parts right... so this will be a good game.

the video looks awesome.... will be definately grabbing this at amazon.

[zatos]

You'd think so... but I'm not so optimistic about this game after Mazes of Fate (sorry, no offense but I didn't think it was that good).

[laaj]

You'd think so... but I'm not so optimistic about this game after Mazes of Fate (sorry, no offense but I didn't think it was that good).

Weird how you connected Mazes of Fate with this game. Other than both being a RPG there's almost nothing in common.

[zatos]

Yeah you're right. I thought Graffiti was the developer, not the publisher.

[Poor2More]

Day 1 buy from me, and yes damn it looks like Chrono Trigger Alot! but who said that was a bad thing:)

[pete5883]

I don't know, I still think Graffiti being the publisher is a mark against it. You'd think, if the game was any good, they could find a better publisher. I'm hoping it's just that other publishers don't want to take the risk on such an old-looking game.

[defiance_17]

I don't know, I still think Graffiti being the publisher is a mark against it. You'd think, if the game was any good, they could find a better publisher. I'm hoping it's just that other publishers don't want to take the risk on such an old-looking game.
I doubt that it's because it's "old-looking." More likely because it's such a blatant copy-paste of Chrono Trigger and FFVI. I wouldn't want to be involved in that, either.
Don't get me wrong--I'll buy it for that reason alone. But c'mon, everything about this game was just lifted from a classic 16-bit RPG.

[thegame1921]

But c'mon, everything about this game was just lifted from a classic 16-bit RPG.

And the problem with that is? :)

[defiance_17]

And the problem with that is? :)
Don't get me wrong--I'll buy it for that reason alone.
...

[Gameboy415]

Can't wait to order both this and Chrono Trigger DS from Play-Asia in a few weeks! :D

[zatos]

Can't wait to order both this and Chrono Trigger DS from Play-Asia in a few weeks! :D

Just out of curiosity, why are you going with Play-Asia? I noticed it is at least $10 more expensive to order these together from them. Is there something special about ordering from them? Note: I have never ordered from them.

[pete5883]

He doesn't live in America, so it's probably the cheapest option.

[yukine]

Well it's probably the most convenient, he is importing U.S. games in, just a reverse of what we do since we most likely pay a premium as well.

I think Cheapy gets all his U.S. games from Play-Asia also.

[Gameboy415]

He doesn't live in America, so it's probably the cheapest option.

Exactamundo!

I've been living in Japan for the last 3 years and the cheapest way to get American games is definitely Play-Asia.com.
Even though their prices are sometimes jacked up, they ship games to Japan for free! Plus the numerous sales and $5 coupons you get with every order help out quite a bit.
Also, Play-Asia sometimes ships games earlier than their release date! For example, I got Mario Kart Wii (US version) 2 days before it came out in the US!

Looks like Black Sigil is going to be $34.90 @ Play-Asia. Not too bad!

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-ba-49-en-15-black+sigil-70-2ma9.html

[yukine]

Nope, even Gamestop charges $35.00 for $30.00 DS games.

[xycury]

Weird how you connected Mazes of Fate with this game. Other than both being a RPG there's almost nothing in common.

Mazes of Fate is getting a retouch for the DS, making it better.

it's out now!

anyways, can't wait for this one to come out... it's priced at 30 right?

hoping for a 20 game..

[zatos]

Should have noticed it said "Japan!" under your location. :}

[KingCrow02]

At E for All, Graffiti Entertainment had a booth set up and I got to meet the president of the company and his crew. They had a couple of their games on demo. I really enjoy the Black Sigil and C.O.R.E demos. I talked to him about the video game industry and the future of gaming. The president was so surprised about knowledge I had about their projects that he gave me Maze of Fate DS for free. What a great guy and I can't wait to see more cool games.

[laaj]

he gave me Maze of Fate DS for free

You paid too much

[Wolfkin]

I heard Mazes of Fate was on OK GBA games. Not like it was Dynasty Warriors Advance.

[Snake2715]

I heard Mazes of Fate was on OK GBA games. Not like it was Dynasty Warriors Advance.


maze of Fate was as good GBA game.

[xycury]

maze of Fate was as good GBA game.

Back to Stone is the ugly stepchild... that everyone should avoid.

But Maze of Fate was good. and now it's on the DS.


I'm going to have to see this one be bought... I could see this as getting hard to find.

[Wolfkin]

speaking of random good games.. Scurge:Hive.. awesome. Soon as I finished Phoenix 3 I'm gonna get a walkthru and finish this last section. Explorer types are all fun and games until you get lost and stop playing for 3 months.

[pete5883]

I would not call Scurge: Hive awesome.

[cletus]

The wobbly camera in that game made me nauseous. Otherwise it was kinda fun. They should have made it a straight 2-D platformer.

[zatos]

Well I'm with him. Scurge: Hive was awesome. :P

[slidecage]

seems cancelled??

[cletus]

Never!

[laaj]

seems cancelled??

?

[slidecage]

gamefly pushed it to unknown and said they were told it was cancelled

[xycury]

gamefly pushed it to unknown and said they were told it was cancelled


This has been pushed back several times, first it was June, then recently it was OCT, then NOV, now DEC... Amazon hasn't budged on the time.

Still shows TBA 08 on the site.

I would think that they are delayed, otherwise, why waste all that development just to cancel it, they had alot of it done from the trailers...

I wouldn't call it canceled, delayed so far...

[yukine]

Lots of games have been canceled that are either complete or near completion, so it can happen.

Gamefly has been accurate in regards to predicting early release of games, and if I'm not mistaken they have called canceled games before other retailers have as well. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Gameboy415]

I hope it's not cancelled!!

Though I think it was a GOOD idea to delay it a month or two so it wasn't lost in the holiday shuffle, especially up against Chrono Trigger DS.

[Wolfkin]

that's true it'd be a much better purchase in 09

[Ryuukishi]

This has been pushed back several times, first it was June, then recently it was OCT, then NOV, now DEC... Amazon hasn't budged on the time.
Black Sigil has been missing release dates since 2006, when it was still a GameBoy Advance game. I don't think there's any way it's coming out this year.

[xycury]

Black Sigil has been missing release dates since 2006, when it was still a GameBoy Advance game. I don't think there's any way it's coming out this year.


I hope it still comes out though.

even if it's a clone of clones.

[Vinny]

I hope it still comes out though.

even if it's a clone of clones.

I was kinda hoping it would come out too but... lets be honest, it was probably doomed to fail.

[DQT]

I hope it still comes out though.

even if it's a clone of clones.

I'm a little tired of these complaints. If Square Enix refuses to make games inspired by their own classics, why can't someone else? I like the idea of spiritual successors better than remakes, ports, and inferior sequels.

It's good if this game comes out outside of the holiday season, but with the way things are going, chances are good that this game isn't coming out at all.

[xycury]

I'm a little tired of these complaints. If Square Enix refuses to make games inspired by their own classics, why can't someone else? I like the idea of spiritual successors better than remakes, ports, and inferior sequels.

It's good if this game comes out outside of the holiday season, but with the way things are going, chances are good that this game isn't coming out at all.

you mean my clone of clones comment? (meant no offense by it)

It's been proven by picture and video that the menu system and backgrounds are heavily inspired by other games.

I don't mind what so ever either. I really wish other 3rd parties make RPGs and make me look at other games other than Square, Koei, NIS, and Altus titles.

[rothgar24]

I'll take a wait and see approach but it looks pretty good.

I like how the main character starts some serious face palming 2 minutes into the trailer.

[laaj]

Anyone know what's going on with this game? According to Amazon, Buy.com, gamequestdirect.com, and etc this game is coming out in Friday but wikipedia and few other shopping sites list February. Visits to the publisher and developer websites comes up nothing on release date. Do they even want to sell this game or set it up to fail. My bet still is on this game never coming out.

[Vinny]

Anyone know what's going on with this game? According to Amazon, Buy.com, gamequestdirect.com, and etc this game is coming out in Friday but wikipedia and few other shopping sites list February. Visits to the publisher and developer websites comes up nothing on release date. Do they even want to sell this game or set it up to fail. My bet still is on this game never coming out.

I doubt this game is coming anytime soon... seems like it's got the case of "Duke Nukem Forever" syndrome.

[nectarsis1]

no news :(

[SL4IN]

Amazon has a release date of March 8th.

[Strell]

Title has gone gold. (http://gonintendo.com/?p=70928#more-70928)

Says the release date is March 17th.

[keithp]

Title has gone gold. (http://gonintendo.com/?p=70928#more-70928)

Says the release date is March 17th.

Nice! Hopefully the game is as good as they SAY it is.

May as well post the text-

Black Sigil : Blade of the Exiled Video Game Title for Nintendo DS™ Goes Gold!
REDWOOD CITY, California.—January 28th,, 2008 (MarketWire) — Signature Devices, Inc. (OTCPK: SDVI) is pleased to announce that the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Graffiti Entertainment, Inc., has gone gold with the Role Playing Game Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled and has scheduled the release for March 17th, 2009. Going gold is a term used in the video game industry when all testing and functionality of the game has been completed, and the game has been approved for manufacturing.

Black Sigil : Blade of the Exiled is Role Playing Game (RPG) that will excite all gamers. The game includes vivid environments that create a realistic yet imaginative landscape with 40 to 50+ hours of game play and tons of side-quests. Dark secrets and powerful plot twists create an original and intriguing story line. You can strategically customize your 3 person party from up to 8 unique characters, and there are 100+ different physical and magical skills/combos, 100+ different weapons, and 200+ different pieces of armor.


“Black Sigil is a game that all RPG gamers will enjoy. The story is so intriguing that it will keep you glued to your Nintendo DS™ ,” stated Kenneth Hurley, CEO of Signature Devices, Inc. and Graffiti Entertainment, Inc. “With 40-50+ hours of game play the entertainment value of this game is fantastic. Those that have had a chance to play the game say that it is among the best RPGs they’ve ever played. Our testing team has played the game over and over for the last 3 months during the testing process and they still enjoy playing the game everyday. That in and of itself is a testament to the game play and story line. In 30 years in the game business I’ve never witnessed such a thing.”

[mykevermin]

nicey nice. hope it ships before the trademark infringement lawsuits come a rollin'.

[pete5883]

Trademark? Really?

Also, :rofl: at this press release.

[Vinny]

Damn, so this game is actually coming out..?

[JEKKI]

this game is gonna be so awesome!! when you're inspired by good things, then good things happen!!

this game is like Charles Barkley RPG 2.0

[Wolfkin]

ugh. I'm gonna have to buy this at full price on day one aren't I. it's gonna disappear so fast.

Edit: just took a survey from Microcenter regarding their gaming dept and one of the questions was would I buy Black Sigil. good sign i figure.. they were also asking me if I wanted Imagine: ***** and ***z and all sorts of random stuff

[punkmaggit]

This has a release date?? What??

http://www.sanfords.net/Spots_free_graphics/Pigs/pig1.gif

[DQT]

I'm as surprised as everyone here that this game is actually coming out. I'll give the CEO of Signature Devices the benefit of the doubt. The head of D3 publisher said the very same thing about Puzzle Quest. We all know how that turned out.

[Poor2More]

^ Puzzle quest was addicting and awesome, if this game turns out anywhere near as good as puzzlequest, then job well done

Day 1

[FreshTekRadio]

How come I cannot find this game on the gamestop website for preorder? I really want to support the title but would rather pick it up at my local GS so I can convince others to buy it also.

[pete5883]

I think this is probably going to be pretty hard to find.

[blackjaw]

How come I cannot find this game on the gamestop website for preorder? I really want to support the title but would rather pick it up at my local GS so I can convince others to buy it also.

Just pre-order it from Amazon and wait a few days...its not like there's gonna be a rush of people playing it to make you feel left out.

I personally can't wait. Even if the game has flaws, its so nostalgic it's gonna be a blast.

[Draekon]

Holy shit bricks, Batman!

[Purkeynator]

Glad to see they are releasing it before the DS dies off. They already missed the GBA lifespan and are probably coming close to missing the DS lifespan. I'll bet we see a DS successor shown pretty soon.

[SL4IN]

Glad to see they are releasing it before the DS dies off. They already missed the GBA lifespan and are probably coming close to missing the DS lifespan. I'll bet we see a DS successor shown pretty soon.

I think we're still a good 2 years before we see a new handheld by Nintendo. They DS is going to turn 4 this year, that's not that old.

[keithp]

I think we're still a good 2 years before we see a new handheld by Nintendo. They DS is going to turn 4 this year, that's not that old.

I agree. And even after the successor is released there will probably still be games released on DS for a while.

[SL4IN]

I agree. And even after the successor is released there will probably still be games released on DS for a while.

Exactly. The GBA debuted in 2001, and finally got an official "death" by Nintendo in 2007, 2 years after the DS had come out. We'll get atleast 6 years out of the DS line.

Back OT though, I kinda have a feeling that this one will be limited in print/release, so I imagine I'll pick this one up around launch. Still kinda mixed on it though.

[Purkeynator]

I just said we would probably be shown the successor soon. I know it will not be released this year but I'll bet we know what its going to be before the year is out. The Nintendo DS was first shown in July 2004, (and released in November 2004) which was 3 years after the Gameboy Advance was released. The DS has already been out for 4 years and 3 months at this point so a replacement is coming sooner than later. As for the game, it looks very good to me and will probably be one of the few games I won't be able to wait for a price drop on because of rarity. Just a guess though....

[Wolfkin]

Glad to see they are releasing it before the DS dies off. They already missed the GBA lifespan and are probably coming close to missing the DS lifespan. I'll bet we see a DS successor shown pretty soon.I don't know where that comes from. You have to remember that a) handhelds have a longer lifespan than consoles. b) backwards compatibility goes back pretty far on the handhelds c) the GBA was killed off accidentally. The DS was never supposed to replace the GBA, the plan was for a three pronged empire. The DSi doesn't mean the end of the DS.

[Vinny]

The way the DS is going, I doubt it'll die anytime soon.

I just preordered this on Amazon... not sure if I'll keep the preorder though I most likely will.

[Gden]

Sooooooo.... are we actually getting this game mid-March or not?

[pete5883]

Just checked the official site (http://graffitientertainment.com/index.php/games/black-sigil), and it now says Release Date: April 14th, 2009

[ChibiJosh]

Surprising...

[SL4IN]

So, now it has an april release date? Guess I can use the money I was going to spend on it this month on something else....

[Purkeynator]

I don't know where that comes from. You have to remember that a) handhelds have a longer lifespan than consoles. b) backwards compatibility goes back pretty far on the handhelds c) the GBA was killed off accidentally. The DS was never supposed to replace the GBA, the plan was for a three pronged empire. The DSi doesn't mean the end of the DS.

Your whole statement is incorrect. Not sure where you get your facts.

[keithp]

Actually the DS *wasn't* supposed to replace to GBA, he's right. But that's off-topic.

[yukine]

I never bought into that, I always saw it as an exit strategy if the DS totally bombed.

[SL4IN]

The DS is a completely different line from the GBA.

[Strell]

Uh. The DS was most certainly heralded many, many times before its release as a "third pillar." There is an official statement from Nintendo that they were entirely unsure of the entire thing, citing that "if it sells 10% of the GBA line, we'd be happy."

That obviously did not happen.

They are entirely different lines, yes, and the latter was NOT supposed to supersede/replace the former, but that's precisely what happened.

The DSi is meant to be another "third pillar" strategy, aimed more at the "non gaming" side of things, or so Nintendo is saying right now. I imagine in a year we'll see details on a more pure gaming system, but with all (or at least most) of the DSi's features, perhaps buffed up a bit. I really think they need to reach at least PSP level graphics with their next system.

I didn't know all of this was up for discussion.

[nectarsis1]

Gamestop still has no preorder up for this :(

[johnnypark]

For everyone looking for a release date confirmation...Gamespot posted a preview of the game (http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/projectexile/preview_6205117.html) on February 23rd. The end of the article states that it's coming out on April 14th, though Amazon still lists March 8th.

[pete5883]

Well, Amazon's bee making up dates for the last year and a half, so I wouldn't put much stock in what they have up now.

[pete5883]

The Black Sigil site now says April 14 too: http://graffitientertainment.com/index.php/games/black-sigil. I guess it's official :whee:

[nuugatman]

DELAYED AGAIN :wall:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Update-on-Graffiti-iw-14827224.html

[Gden]

edit*rolls eyes* not surprised

[punkmaggit]

DELAYED AGAIN :wall:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Update-on-Graffiti-iw-14827224.html
:lol:

[fifthcore]

Priced dropped on Amazon to $22.99 at the time of posting this.

[Squarehard]

Priced dropped on Amazon to $22.99 at the time of posting this.

Probably gonna get rolled back again in a couple of weeks

[Flak]

If I didn't have some tremendous games in my backlog (12 more endings in Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, Shadow of the Colossus, Resident Evil 4 etc...) I'd definitely pick this up right away. Looks fantastic.

[Gden]

I dunno we seem to be coming down to the marker now. Only about 3 weeks from the release date, so if they're going to push back again, it'll probably be soon or no more pushbacks (hopefully, oh god I hope so)

[slidecage]

Priced dropped on Amazon to $22.99 at the time of posting this.

still 22.99 tempting

[rothgar24]

I pre-ordered. 23 bucks and free shipping with my Sands of Destruction pre-order is pretty cheap.

[Gden]

I really hope we get this on the current release date, I really think this will be a great game.

[keithp]

still 22.99 tempting

You mean you aren't going to get it off Goozex, beat it in a day, and send it back? The world must be ending..lol...

[xycury]

You mean you aren't going to get it off Goozex, beat it in a day, and send it back? The world must be ending..lol...

Noo, that's Gamefly not Goozex and he'll find it on ebay to own by some 5th rate no-one ebay seller for $5 that had 20 copies 2 days after release then flip that on Goozex for like 600 points so he can get the next pokemon on release day from goozex on the following tuesday.

:booty:

I preordered... hope they ship soon!

[slidecage]

Pushed back AGAIN

This item will be released on May 26, 2009.


i doubt it ever comes out

[Poor2More]

Pushed back AGAIN

This item will be released on May 26, 2009.


i doubt it ever comes out

So they pushed it back one week eh, I think this thing is really coming out then, cause why push it back 7 days?

[SL4IN]

It got pushed back 2 weeks actually.

It looks like it may actually, finally come out this time though.

[Poor2More]

It got pushed back 2 weeks actually.

It looks like it may actually, finally come out this time though.

Date was May 19th, so pushed back to May 26th, is 7 days...am I right?

[SL4IN]

Date on the official website has been May 12th for a almost over a month now. Amazon tends to pull dates out of their ass at times.

[Poor2More]

Busy Month in gaming for me...

Sacred 2 (360) May 12th
UFC: Unleashed (360) May 19th
Black Sigil (DS) May 26th

[slidecage]

crap Knew i should of ordered if off amazon last night.

price is 27.99 now

[xycury]

crap Knew i should of ordered if off amazon last night.

price is 27.99 now

bummer, it still shows 22 in my order, glad amazon will honor it.

but it says it won't ship till 18th.

[cletus]

There's suppose to be a (lukewarm) review in next month's Nintendo Power. I'll update when I find out more. Looks like it may actually be coming out this year after all.

[SL4IN]

Nintendo Power gave the game a 5.0 with an incredibly tiny review.

Amazon has pushed the release date back to June 7th now.

[keithp]

Nintendo Power gave the game a 5.0 with an incredibly tiny review.

Amazon has pushed the release date back to June 7th now.

This sounds bad...doesn't NP usually give pretty good reviews?

[Strell]

I like the part in the game where it didn't come out so I couldn't play it to find a part I would like.

[SL4IN]

This sounds bad...doesn't NP usually give pretty good reviews?

It seems more and more lately that NP has been pretty harsh with their reviews. Their main complaints were that the combat feels like a chore and the ATB meters take a little too long to charge.

[Antic]

I'm sick of these delays.

[cletus]

I remember as a kid when NP would give every game from Nintendo a 8 or 9 out of 10 and most games 7 and up in general. As a kid I believed every score too. Nice to know they are starting to get better about stuff like that.

[nectarsis1]

I just realized..all these delays...REJOICE it's the return of Working Designs :bouncy::applause::rofl:

[DQT]

At this point, I'm pretty apathetic about the game. Looked promising, but now I don't care anymore. There have been tons of high profile releases since I first saw the trailer on youtube.

[Gden]

Soooo, a few more days.... any thoughts? Okay the site says June 9th now. Oh well, Gamestop says the 23rd.

[cletus]

Should I start a new thread once this game is released? I'll probably wait and see if it actually gets released first. Most of the posts in this thread have been speculation about when and if it will finally be completed.

[laaj]

Changes in NP scores could be new owners making some changes. Nintendo no longs owns the mag.

[nuugatman]

It's officially out! Just bought it straight from Graffiti's ebay store.

[slidecage]

gamefly still says JUNE 10 KEEP IT NOW PRICE Keep price: $22.49GameFly Rewards

Tempting ... will upgrade to another game at a time to get this shipped weds

[Draekon]

Holy shit, it did indeed just ship out from Amazon.

[slidecage]

Holy shit, it did indeed just ship out from Amazon.

would of loved to got this whenit was at 22.99 via amazon.

hummmmmm come on game be in my gold box tomorrow


27.99 via amaon shipped free no tax OR $22.49GameFly Rewards + tax= 24.06+ upgrade fee 2 bucks

26.00.......... seems gamefly will be the best way i just have to wait till the weekend to getit instead of thursday

[Dead of Knight]

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

[defiance_17]

I ordered a copy, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to regret it. I've been so excited for this for so long that there's almost no chance I won't be disappointed.

[xycury]

mines prepping for shipment.... but I shipped FFS so it'll take forever....

[Dead of Knight]

I'm counting on you guys' impressions. I'm not sure if I want to order it or not considering the only review so far is Nintendo Power and their reviews are horrible.

[Draekon]

I'll try to put in an hour of play today seeing as I'll be busy most of the day today. Depending on how that goes will determine whether or not I play this over other stuff for the rest of the week. Chances of it getting priority is pretty slim regardless.

[Antic]

I didn't think it'd ever.

[xycury]

I won't get this till late... FFS sucks... should have ordered it on my wife's Prime account.

Anyways, This might tempt me to play.

[Antic]

Mine is shipping out tomorrow, so I should get it Friday.

[Draekon]

Well I've given it about an hour and so far, I definitely don't have a negative impression of it. My initial impression upon playing it was, "WTF? THE BATTLES ARE SIMILAR TO LUNAR?"

So yeah, I don't remember if there were any gameplay videos of the battle system or not. The game has taken too long to release for me to have a clear memory of it. What I do know is that you can hotkey so many "skills" into battle and when you attack, you're limited by range as is the enemy. Also battle maps seem to be somewhat random, with a few static ones per area for stuff like times when you're surprised by the enemy and surrounded (Also maps have obstacles and such, plus enemies may have ranged attacks or be able to get over said obstacles). Pretty cool to be honest. Oh and it's the Final Fantasy 7 type of 'real time' battle system, meaning you have "Wait" and "No Wait" options for battle during the times when the menus pop up.

I can't really comment on the story itself or of any real character stuff, but it doesn't seem to be corny thus far. Which is a good thing I think.

Uh as for any copyright violations that could have taken place due to screenshots looking so damned similar to Final Fantasy 5 or 6, I simply don't see it being anywhere near the resemblance I once thought it was. Seems like there's a lot of custom stuff in the game and it's looking pretty nice for such an old school type art style.

Right now I'm hanging around the first town you're told to go to after I did my first objective. I'm attempting to get this guy to make me some armor which seems to require me to waste a lot of time. I assume it's based on sleeping at the inn, but I've slept three times with no luck yet. I guess I'll battle around for some more money and try again a few times. The bitch fucked up my armor the first time around, so the second time he wanted different ingredients that ended up costing me 300 gold. So we'll see how that ends up before I proceed.


All in all, I think I'll try and spare some time to play this on the side, but it won't be my main game I'll be playing at the moment. That's currently in use by Crimson Gem Saga.


EDIT: Oh and battles happen a little too frequently.

[keithp]

Definitely interested in this game, so keep us updated on impressions. Thanks!

[slidecage]

. The bitch fucked up my armor the first time around, so the second time he wanted different ingredients that ended up costing me 300 gold. So we'll see how that ends up before I proceed.

.

some reason i found that funny......

nice if i could swap my Knights gamefor this but seems gamestop only gives 12 for knights WTF

[Dead of Knight]

well i've given it about an hour and so far, i definitely don't have a negative impression of it. My initial impression upon playing it was, "wtf? The battles are similar to lunar?"


sold.

[Purkeynator]

For $23 I think I will bite. Final Fantasy isn't even Final Fantasy anymore but this looks close.

[Monsta Mack]

Damn need more impressions badly... been waiting for this game a long time myself to but I am so backlogged beyond belief that I've pretty much stopped buying PSP and DS games. I still have yet to get back into Suikoden DS.