Final Fantasy IX Confirmed for PlayStation Network Japan

Square Enix Japan has confirmed that Final Fantasy IX will be available for download on Sony’s PlayStation Network. CEO Yoishi Wada left a short video containing the good news on the Square Enix Members Twitter page. Andriasang translated the information.

Like I said before, I’m really excited for FFIX on PSN, simply because I never got around to finishing it. Any of you planning to download it when it comes to America?

Source via Andriasang

Fat Princess or Scrabble on Sunday?

I wanted to keep the online gaming going, but had an unexpectedly busy week. One of the results of the week is that I’m going to Asia on Tuesday to produce a shoot. I wanted to get in another RPad.tv Invitational before I left. Fat Princess was slated to be the next PS3 game, while Scrabble was set for the next Xbox 360 game. Are any of you up for playing either on Sunday? If so, please let me know what time.

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

I’m totally into Final Fantasy XIII. I just started chapter eight and I really don’t understand why some people have bashed the game. The music is great; Masashi Hamauzu knocked it out of the park with a ton of pressure on him (mainly for not being Nobuo Uematsu). I started digging the gameplay after five hours and really enjoyed it after nine — I don’t understand the criticism that the game takes 25 hours to get going. The story is confusing at first, but a lot of the people that criticize the story go nuts over Final Fantasy VII’s, as if that story made a whole lot of sense. Plot aside, I’m really loving the characters. They’re different and interesting, dealing with a ridiculous situation in ways I can identify with.

So yeah! I’m completely satisfied with FFXIII so far and I’m excited to play more of it over the weekend. How about you? What are you playing this weekend?

Coffee Talk #120: What Bands Should Get Their Own Music Game?

My friend and I were talking about Green Day: Rock Band the other day. While we both like Green Day to a certain extent, we’re both puzzled as to why they have their own Rock Band game. Certainly there are better and more deserving bands, no? Perhaps it has everything to do with the band appealing to people in their ’30s and below, but shouldn’t bands like Queen and The Rolling Stones have their own Rock Band games before Green Day?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the start of a new MLB season (go Yankees!), cute Didi Benami getting booted over the incredibly lame Tim Urban, and tomorrow’s Apple iPad launch, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

My friend and I were talking about Green Day: Rock Band the other day. While we both like Green Day to a certain extent, we’re both puzzled as to why they have their own Rock Band game. Certainly there are better and more deserving bands, no? Perhaps it has everything to do with the band appealing to people in their ’30s and below, but shouldn’t bands like Queen and The Rolling Stones have their own Rock Band games before Green Day?

To be fair, Queen does have their own Singstar game, but this conversation was focused on the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. In that context you have Aerosmith, Metallica, Van Halen, and, of course, The Beatles. And coming soon…Green Day! Really?!?

With Green Day breaking down barriers to music games, I wanted to see what bands and artists you think should get their own Guitar Hero or Rock Band game. And no, The Monkees: Rock Band is not an acceptable answer.

Mafia II Developer Diary: Story and Characters

Here’s a cool developer diary for the upcoming Mafia II. The game is kind of flying under the radar, but I suggest keeping an eye on it. I saw it last spring and was very intrigued by its potential. The video features 2K’s director of creative production Jack Scalici, senior producer Denby Grace, cinematics director Thomas Hrebicek, and associate producer Alex Cox.

Jack is awesome because he likes to drink at my San Francisco dive bar.

Iron Man 2 Behind-the-Scenes Developer Video

Here’s an excellent video that gives you a behind-the-scenes look of the upcoming Iron Man 2. I guarantee you that this sequel will be way better than the original game. Sharing their insights are Sega Studios SF studio director Constantine Hantzopoulos, creative director Kyle Brink, development director Michael McHale, associate producer Beejey Enriquez, and producer Dean Martinetti.

McHale is an awesome guy. I’ve known him for like a decade and he’s just a sharp, sharp individual. Plus, he has awesome MacGyver hair. Martinetti is also a really cool guy. I met him randomly at a San Francisco dive bar and we bonded over being transplanted New Yorkers.

Anyway, check the video out and let me know what you think of the game (please)!