Level-5: 'wait for shocking announcements from Level-5!"

One of the most talent Japanese developers, Level-5 (White Knight Story, Dragon Quest IX : Protectors of the Starry Sky), has announced in the latest Famitsu magazine that a press conference named Level-5 Vision 2008 will take place in Japan on September 26.

[HighDefinition]

More games for PS3 hopefully, and most likely a NA release date. Since it`s coming in JP in a few short months.

The RPG slump will be OVER!!!!!

Level 5 FTW

[Hentai]

This time we won't be building towns, we'll be building a World, or maybe the universe!

[Aclay]

Seriously, Sony needs to acquire Level 5 because they NEED a first party developer that makes nothing but JRPG's. Microsoft has Lionhead to make RPG's for them. Sony has 1st party developers and 2nd party developers that make nearly all genres of games EXCEPT for RPG's and they need that.

If Sony doesn't acquire Level 5, hopefully they will publish Dark Cloud 3.

Anyways, I'm looking forward to hearing more about White Knight because there hasn't been much revealed about the game yet.

[heyheyhey]

@Hentai

sounds a bit like the Spore that never was.... except with every building sporting every variation of every colour in the rainbow and everything running around flinging fire spells..

[gaffyh]

I agree with Aclay, it will be a very good decision on Son's part to make Level 5 art of the Sony family. However if that is financially viable at this time is another issue, Sony wants to become profitable on PS3 (and I don't think that can happen if they buy a new studio).

September 26 is very soon, can't wait Level 5 ftw.

[Le-mo]

If it is indeed Dark Cloud 3 then it WILL be a PS3 exclusive. Why? Simple, Dark Cloud is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment and so is Rogue Galaxy. And I am 100% positive WKC is also a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment.

[JOLLY1]

I have no idea if the news I rheard is true, but it sounds like level-5 was jealous of all the publicity that SE got for going crossplat. So, it looks like they are going to have some "huge announcements" at this conference.

[JOLLY1]

New Message:
14 minutes ago | By: cahill | Block

WKS in december in Japan
x360 is now officially finished in Japan and europe(it was half finished in Japan ages ago)

[tetsuhana]

Level-5 was going to be making 360 games too, but Microsoft did something to piss them off, so they aren't going to work with them anymore.

[kazuma]

it was a xbox game, true fantasy live online.
level-5 had troubles with the online code and microsoft grew tired of waiting so they canned it.
then level-5 president said that microsoft sucked ass while dealing with them, so they most likely won't work together ever again.

[pain777pas]

AclayPS3 your absolutely right Sony needs to grab this great team of devs asap.

[Homicide]

Hope its Dark Cloud 3 or Rogue Galaxy 2 with a better story and character development.

[Figboy]

looked really frigging cool, and since it was Level 5, it was damn near guaranteed to be full of win.

it's unfortunate that Microsoft pulled the plug.

and now look, they are still trying to make headway in Japan.

a strong, RPG from a respected RPG house like Level 5 would have certainly done wonders. Square-Enix is nice and all, but it's pretty much widely accepted that they have passed their prime (with the SNES/PS1 eras being the best the company has done; they were UNTOUCHABLE back then. the PS2 era saw some great games, but nothing like during the SNES/PS1 days).

i agree that Sony should buy Level 5, but considering the strong second party relationship they have with them, i don't expect that to happen. so far, the majority of Level 5's games have been on Playstation consoles. they're like a Japanese Insomniac; they like working with Sony, but they like to keep their options open.

and considering that Sony OWNS the IPs of Dark Cloud, Rogue Galaxy, Jeanne D'Arc, and White Knight Chronicles, those titles will NEVER grace a Nintendo or Microsoft console.

Microsoft's issue (in my eyes), is that they don't buy the franchise. they simply "borrow" it for a while. it's like they don't want to invest in the gaming industry by holding onto some key franchises.

hell, they barely want to hold onto any established studios (Bungie, Ensemble).

i think by showing an indifferent attitude towards investing in the gaming industry, it rattles confidence in the Microsoft brand to stick around in the gaming space. the 4 year lifespan of the original Xbox didn't help either, while the PS2 is still going strong, even though the spotlight will eventually shift to it's big brother.

i'm always up for a Level 5 announcement, regardless of the platform it's one. my guess is their announcements will be a mix of titles for the PS3, PSP, and Nintendo DS (maybe even the Wii and PS2), as those are platforms they are familiar with, and on good business terms with.

[SullyDrake]

White Knight Story? Dark Cloud 3? Rogue Galaxy 2? A new IP?

I think we can expect all 4, and expect them as PS3 exclusives.

[mikeslemonade]

Wow I rather have just white knight story and dark cloud 3 alone compared to the handful of exclusive JRPGs on the 360. DC3 and WKS are going to do some ground breaking things.

[skynidas]

:)

[sonarus]

====Do:

[TheColbertinator]

I see Liar's post is still there.

Hmmm...

[TANOD]

WHAT HAPPENED ABOVE??

[usin420]

I was wondering the same thing, I guess a smiley face just pisses people off.

[coolfool]

It pissed me off.....boy am I angry now!!!

Damn stupid smiley face.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

:)
:)
:)
:)
:)
:)
:)

^^^In loving memory of the smiley massacre of '08...

[vegnadragon]

9 days ways and counting.

[cahill]

I am 100% sure on this

anyway WKS is easily the biggest RPG of this gen

Poor MS and x360 will be completely wiped out in december in Japan and eu

Kill the competition PS3

@mohib

I am not that cahill. That bastard banned me once from GT forums. That bastard is an XBOT. after that i never went to that forum. that guy is destroying GT

[mohib-uddin7986532]

I loved Dark Cloud 1+2

also cahill i heard that you are a mod on Gametrailers and that you are gay ?

is that true?

[AngryXbot]

This console war is about done. Whiteknight is easily a very highly anticipated RPG and its release will destroy the 360 first in Asia and than the rest of the world.

A Dark Cloud announcement is perfect and will counter the FF13 announcement easily. I have stated a month ago that Sony needs to redirect resources at once due to the treacherous EA of the East (Square Enix).

It seems that Sony was thinking the same thing.
ICO game announcement at TGS
White Knight in December
Tales of Ves
Eternal Sonata
Valkyrie
Dark cloud at level 5 conference?

Holy shiat, RPG fans are in for a TREAT. These arent shiat games like infinite floppery. PS3 the true RPG king.

[Rick Astley]

WTF ^ Obsessive Dark Cloud fans are funny.

[TheColbertinator]

Yay

[Mr_Bun]

Has anyone mentioned "Dark Cloud 3" ?

[Stryfeno2]

• Xbox 360: 28,681 units
• Wii: 27,057 units
• PLAYSTATON 3: 8,050 units (This is PS3 homeland)

NUFF SAID!!!

[pwnsause]

lol, you do know the next week, its going to go back down below the PS3, ROFL

[TANOD]

TO YOU ALL ABOVE

[Final_Rpg]

I hope so, that would be awesome. Dark cloud series are very very respectable I believe.

[AngryBot]

This console war is about done. Whiteknight is easily a very highly anticipated RPG and its release will destroy the 360 first in Asia and than the rest of the world.

A Dark Cloud announcement is perfect and will counter the FF13 announcement easily. I have stated a month ago that Sony needs to redirect resources at once due to the treacherous EA of the East (Square Enix).

It seems that Sony was thinking the same thing.
ICO game announcement at TGS
White Knight in December
Tales of Ves
Eternal Sonata
Valkyrie
Dark cloud at level 5 conference?

Holy shiat, RPG fans are in for a TREAT. These arent shiat games like infinite floppery. PS3 the true RPG king.

[meepmoopmeep]

Level-5 announces that they are now property of Sony's 1st party studios
(i hope) :P

[cahill]

LEVEL 5 is now the new SQUARE|

SQUARE has now become trash --IU/PROJECT SYLPHEED are games that SQUARE is now making!!!

I am sure LEVEL 5 will announce 2 new exclusives for PS3 on 26th

Poor MS ..this is double killing for them after WKS announcement

[AngryXbot]

PS3 is fastly becoming PS2. With unrivaled line up that appeals to everyone.

PS3 is set to take the crown of RPG console. Take note fake consoles, the RPG king is back in town!

History is repeating itself and the crap60 is doomed. Looking back to the beginning of 2008, there has been nothing but GOOD news for the PS3 and nothing but BAD news for the crap60.

How one can still think the crap60 is a winner is beyond me!

Its real simple logic.
400 bucks for a CHAMPION = BARGAIN
300 bucks for a LOSER = RIP OFF!

[meepmoopmeep]

i would be surprised if Level-5 announces anything for the 360

edit:

Level-5 announces that they are now property of Sony's 1st party studios
(i hope) :P

[heyheyhey]

yes, since they said they won't develop anything for Microsoft.... it would be pretty surprising

i agree with you about the acquisition prospect, then could stop wasting time and resources on DS games an concentrate on making Rogue Galaxy 2, WKS2, Dark Cloud 3 and hopefully DQ10- imagine all those exclusive to PS3 :)

[Rick Astley]

Level-5 has very bad relations with Microsoft after that whole Phantasy Star Online fiasco. Microsoft wants everything to go their own way and they're very bossy and disrespectful. Level-5 will stick to Nintendo and Sony.

[Rock Bottom]

It was fantasy live not fantasy star.

[heyheyhey]

please be Rogue Galaxy 2, or that your developing a proper DQ game for consoles

[Marty8370]

cahill - Sony own the 'Dark Cloud' IP rights, so ofcourse it will be PS3 exclusive.

[lilwingman]

As long as it is available for the PS3, anything from Level-5 will be great news. Personally hoping for an official Dark Cloud 3 announcement, but a Dragon Quest game would make me downright giddy.

[meepmoopmeep]

it's got to be one of those for sure

[Omega4]

Hopefully some 360 RPGs now THAT would be "shocking!" Not that it needs anymore lol

[PirateThom]

It would since Microsoft screwed over Level-5 and they vowed to never make another game for a Microsoft console.

[heyheyhey]

hell yeah it does..

while sporting a respectable selection of enjoyable JRPG's- there's no particularly exceptional one's

TOV and LO just exceed mediocrity, but nowhere near the excellence that is expected from Level-5 JRPG's

@Jenzo

i never said Folklore was any better, while i enjoyed the game- it too, just about exceeds mediocrity

as for Disgaea 3, well it's niche- the 77 score it carries relates to the average user, to the longstanding hardcore fans of the series- it's like 100 dude, you should hear them praise the game

look i never said the PS3 was better for JRPG's, i'm just saying Omega is wrong (as usual)

[radio0o]

it does need more though because none of the ones released so far have been really good.

[InMyOpinion]

"TOV and LO just exceed mediocrity"

Tales of Vesperia - 80 avg. at metacritic
Lost Odyssey - 78 avg. at metacritic

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice - 77 avg. at metacritic
Folklore - 75 avg. at metacritic

If TOV and LO are just above mediocrity, what do you call the highest rating RPGs currently available for the PS3?

[Rick Astley]

@ Jenzo: Two hyped JRPG's VS one strategy RPG that wasn't hyped at all and an action adventure. Great comparison.

The difference here is that PS3 owners aren't bragging about having the most RPG's. 360 owners are, even though the games are just slightly above average to mediocre. Us PS3 owners are getting the only JRPG's that matter next year. This is why we don't care about uninspired trash like Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon. And the Tales series has always been crap.

[Mwaan]

Folklore and Lost Odyssey are both must haves.

[InMyOpinion]

I think all of the games are great RPGs. I just thought heyheyhey's comment was completely ridicolous.

[HighDefinition]

Also says GTAIV is the BEST game EVER!!!!

So.....

[JD_Shadow]

You brought that same talking point up when someone else brought up the 360's failure and producing a JRPG megahit in the states (though, to be fair, there's nothing saying that it would've enjoyed better success as a PS3 exclusive).

Is that, like, your only recourse when someone brings the 360 JRPG sales issue into the mix?

[pp]

Xbox360 exclusives

[cahill]

WKS --the biggest RPG of this gen is coming exlcusively to PS3 thise December

that will be the FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF DEAD BOX 360 (already half dead in Japan)

expect 2 more games being announced for PS3 exclusively in Japan on 26th

[Freezingduck]

.

[DarthTigra]

Shoot i wouldnt even expect a 360 game from level 5 after what MS did to them.

[Rick Astley]

You really are a retard, pp. Level-5 hates Microsoft.

[Mr_Bun]

what happened between level 5 and M$?

[heyheyhey]

@Mr Bun

L5 were making an MMO for Microsoft called True Fantasy Live Online- then Microsoft screwed them over and canned it..

...L5 vowed never to work with MS again

at least that's i know

[TheColbertinator]

@Mr Bun

A few years ago,during the time of the Xbox,Level 5 was going to make an MMORPG for Microsoft.But there was several problems.Level 5 was tasked with too much work on the MMO,the Japanese market had no interest in the Xbox,and Microsoft still had the old MMO policies that restricted creativity.With these back and forth arguments,Level5 and Microsoft spilt and Level 5 vowed to never make games for Microsoft again.

Edit:It was'nt Phantasy Star,it was True Fantasy Live Online.It was cancelled in 2004

[Shane Kim]

pp hurry up and rob mommys welfare. You might be able to buy a PS3 before she notice.

[Mr_Bun]

Bubbles for your help guys!

[pixelsword]

...Level doesn't never worked for Microsoft, but they always worked for money: so if the money's right, expect old wounds to be healed.

That's just the way the business world works.

[gravv]

global release for wkc, trilogy plan for wkc, dark cloud 3, rogue galaxy 2, level 5 become first party studio, new game for PS3

finger crossed and looking for the shooting star, please god make at least one of my wish fulfilled

[lilwingman]

That would be a joyous day indeed :P

[byeGollum]

hmm, theres other places apart from NA you know - im sure gamers in EU & AU want the game too -

im guessing they migtht announce an EU & NA Release or maybe a new ip or suttin .. whatever it is i dont think it will be a 'shocker' ... or maybe it will

[Darkiewonder]

it's a japan Event. i doubt they'll have anything about NA/EU there unless they plan to go silmutaneous release for future games.

[radio0o]

OH S*** HELL YEA

[sinncross]

You know what, among any titles they announce they seriously to announce some PS3 and PSP exclusives.

True Fantasy Live Online and Dark Cloud 3 for PS3, then something for PSP... and even a PSn title!!!!

come on lvl5!!!!

[heyheyhey]

a Level 5 PSN title would rock man... i love PSN games and seeing a great company like Level 5 make one would be awesome

[meepmoopmeep]

a PSN sequel or game like Jeanne D'arc would be awesome!

[J@D]

Please be Dark Cloud 3... PLEASE!!!

[Toixer]

Just announce a Dragonball rpg for ps3 and 360. That's all I'm begging for.

[Honor_in_Armor]

A remake or new game like "Legend of the Super Saiyajin" for SNES would be appreciated.

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

There will be a large number of ps3 rpgs...at the TGS

[Mcrmarcher]

Did level 5 actually say that? or is it just a rumor?

[Hentai]

During 2006 -level 5 stated
"We'll on sony side" Something like that, can't remember. >_<

[heyheyhey]

yes that is infact what Level 5 said- no rumor

they only make games for the PS3 and DS now

[TheColbertinator]

Its true.After Microsoft canceled True Fantasy Live Online,Level 5 vowed to not return to Microsoft.However,they still make games for Sony and Nintendo so they are not completely exclusive.

[cemelc]

I remember they screw Lv5, and they were saying that it wouldn't work with them in the forceable future or something

[Xbox360_Mujahid]

i've seen the light

ps3 owners ... i'll join u soon

it's true .. i'm gonna get a ps3

Little big planet here i come man i WANT this game

yaaaaay

[cemelc]

Good for you, ill recomend MGS4, Uncharted, Resistance 1, Folklore and Hevenly Sword they are great games too.

And of course all the ones coming for PS3 this Xmas

[Xbox360_Mujahid]

thanx

i'm gonna get :

1-resistance 2
2-little big planet
3-socom
4-mgs4
5-uncharted

=)

[heyheyhey]

great for you, another gamer discovers that the grass is much greener on the Sony side of the fence

enjoy your amazing console :)

[Mcrmarcher]

Ah thanks, bubbles =P

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Dark Cloud 3, Dragon Quest IX, a release date for White Knight Chronicles, Sony has signed them on, and Rogue Galaxy 2. All assumptions.

How about a Professor Layton for the PS3? I would actually really love that. It needs some more puzzlers.

Jeanne D'Arc for PS3, anyone?

[TheColbertinator]

One thing wrong with what you said.

Dragon Quest 9 will not be on PS3.Its currently being finished for the DS.The decision from the creator to have DQ9 on the DS was made 2 years ago.

[meepmoopmeep]

Professor Layton is more suitable for the DS. unless it came with a touchpad for the PS3.

i would LOVE a Jeanne D'arc but the story wouldn't make sense and conflict with history.
:(

(well, sorta.*minus spoiler*)

[lilwingman]

DQIX for PS3 = No.
DQX? = That'd be sweet.

Though that decision also depends upon S-E. Maybe Level-5 can talk them into it, after gaining some great PS3 experience with WKC.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

I know it's only coming out for the DS, but why couldn't they make a PS3 version?

Professor Layton is a great game, people...no matter what system it would be on.

[MajesticBeast]

We announce that well be working only with sony platforms from now on and have joined the sce family after Dq9 is finished. That would be a megaton then i can honestly say screw SE cause seriously Infinite undiscovery just isnt gonna cut it ohh ye and i have it another wasted 60 euros:(

[NMC2007]

Coke is better than Pepsi? We already know that Level 3, now leave us alone.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

ok..

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

That would be funny if it were true.

Pepsi is better than Coke.

Coke is too acidic.

Vanilla Coke...that's another story. I shoot up with that stuff.

[dcbronco]

Microsoft has a lot of money. Just about every other Japanese dev is working on the 360. And it seems that a lot of Level 5 games haven't sold that well recently. I think this might be some sort of 360 announcement, especially since it is around the same time as Microsoft's big announcements. Companies get angry with each other all the time. And they make up and do business again. Plus, most small and mid-sized devs can't survive on their own anymore. Also with the 360 outselling the Wii last week and everyone agreeing that the West is the future of gaming, Microsoft is a good friend to have.

[Freak of Nature]

I hope Dark Cloud 3 is announced...That game has always had this "needs to be on a next gen system feel" to it....

Then at TGS show me Trico and BG&E 2 and a surprise showing of Jax 4 and I will be awfully pleased....Hey,a guy can dream can't he?

[siyrobbo]

what exactly went down between level 5 and microsoft? when did they say they would never support 360? i cant find anything about it on the net? would love to knoW

[tiropitas]

if you had read the comments you would know..

[siyrobbo]

saw it in comments (didnt realise there were 2 different comments sections for each topic, and ive been lurking around here for the past year!)

Not that big a deal, they didnt officialy state they wouldnt work with microsoft again, i bet you any money thats exactly what they are going to announce, some sort of Microsoft deal. (and thats only because they announced the news as shocking, unless they were being sarcastic)

[NinjaRyu]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

[JD_Shadow]

Something caught my eye there along with the MS crap, which was THIS:

"In an interview in 2008, the CEO Akihiro Hino stated he still has many ideas for True Fantasy Live Online, and would personally like to work on the game. Whether or not the game does come back into development has yet to be seen."

Could one of these announcements be that that game is going to be made as a PS3 exclusive, since they still hold interest in making the game?

[siyrobbo]

lol, wikipedia, anyone can edit that and put what they want, link to a press release from level 5

[Relientk77]

omg Dark Cloud 3.... or Rogue Galaxy 2... THEY BOTH SOUND GREAT

[juuken]

^__^
PS3 FTW.

[Naked-Snake]

Great, if they show some news on the Team Ico game it would be awesome.

[skyfire2261]

Guys guys you have it all wrong..they are finally going to hit Level 6!!!

OK bad humor aside I'm thinking some content for PSN. :)

[siyrobbo]

if Level 5 announce plans to work on the xbox 360, suddenly all these people chiming on about how great they are will suddenly decide that they arent that good after all. And if white knight chronicles goes multiplatform, that game will suddenly become crap!

[zenosaga04]

Well since the IP is owned and Published by SCE I don't see it happening

[siyrobbo]

published by scee, but owned by them? not so sure, remember mass effect was published by microsoft, but its now owned by EA, so funnier things have happened.

maybe they have bought out tecmo?

[Figboy]

check out the end of the trailer.

http://www.gametrailers.com...

it has a Sony copyright on it.

Sony doesn't license franchises, they buy them, because they understand that the mainstream audience is familiar with FRANCHISES, not the studios that create them.

take for example, Halo 4. Bungie probably isn't working on it, but is that going to stop it from selling a bagillion copies? no. because it's the name "Halo" that has a following in the mainstream circles, not Bungie. hell, my uncle wants to buy a 360 just FOR Halo 3, and he has no idea who Bungie is.

Sony owns Dark Cloud, Jeanne D'Arc, Rogue Galaxy, AND White Knight Story. those franchises will not be seen on anything other than a Playstation platform.

[psiom]

Flooding the 360 with JRPGs is all the rage these days.

If they are really saying to expect a "shocking" announcement, it'll probably white knight multiplatform, or a new 360 IP.

Honestly what else would be shocking? A new PS3 game wouldn't shock anyone.

Personally I would just like them to focus on getting the damn PS3 stuff finished. Maybe I'll get interested in their titles again once there's some idea when they'll be hitting.

[UltimateIdiot911]

I highly doubt WKS will go multi. They made announcement that it will have secrets that is only possible on the PS3 besides WKS is right around the corner.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

WKS is published by Sony Computer Entertainment.I doubt very much it'll go Multi-plat

[psiom]

Ah cool, sorry I didn't realize WKS was being published by Sony.

Could still be a new IP perhaps?

[smurfie4]

If it turned out to be a dark cloud 3 announcement, I would be speechless.

[Obama]

Can't wait. I still haven't finished Dark Cloud 2 but it is a truly fantastic game.

I remembered the president of level 5 saying that it would never work with MS again. Well, MS deserves it.

[PopEmUp]

Dark cloud 3 can't wait, i finished both 1&2 and still like playing it, hope the announcement be Dark Cloud 3

[gersh]

Dark Cloud!!!!!????
:D

[NinjaRyu]

Level 5 making a 360 games but............that will never happen seeing they still hate MS after the True fantasy online thing! I Guess their just announcing more PS3,PSP, DS,& WII games! Still I wish MS & level-5 would just kiss & makeup already! >_<

[Born2BK1NG]

i wish i new what u guys were talking about...

HALA BAK @ THE Wii!

[Knightofelemia]

Level 5 should focus making games for the P3 yes it is true but the can still deal with the DS and WII thees money in it. As for Dragon Quest 10 the game is under the banner of SquareEnix the hold the card to that game. Like Tri Ace made Inifnite Undiscovery wich flys under the SquareEnix flag, why cause Square published it they have the say wich console the game lands on. If Sony were smart they would grab Level 5 since the to go together so well. Unlike Microsoft well its there screw up for not snatching up Bungie.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Anyone else find that date a tad interesting? I mean we know something is happening with Halo 3 on Sept. 25th. One has to wonder if MS might have a little barrage of game titles planned for that time frame. After all, isn't Japan ahead by one day to the US? So what happens on the 26th would technically be hitting news here in the US on the 25th?

We shall see.

[LethalToxins]

Meh, I'd rather see Sony acquire Atlus...

[Dark_Overlord]

I love Atlus games for their more mature story lines, but prefer level 5 games as I just find them more fun

[rob6021]

It makes sense that it would be something for PS3, considering the relatively light amount of rpgs for PS3 - Sony isn't that stupid to not have rpgs in the pipeline. Considering their internal studios don't seem to be working on any.

[B-Rein]

hope its dark cloud 3, or maybe even a Dragon quest game on a home console (PS3), hahahah I'd laugh if the announce True Fantasy Online on the PS3 hehe

[aiphanes]

Level 5 is an awesome company...and they know North America and Europe wants their games on the PS3...especially white knight chronicles.

People underestimate sony and what they can do. Sony is very strong in first and second party..