Sounds interesting. Either way, this game is going to be great.

BREAKING NEWS

Final Fantasy XII Demo to be included with Dragon Quest VIII.

Is that true? That'll increase sales, no doubt.

A Square-Enix rep just posted to the Slime Knights forum with this:

A Slime draws near!
Command?

Add new full orchestrated soundtrack for usa version as well!


"The first PlayStation2 title in the series, DRAGON QUEST VIII is the latest in the legendary franchise that has sold over 40 million units worldwide. Updates for the North American release include: voice-overs, a full-orchestral soundtrack, a completely renovated GUI menu system, new battle abilities, and improved animations. These new additions greatly enhance the gaming experience for the North American audience. A bonus disc will also be included with a playable demo of the North American version of FINAL FANTASY® XII."

Hmm.. interesting.

I did not know the voice-overs were not in the Japanese version.

Good to know that gimmicky bonus won't be a taking up any valuable space on the disc from the feature.

Orchestrated soundtrack, BIG

Speaking of soundtrack, has it been released in Japan? I need to get my hands on a copy if so.

Original Soundtrack
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...ii-70-gke.html

Symphonic Suite Soundtrack
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...ii-70-p3k.html

PS2 Slime Controller (coming out here!)
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...ii-70-e7o.html

PS2 Metal Slime Controller (Japan only to celebrate US release)
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...ii-70-xzi.html

I've been thinking about that controller. I've heard it isn't exactly comfortable. At the very least it would look nice on top of the entertainment center. What are the thoughts on that?

I do like that Japan is getting an exclusive to celebrate the US release

I'm getting the controller for collector's sake. I probably won't use it, not for the ergonomics so much that it has this thing called a wire sticking out of it. Yes, Japan gets jealous that we're getting the Slime controller so they give themselves a new version. Trust me, if you saw a fraction of the Dragon Quest toys they have in Japan you'd freak out. Dragon Quest has its own section (actually multiple) on Yahoo Auctions Japan (Japan's eBay). The gumball machines you see in the store that have Mexican gangster figures? In Japan those are full of Dragon Quest monsters. One of the made-up spell names was actually added to the Japanese dictionary. It's insane.

oh hell yeeeeeeeah!!

-Attack

Pixy, the wire is detachable so the slime can sit on its stand on its own.

I know that. I'm just hooked on wireless so I don't think I'll use the slime controller because of that.

Yeah, the FFXII demo news came out over at slimeknights from the squenix employee and should be legit.

I'm kind of a DQ fanboy, being a crazy fan of Dragon Warrior IV. I've only played a little of the fan-translations of DQ5/DQ6 for SNES, though.

DW7 was excellent IMO. I bought it on release day. The shard collecting got a little tedious if you missed one, and I did have to do a bit of grinding sometimes. But I'll take a hard game with some grinding over the cakewalk that was FFX any day.

Then again, I never saw the end of it after 80-90 hours or so, 'cause the end boss kept kicking my ass. Then I lost my memory card with my saves on it somewhere when we moved to our new house last fall.

I am hyped about this game. I only buy a few games new every year. This year, it was Devil May Cry 3 & Dragon Quest 8 (will be doing a pre-order soon). I did pre-order Digital Devil Saga 2 from outpost for $35, but that's only because I know it won't really get any cheaper than that, even used.

I wish it was being released for something other than PS2. Are they ever going to release any of the older DQ for the GBA or DS like they di for 1-3?

Buying DQ8 is the only way to show that there's a market in the US enough for them to consider doing such a thing. Hell, buy it because it is going to be an awesome experience!

I made the suggestion on Slime Knights that porting the SNES versions of DQV and DQVI would probably be a good way to get these older, previously unreleased DQs stateside. I doubt it would happen but the GBA has a strong old-school RPG market and would probably sell decently.

There has been some really strong rumors about the DQ5 usa ps2 remake sitting around collecting dust. Now it been linked to coming DQ6 remake for a collection pack in states. Though this is largely based on if DQ8 does well first. Its a rumor but has solid sources.

Have they announced a Dragon Quest VI remake yet? I've heard nothing of it other than pure speculation based on them remaking an older DQ after a new one has been released since DQV. Square-Enix does have a poll running now on DQVIII and one of the questions is "Would you like to see older DQ games release here?" I'm sure they're considering releasing the V remake but I bet they're trying to figure out the best way to do it. It'll look "dated" after VIII is released but could be a good budget title. I love that game and really want to see an official US release.

Im doing my best to give this title all the attention in the world, and I even had someone preorder the controller yesterday. I think the count so far is six pre-orders for my store, and two for the controller.

Thats my man zero, keeping playing the good fight! Its a shame they felt they had to bundle in FF12 demo and a greater shame that DQ8 only now has started to get some attention because of it. But hey, in this age of GTA and Halo 's, we take what we can get :P

Speaking of the slime controller, has anyone seen/used one in person? Convincing the wife I need a $40 statue will be tricky. If I can actually use it, I'd have more power. Also, if I were to import the Japanese Metal one, would there be any problem using it with a US PS2? I'd imagine not, but I really don't know...