you gotta be kidding me

[raiku]

FF13 was announced as the same day

this wont end well for those getting SJ. if its like it was with persona PSP with ODST, things wont end well

[Eggn0g]

I was kinda expecting a March release, but on the same day? Damn, that's pretty brutal.

I woldn't be suprised or dissapointed if Atlus delayed the game a month or two to avoid that.

[kat_ears_kahrain]

I was kinda expecting a March release, but on the same day? Damn, that's pretty brutal.

I woldn't be suprised or dissapointed if Atlus delayed the game a month or two to avoid that.

I really hope they move that date now. As my financial situation stands, its FFXIII > SJ. If they moved it forward or backward by about 2 weeks then I could get both.

[Cactus]

It would be a very tough decision, but I would probably buy this first. With that being said, there are probably countless fans of both that wouldn't, so maybe it would be better for all of us if this were delayed something like one month.

[four_black_hearts]

Is there even a question? FF XIII is a total turd compared to SJ. A shiny, lustrous turd with transformer summons, but a turd nonetheless...

[Cactus]

Is there even a question? FF XIII is a total turd compared to SJ. A shiny, lustrous turd with transformer summons, but a turd nonetheless...

Do we even have to start this argument here? Final Fantasy is the most mainstream JRPG in the West, and it'll sell into the millions easily when all is said and done, no matter how terrible you think it'll be.

Strange Journey will be an amazing game as well, but it doesn't have the mainstream appeal to go head-to-head with Final Fantasy. It'll be obliterated sales-wise, and that's not what we, or Atlus USA, want to happen. It should be delayed. Even a couple of weeks to a month will see a massive improvement in sales upon release compared to if it were released on March 9.

[Eggn0g]

Is there even a question? FF XIII is a total turd compared to SJ. A shiny, lustrous turd with transformer summons, but a turd nonetheless...

Did you get a review copy of the Japanese version then? Because that's a pretty harsh opinion for a game that's not been released yet.


I really hope they move that date now. As my financial situation stands, its FFXIII > SJ. If they moved it forward or backward by about 2 weeks then I could get both.

Same here. Unless I get rich come March, FFXIII will take priority.

[Terash Cas]

Good thing for Tax Returns... looks like I will have to put of getting out of debt another year.

[ShadowRaskolnik]

You're making a big deal out of nothing, fans of SMT games will most likely still purchase SJ when it is released.

[kat_ears_kahrain]

You're making a big deal out of nothing, fans of SMT games will most likely still purchase SJ when it is released.

The big problem is not the people that will buy it, but the people that won't because they either:
a) don't know what Shin Megami Tensei is
b) know that Final Fantasy brings a certain level of quality

With the release of FF13 being on 2 consoles, the chances of a little known DS title stealing sales is minimal.

[Spacial User X]

I dont have PS3 or 360, and no plans on buying one of them, so...

Strange Journey!

[four_black_hearts]

I don't want to start an argument, I just don't really see these games as competition. SE has it's mega-gigantic mainstream fan base, and Atlus has it's comparatively tiny, although arguably equally as well defined niche. The people who don't know what SMT is weren't going to buy this game anyway, and the people who do will have to have it the instant it becomes available because it's the game that hardcore fans have been waiting for for a very long time.

[Crabman]

In ACST (Atlus Canada Standard Time), SJ won't come out till the 17th of March so we're fine!

Also, do recall that waiting on purchasing an Atlus game is never a good idea. I'm getting both day one, but if I had to make a choice, SJ would be it for sure.

[ShadowRaskolnik]

You're making a big deal out of nothing, fans of SMT games will most likely still purchase SJ when it is released.

The big problem is not the people that will buy it, but the people that won't because they either:
a) don't know what Shin Megami Tensei is
b) know that Final Fantasy brings a certain level of quality

With the release of FF13 being on 2 consoles, the chances of a little known DS title stealing sales is minimal.

As four_black_hearts previously said, if people don't know what SMT is they most likely won't purchase the game anyway. Atlus is a company whose games mainly cater towards their fans and those who enjoy games with a fair amount of difficulty. SJ will still enjoy some measure of success because those people will be the ones who preorder and purchase the game.

[kat_ears_kahrain]

You're making a big deal out of nothing, fans of SMT games will most likely still purchase SJ when it is released.

The big problem is not the people that will buy it, but the people that won't because they either:
a) don't know what Shin Megami Tensei is
b) know that Final Fantasy brings a certain level of quality

With the release of FF13 being on 2 consoles, the chances of a little known DS title stealing sales is minimal.

As four_black_hearts previously said, if people don't know what SMT is they most likely won't purchase the game anyway. Atlus is a company whose games mainly cater towards their fans and those who enjoy games with a fair amount of difficulty. SJ will still enjoy some measure of success because those people will be the ones who preorder and purchase the game.

Selling only to people who would buy it anyways is a poor business model. You need to advertise and draw in new customers with each game.

Invariably something will upset existing fans, causing a few to leave. These are the people that don't come back. If you continue to release games to the ones you have remaining, you'll end up with a handful of fanatics that won't make you any money.

[Crow T. Robot]

You're making a big deal out of nothing, fans of SMT games will most likely still purchase SJ when it is released.

Yeah I know I will. Screw FF.

It's a shame Atlus RPG's are overlooked.

[Gen Eric Gui]

Also, do recall that waiting on purchasing an Atlus game is never a good idea.

This.

Why is there even a question here? If you want both games, get the Atlus one first because I assure you there will be a million copies of FFXIII floating around a few weeks after the fact, while SJ will be done and gone by the time you "get around" to getting it. Hell, in two weeks time you can probably find a used copy of FF if you're that tight on cash.

[pktazn]

Yea, I'll probably buy SJ first because I know there'll be copies of FFXIII flying everywhere within a few weeks of it being released.

It is a shame that they're being released the same day though. :[

[Crow T. Robot]

Also, do recall that waiting on purchasing an Atlus game is never a good idea.

This.

Why is there even a question here? If you want both games, get the Atlus one first because I assure you there will be a million copies of FFXIII floating around a few weeks after the fact, while SJ will be done and gone by the time you "get around" to getting it. Hell, in two weeks time you can probably find a used copy of FF if you're that tight on cash.

That's so true cuz we RARELY get SMT or ATLUS games traded into us at my work and when we do get them they sell in a day.

[Zacewing]

I'll probably have enough for both games by the time they come out.

And FF13 will trounce SJ sales-wise, no questions asked.

[Kenji]

I must get Strange Journey on the release date, if for no other reason than so I won't forget about it, turn around, and have to pay $80 for my copy (again). Unless FFXIII offers some incredibly wonderful extra, there's no way I'm preordering it... hell, even that isn't a good enough criteria, since I got the Collector's Edition of FFXII two years after its launch (though I'm unaware of any preorder extras it might've had).

All of that said, have you people noticed that there's been more than a few new MegaTen fans who started with Devil Survivor? Or how about Persona fans who are starting with the PSP re/port? Or how about Persona 3? Some of us, no, the majority of us haven't been here since Jack Bros. made its debut on the red torture machine, or even when Nocturne came out.

The possibility of new fans shouldn't be scoffed at, especially since they do show up with every new MegaTen and Atlus needs their monies. If Atlus USA thinks it's a good idea to not directly confront Final Fantasy XIII and possibly get eclipsed in the eyes of potential new fans, then it's likely a good idea.

[Enzeru]

FF13 was announced as the same day

this wont end well for those getting SJ. if its like it was with persona PSP with ODST, things wont end well
How did ODST affect Persona PSP...?

On topic...I don't see this as a problem. I doubt that no one in Atlus realized when FFXIII was being released. They know their stuff. ;]

EDIT: Also, when is FFXIII 360 being released, an anyway? I heard they were working on it after the PS3 version gets released.

[kat_ears_kahrain]

EDIT: Also, when is FFXIII 360 being released, an anyway? I heard they were working on it after the PS3 version gets released.

Both versions released at the same time.

[DamageCity]

Ah the beauty of a having a job. I can get both.

[Nephlabobo]

I was going to make a topic about this.

I wonder if Atlus will move the date.

I'll get Strange Journey at launch and FF after exams

[raiku]

FF13 was announced as the same day

this wont end well for those getting SJ. if its like it was with persona PSP with ODST, things wont end well
How did ODST affect Persona PSP...?

well, it did for me

paid in full by release date, called in asking if it was in, they said yes. went inm and they sold my copy because they were too busy with ODST after i waited a hour and a half in line

[GQSmoos]

FFXIII most likely isn't going to be released the day you think it will. They like to push back their games. It's sport for them Last I checked it was comign out in Feb and I just looked again yesterday to get an exact date and it's june now. Wasn't too long ago I thought I would make my wife buy it for me for Christmas 09 [Like I did two years ago with 12 (or was that last year? When did that come out?)]

[Nephlabobo]

FF12 was three years ago.

And no, they've made the announcement, they're not going to jerk it around just for sport.

[raiku]

http://kotaku.com/5403678/final-fantasy-xiii-hits-north-america-march-9

lets hope it gets delayed

[Foobar]

Strange Journey is a DS game.
FFXIII is a PS3/360 game.

I fail to see the issue here. I am not a "I can only get one" person. I also don't have an emotional investment in games I buy, which is more than likely why I fail to see the issue. I buy SMT games because I enjoy them, not because I feel like I'm part of some special club when I get them.

I'll be getting both the same day, but more than likely SMT:SJ will be getting priority play since I can't stuff a PS3 in my jacket's inner pockets.

[Nephlabobo]

Strange Journey is a DS game.
FFXIII is a PS3/360 game.

I fail to see the issue here. I am not a "I can only get one" person. I also don't have an emotional investment in games I buy, which is more than likely why I fail to see the issue. I buy SMT games because I enjoy them, not because I feel like I'm part of some special club when I get them.

I'll be getting both the same day, but more than likely SMT:SJ will be getting priority play since I can't stuff a PS3 in my jacket's inner pockets.

Not everyone can afford both at the same time is the problem. Some people will be saving up for one.

[Foobar]

Strange Journey is a DS game.
FFXIII is a PS3/360 game.

I fail to see the issue here. I am not a "I can only get one" person. I also don't have an emotional investment in games I buy, which is more than likely why I fail to see the issue. I buy SMT games because I enjoy them, not because I feel like I'm part of some special club when I get them.

I'll be getting both the same day, but more than likely SMT:SJ will be getting priority play since I can't stuff a PS3 in my jacket's inner pockets.

Not everyone can afford both at the same time is the problem. Some people will be saving up for one.

I need to have an HDTV and PS3 before I can even play FFXIII. I can achieve that by March 10th. All I have to do is make a few lifestyle adjustments, eat out a bit less, cut spending on soda (better off without it anyway) and not be a consumer whore in general.

I'll stop making retail purchases after Zelda Spirit Tracks. If I complete all the games I have before SMT:SJ and FFXIII are out, I'll put up a $5 or $10 each week on PSN or DSiWare so I can have a little something to play.

I think I can make it.

[Hamel]

Not everyone can afford both at the same time is the problem. Some people will be saving up for one.

If you work from now until march you can afford the games and more
it's not like they are getting out tomorrow people still have 4 months

[Yukichin]

I wouldn't even bother getting FFXIII right away. It will be there, for sure; anyone saving up for both, I'd advise 'em to get SJ first because Atlus games get harder to find.

[pktazn]

Also, do recall that waiting on purchasing an Atlus game is never a good idea.

This.

Why is there even a question here? If you want both games, get the Atlus one first because I assure you there will be a million copies of FFXIII floating around a few weeks after the fact, while SJ will be done and gone by the time you "get around" to getting it. Hell, in two weeks time you can probably find a used copy of FF if you're that tight on cash.

QFT again.

[Zacewing]

It's not like FF13 is gonna be like 500 bucks or something.

I'm betting FF13 will be $70 and SJ will be $40 so that's $110. Probably $125 after taxes.

If you have a job and you can't afford both by the time March rolls around you either need to get a new job or ask your boss for a serious raise...

[Wildarms]

buy one one week, and buy the other the next week, or 2 weeks... is not like they will disappear

[DamageCity]

Well I would recommened people pre-order SMT as there are a lot less units of ATLUS games than Squenix games. It's not like FFXIII is gonna become rare or anything, SMT on the other hand...

[raiku]

i was reffering more to the fact that i wont be able to get this game for about a week because they wont even get it(even if i reserved it) like what happened with persona psp

[Kenji]

i was reffering more to the fact that i wont be able to get this game for about a week because they wont even get it(even if i reserved it) like what happened with persona psp
That's an issue with your local game store, not Square-Enix or Atlus. If you're seriously worried about that, then just preorder it off Amazon... you'll save around five dollars doing that, anyway.

[Raksha]

There's also the matter of how Atlus would look if they 'chicken out' on the release date because of FF.

Dunno if that's a problem, but I'm just saying.

[poiuiu]

The two cater to completely difference niches.

Having GTA4 had zero effect on P3Fes sales after all.

And besides, SJ has too much gameplay and too little story and fluff for the casual FF fan to give a second look anyway.

[Crow T. Robot]

Yeah but FF and SJ are both RPGs; as GTA4 is an open world, kill the hooker, carjack the grandma game and P3Fes is an RPG.

[Syra]

I can somewhat see the concern here, but for fans of both, it should be a no brainer. SJ is an Atlus game. You always pre-order Atlus games, period. Fact is, FFXIII will be there when you go back. Hell, two months later you can get a used version half priced, I'm calling it now, because you know someone wont like it.

Personally, I don't even have a DS...but SJ has pushed me across the line. It's the one game I needed to have a big enough list to justify the purchase, so I'm definitely going to be trying to get it. FFXIII? I kind of want it, but I remain skeptical. I haven't enjoyed the more recent FF games much, so I've no problem waiting a month or five to get it for cheap.

Honestly, if you want both, but can only buy one, SJ should really take priority, you'll save money that way. FFXIII is almost guaranteed to drop in price, SJ is almost guaranteed to increase. Plus, you never know, Atlus may throw in some spoils. Who doesn't love Atlus spoils? Jack Frost in SJ Armor plushy anyone?

[DamageCity]

Oh Christ, please no more plushies.

[slayn]

Ah the beauty of a having a job. I can get both.

This is an important post that is being overlooked.

[sfried]

Is there even a question? FF XIII is a total turd compared to SJ. A shiny, lustrous turd with transformer summons, but a turd nonetheless...This.
Do we even have to start this argument here? Final Fantasy is the most mainstream JRPG in the West, and it'll sell into the millions easily when all is said and done, no matter how terrible you think it'll be.Everybody knows that Final Fantasy has divulged into becoming Tetsuya Nomura's fashion show post-FFVII. Heck, even Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers shows better promise as an FF than that game.

[poiuiu]

Yeah but FF and SJ are both RPGs; as GTA4 is an open world, kill the hooker, carjack the grandma game and P3Fes is an RPG.

And FF13 is a collection of poorly implemented sci-fi media and jrpg cliches with extensive Shounen action filler thrown in while SJ is an SMT mainline game made along the lines of EO. Two completely different games.

[heyitskeith]

Def would be a good idea for atlus to change the release date. Most people that own a ds have a current gen console. This game looks sick, but will be completely overshadowed with ff13 media.

[slayn]

Most people that own a ds have a current gen console.

I don't think this is true.

[Onion of Mystery]

Def would be a good idea for atlus to change the release date. Most people that own a ds have a current gen console. This game looks sick, but will be completely overshadowed with ff13 media.

That would happen whether or not the game comes out shortly before or after FF13 comes out anyway. We'd have to push SJ waaaay back, like into the 2010 holiday season, in order to completely avoid the ripples FF has on the market. We don't want to do that, and I'm fairly sure nobody here would want us to either.

[Eggn0g]

And FF13 is a collection of poorly implemented sci-fi media and jrpg cliches with extensive Shounen action filler thrown in while SJ is an SMT mainline game made along the lines of EO. Two completely different games.

And you know this... how, exactly? For all we know it could bugger a load of jRPG chiches part way through.

[Foobar]

And FF13 is a collection of poorly implemented sci-fi media and jrpg cliches with extensive Shounen action filler thrown in while SJ is an SMT mainline game made along the lines of EO. Two completely different games.

Made by people who helped my EO, perhaps, but more in-line with SMT1 and 2 than EO. Not that its the perspective that defines it for me, just an observation of similarity.

Also, having not played FFXIII, how is it you can tell us how it is? All RPGs have cliches and east or west, many of them subscribe to the same ones. TV Tropes exists for a reason.

[slayn]

And you know this... how, exactly? For all we know it could bugger a load of jRPG chiches part way through.

Going out on a limb, I'll say he knows it because he's played the four of the last five Final Fantasy games and Square hasn't been real keen on changing the basic formula.

Maybe they will, though. I just very seriously doubt it.

[kat_ears_kahrain]

Def would be a good idea for atlus to change the release date. Most people that own a ds have a current gen console. This game looks sick, but will be completely overshadowed with ff13 media.

That would happen whether or not the game comes out shortly before or after FF13 comes out anyway. We'd have to push SJ waaaay back, like into the 2010 holiday season, in order to completely avoid the ripples FF has on the market. We don't want to do that, and I'm fairly sure nobody here would want us to either.

Or you could move it to a February release. That works too.

[slayn]

Or you could move it to a February release. That works too.

I like this idea.

[Onion of Mystery]

From The Simpsons, season 8: "You Only Move Twice"

Homer: [to staff] Are you guys working?
Man 1: Yes, sir, Mr. Simpson.
Homer: Could you, um... work any harder than this?
Man 2: Sure thing, boss.
[typing speeds up]


...That's how it doesn't work.

[Cactus]

Def would be a good idea for atlus to change the release date. Most people that own a ds have a current gen console. This game looks sick, but will be completely overshadowed with ff13 media.

That would happen whether or not the game comes out shortly before or after FF13 comes out anyway. We'd have to push SJ waaaay back, like into the 2010 holiday season, in order to completely avoid the ripples FF has on the market. We don't want to do that, and I'm fairly sure nobody here would want us to either.

You'll never be able to avoid the ripples, but by keeping the release date as March 9th, you're going to be engulfed by the waves!

...

Seriously though, a 9 month delay is the last thing that we want:exclaim:

The first week sales of the game can only get better if you delay it a week or two, and avoid the massive entity of Final Fantasy XIII. Sure us fans would have to wait a little bit longer, but since it's for the good of the game, I wouldn't mind.

[sfried]

Also, having not played FFXIII, how is it you can tell us how it is? All RPGs have cliches and east or west, many of them subscribe to the same ones. TV Tropes exists for a reason.I don't trust TV Tropes that much. They make many assumptions of various subjects by riding on notions and using very mainstream examples without doing much...ahem...research.

[slayn]

...That's how it doesn't work.

I would wager it also doesn't work when you're spending time on the forums and not working on the game, Mr. Smarty Pants!

I kid, I kid.

[heyitskeith]

That would happen whether or not the game comes out shortly before or after FF13 comes out anyway. We'd have to push SJ waaaay back, like into the 2010 holiday season, in order to completely avoid the ripples FF has on the market. We don't want to do that, and I'm fairly sure nobody here would want us to either.

I've heard only awesome things about the game, but history says that doesn't matter. Take Shadow Hearts for example. SH was one of the best rpg's on the ps2 at the time(and still is IMO). Nobody had a clue it existed for quite some time because it was released a week before ff10. Granted SMT's fanbase has grown substantially, it can't compete being released the same day as a ff game. I totally agree nobody wants to wait till the holidays but changing the day (particularly forward) will increase launch sales.

I say this cause the people need to know what Atlus is about. RELEASING THAT QUALITY SHI!!!!


It's not like FF13 is gonna be like 500 bucks or something.

I'm betting FF13 will be $70 and SJ will be $40 so that's $110. Probably $125 after taxes.

If you have a job and you can't afford both by the time March rolls around you either need to get a new job or ask your boss for a serious raise...

Naaaa in reality some people can and some can't. Even if you can afford 2 rpgs doesn't mean you'll want to be playing both simultaneously. I dunno about you guys but I'm the kinda guy who plays one RPG at a time. If a better game comes out or if i want to punch too many of the characters in the face I'll move onto a new game.

[poiuiu]

And you know this... how, exactly? For all we know it could bugger a load of jRPG chiches part way through.


Also, having not played FFXIII, how is it you can tell us how it is? All RPGs have cliches and east or west, many of them subscribe to the same ones. TV Tropes exists for a reason.

It'll take me far too many words to say when a simple video will do (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SJPeFNbhOs).

Either way, my point again, despite the two games falling under the jrpg genre, there's little if not very little overlap between the two since their respective focuses are so different. It's like comparing F-Zero Passion to Forza 3: The True Driving Experience.

And yes, I know the EO gameplay is based on SMT, but I've played that more recently than a first person SMT game.

[RainbowDespair]

I'm a huge fan of Shin Megami Tensei, but this is the first main series Final Fantasy to be released on the 360 & PS3 (the MMORPG doesn't count). FF13 is definitely going to take precedence for me, even though Strange Journey looks extremely promising. I doubt I'm the exception here - although most Final Fantasy fans aren't SMT fans, I daresay most SMT fans are fans of at least some of the Final Fantasy games.

And it's not just about money, it's also about time. Unless FF13 turns out to be awful, I'm going to be spending all month playing it. Either push Strange Journey up a month so we can play it while we're waiting for FF13 or push it back a month so we can play it after we're done.

[Crow T. Robot]

I'm a huge fan of Shin Megami Tensei, but this is the first main series Final Fantasy to be released on the 360 & PS3 (the MMORPG doesn't count). FF13 is definitely going to take precedence for me, even though Strange Journey looks extremely promising. I doubt I'm the exception here - although most Final Fantasy fans aren't SMT fans, I daresay most SMT fans are fans of at least some of the Final Fantasy games.

And it's not just about money, it's also about time. Unless FF13 turns out to be awful, I'm going to be spending all month playing it. Either push Strange Journey up a month so we can play it while we're waiting for FF13 or push it back a month so we can play it after we're done.

50 bucks says FF13 is like 20 hours, if that.
I'm not trying to dis FF but alot of RPG's this gen are about that long it seems.

[LadyRayna]

50 bucks says FF13 is like 20 hours, if that.
I'm not trying to dis FF but alot of RPG's this gen are about that long it seems.

And your point is...?

If they’re 20 fun hours than it’s better than being an 80 hours RPG filled with useless BS. It really annoys me that nowadays RPGs have to be long to be considered good.

[RainbowDespair]

Aside from Mass Effect if you skip all of the side quests, I'm at a loss to think of any really short RPGs this generation. If anything, with massive games like Fallout & Tales of Vesperia, the average length this generation has increased.

[Zacewing]

I'm a huge fan of Shin Megami Tensei, but this is the first main series Final Fantasy to be released on the 360 & PS3 (the MMORPG doesn't count). FF13 is definitely going to take precedence for me, even though Strange Journey looks extremely promising. I doubt I'm the exception here - although most Final Fantasy fans aren't SMT fans, I daresay most SMT fans are fans of at least some of the Final Fantasy games.

And it's not just about money, it's also about time. Unless FF13 turns out to be awful, I'm going to be spending all month playing it. Either push Strange Journey up a month so we can play it while we're waiting for FF13 or push it back a month so we can play it after we're done.

50 bucks says FF13 is like 20 hours, if that.
I'm not trying to dis FF but alot of RPG's this gen are about that long it seems.

Um, most JRPG's now adays are 30-40 hours in length and that's with just the main story.

And I don't care how long it is, so long as it's fun.

[Onion of Mystery]

...That's how it doesn't work.

I would wager it also doesn't work when you're spending time on the forums and not working on the game, Mr. Smarty Pants!

I kid, I kid.

Well, we could press this jolly, candy-like "Shut Down The Forums" button, which would let me get back to my real job... Nah, I like goofing off with you guys too much to give that up.

Anyway, we've got people hand-crunching the numbers with abaci and slide rulers, and they're savvier than I about the winds that blow across the frigid plains of the marketing world. If FF13 really is enough of a concern to shift release dates over, it'll happen with due care. And if FF13 and SJ do happen to come out on the same day, well... I'm sure you'll all make the right choice. ;)

[Takara_Kitsune]

That would happen whether or not the game comes out shortly before or after FF13 comes out anyway. We'd have to push SJ waaaay back, like into the 2010 holiday season, in order to completely avoid the ripples FF has on the market. We don't want to do that, and I'm fairly sure nobody here would want us to either.

Initially reading the thread, I was thinking this as well. Exact words, even. Well, not exact, but close. A rough comparison is Tales of the Abyss. Perhaps the best Tales game to be released on the PS2. Even better than Tales of Symphonia PS2 and Tales of Legendia. It was released 20 days before Final Fantasy XII. It didn't stand a chance. It was still before, but close enough to pose an issue.

Simplest terms:

Release before, and the game is overlooked by those only looking at Final Fantasy

Release after, and the game is overlooked by those saying, "Nah, I just bought Final Fantasy!"

I've heard only awesome things about the game, but history says that doesn't matter. Take Shadow Hearts for example. SH was one of the best rpg's on the ps2 at the time(and still is IMO). Nobody had a clue it existed for quite some time because it was released a week before ff10. Granted SMT's fanbase has grown substantially, it can't compete being released the same day as a ff game. I totally agree nobody wants to wait till the holidays but changing the day (particularly forward) will increase launch sales.

I say this cause the people need to know what Atlus is about. RELEASING THAT QUALITY SHI!!!!

Shadow Hearts was really one of, if not the best game of early PS2. Not even Shadow Hearts' own sequels match up to the original. (I suppose if we wanted to be technical, we could count Koudelka, but... we're not. I don't have it so I don't know how epic it may be. :( ) Either way, Shadow Hearts and Tales of the Abyss suffered the same fate. SH is now a rare gem, and it takes a good bit of effort to locate it. Tales of the Abyss isn't quite as rare, but the sales were dismal compared to any other Tales games. And believe me when I say that even Tales of Vesperia doesn't beat Abyss.

Anyway, I ignored Atlus for the most part until Trauma Center: Under the Knife. ^^; I knew Atlus only as "That company that made the Pokemon ripoff" (Robopon). However, TC looked interesting, and one of my friends was really hyped about P3... so I got that too. The rest is history, as they say.

It's not like FF13 is gonna be like 500 bucks or something.

I'm betting FF13 will be $70 and SJ will be $40 so that's $110. Probably $125 after taxes.

If you have a job and you can't afford both by the time March rolls around you either need to get a new job or ask your boss for a serious raise...

Naaaa in reality some people can and some can't. Even if you can afford 2 rpgs doesn't mean you'll want to be playing both simultaneously. I dunno about you guys but I'm the kinda guy who plays one RPG at a time. If a better game comes out or if i want to punch too many of the characters in the face I'll move onto a new game.

I should be able to afford both... but this time I may pass on the Collector's Edition. It really depends on what the CE has. And if the 360 has a CE at all. (FFXIII of course) I'll say now if any Atlus game has a CE, there's no question, I'm getting that one. :P I think currently, my mental resources are stretched across about 20 different games. I'm trying to finish what I've started before I begin anything else. It's very distracting playing more than one game at a time. Of course, I've begun working on that, so it should be all good. :3

Aside from Mass Effect if you skip all of the side quests, I'm at a loss to think of any really short RPGs this generation. If anything, with massive games like Fallout & Tales of Vesperia, the average length this generation has increased.

I think the fact behind this is... there are less RPGs than last generation at this point. (Which don't get me wrong, I'm fine with) The games are longer, but there are less of them. However, Vesperia was a quicker game to finish than Abyss, and I mean doing all the sidequests in both, Vesperia was shorter still. To be honest, though, I think a lot of people skip the sidequests in RPGs... I don't know why, since they're usually very much worth the effort. ^^; (And I will also admit, my Vesperia playtime was inflated by at least 10 hours... because I got really into the Poker... ^^; Future gambling addicts unite?)

[Enzeru]

You know what RPG was 12 hours? Too Human. But guess what? I loved it. Not only because of the online co-op, but because of it's pure awesome gameplay (opinion!). And guess what? I played Solo again. With the same character. And again. With the same character. Length =/= Quality.

[Vicious1915]

Also, do recall that waiting on purchasing an Atlus game is never a good idea.

This.

Why is there even a question here? If you want both games, get the Atlus one first because I assure you there will be a million copies of FFXIII floating around a few weeks after the fact, while SJ will be done and gone by the time you "get around" to getting it. Hell, in two weeks time you can probably find a used copy of FF if you're that tight on cash.

Absolutely. Anyone remember FF XII?
I certainly remember making sure I preordered my "super special ultra edition" game and guide only to find that almost FOUR years later I can find a brand new copy of the Special Edition game AND guide pretty much anywhere.

I would prioritize Strange Journey if you're having to choose. Final Fantasy will always be hangin' onto shelves. People buy Atlus games like [insert thirsty desert wanderer comment here].

[Vicious1915]

SH was one of the best rpg's on the ps2 at the time(and still is IMO).

[QUOTE=Takara_Kitsune;152770]Shadow Hearts was really one of, if not the best game of early PS2. Not even Shadow Hearts' own sequels match up to the original. (I suppose if we wanted to be technical, we could count Koudelka, but... we're not. I don't have it so I don't know how epic it may be. :( ) [QUOTE]

Shadow Hearts is one of my very favorite series and I hold it dear to my heart. In fact, I almost died last year when all three games were stolen from me. I have recovered only Covenant. The only relevance is that I agree with you two whole-heartedly and it's nice to see someone else loves that series.

As for Koudelka, it's not that epic, but it most definitely ties into Shadow Hearts I. It was a neat game despite its flaws, and it only cost me 30 bucks. The game itself is incredibly short but has a few different endings and I found it worth the money given my love of the series.

If you play it and get the "canon ending" you'll find out who Haley's father is.

(Sorry for the double-post.)

[Zoltor]

50 bucks says FF13 is like 20 hours, if that.
I'm not trying to dis FF but alot of RPG's this gen are about that long it seems.

And your point is...?

If they’re 20 fun hours than it’s better than being an 80 hours RPG filled with useless BS. It really annoys me that nowadays RPGs have to be long to be considered good.

Lol don't count on that, with the exception of the wiiware's/JP cell phones FF4 sequal(which can easily last you 100+ hours) which was an awesome RPG as well(old school style at that), there hasn't been a good FF game in almost a decade.

I strongly suggest you don't even think about buying any square game with tons of graphics at all. Evil squaresoft when pumping a game full of graphics, completely then neglects every other aspect of the game which is also more important(Square's way of thinking: woot woot, we made an awesome trailer, and the movies/graphics are insane, that will make the suckers buy, no need to waste time on important stuff like the systems, story, replay, difficulty, longevity exc).

[Kakizaki]

there hasn't been a good FF game in almost a decade.You need to temper some of what you say on this board. Keep in mind opinions are supremely subjective - as in your statements regarding FF or past comments regarding consoles.

FF XII is one of my favorite games of all time and my favorite FF easily -- my previous favorite FF was VI. And no this isn't up for debate or open to criticism in this thread. My point, again, is that opinions are subjective for the most part, and statements like yours that I quoted in this post, can be fire starters. Not to mention FF bashing, especially regarding the newer titles, runs rampant and becomes quite cliche. As does the Square Enix bashing in general...Blah, whine, blah. People need to drop it.

[Zoltor]

there hasn't been a good FF game in almost a decade.You need to temper some of what you say on this board. Keep in mind opinions are supremely subjective - as in your statements regarding FF or past comments regarding consoles.

FF XII is one of my favorite games of all time and my favorite FF easily -- my previous favorite FF was VI. And no this isn't up for debate or open to criticism in this thread. My point, again, is that opinions are subjective for the most part, and statements like yours that I quoted in this post, can be fire starters. Not to mention FF bashing, especially regarding the newer titles, runs rampant and becomes quite cliche. As does the Square Enix bashing in general...Blah, whine, blah. People need to drop it.

You know what, I think ATLUS should kind've support such bashing, nice way to releave stress= happy community, but yea probally not in random threads (they should create another sub forum for such, that would be awesome if ATLUS would create a gaming industry related debate forum section).

edit - Seriously, drop it with the over-the-top FF junk. I wasn't joking - Kakizaki

[DamageCity]

that would be awesome if ATLUS would create a gaming industry related debate forum section).


I think there is already enough of that on the innernettes.

[slayn]

Final Fantasy 2 is the best Final Fantasy, hope this helps!

[Kakizaki]

^Jerk.

[Syra]

I strongly suggest you don't even think about buying any square game with tons of graphics at all. Evil squaresoft when pumping a game full of graphics, completely then neglects every other aspect of the game which is also more important(Square's way of thinking: woot woot, we made an awesome trailer, and the movies/graphics are insane, that will make the suckers buy, no need to waste time on important stuff like the systems, story, replay, difficulty, longevity exc).

That's not true at all. For one, all Square does for visuals is improve their polygons and textures. Their animations are mediocre at best, and half the time, they seem to be reused from the PS1 era(compare the runs of Tidus from FFX to Serge from Chrono Cross). Fortunately, their combat animations are usually pretty decent, but watch all the "dramatic" scenes in that FFXIII trailer, they look like power rangers, talking with their heads half the time. Honestly, getting some proper nod animations wouldn't have killed them.

Square does more than they usually get credit for. They never tend to reinvent the genre, but what people overlook, is that they completely reinvent their games each time. Sure, the plots follow the same formula, and the characters are starting to be so similar you don't even care to hear their names anymore, but the combat system, magic system, and/or how you learn abilities always changes, for better, or for worse. Compare FFVI, FFX, and FFXII, and tell me they are the same. You can't.

The FF series may be overrated as hell, and in dire need of some new storytelling mechanics, but to say SE does nothing with all their money but make shinier visuals is still a very flawed statement.

Now then...I need to get myself a DS so I can play Strange Journey, and while I'm at it, maybe I'll invest in some of that stylish, antarctic exploration armor. Seriously, that armor design is hot. >.>

[Crow T. Robot]

50 bucks says FF13 is like 20 hours, if that.
I'm not trying to dis FF but alot of RPG's this gen are about that long it seems.

And your point is...?

If they’re 20 fun hours than it’s better than being an 80 hours RPG filled with useless BS. It really annoys me that nowadays RPGs have to be long to be considered good.

Sorry I didnt mean it in a bad way. I was just saying....

[Fuyukaze]

FFXIII? That can wait. SJ on the other hand is worth getting day 1. FF games drop in price after the first 6 months and only continue droping after.

[Rednusander]

You know what, I think ATLUS should kind've support such bashing, nice way to releave stress= happy community, but yea probally not in random threads (they should create another sub forum for such, that would be awesome if ATLUS would create a gaming industry related debate forum section).


We're not about to support "bashing" any of our competitors. One reason being that the games industry is a tight-nit one to be in. Several of our own staff started at various other companies, some have moved on to those other companies, and some have even come back.

Bashing competitors is a lose-lose situation, and it's just not good business practice.

[Zoltor]

You know what, I think ATLUS should kind've support such bashing, nice way to releave stress= happy community, but yea probally not in random threads (they should create another sub forum for such, that would be awesome if ATLUS would create a gaming industry related debate forum section).


We're not about to support "bashing" any of our competitors. One reason being that the games industry is a tight-nit one to be in. Several of our own staff started at various other companies, some have moved on to those other companies, and some have even come back.

Bashing competitors is a lose-lose situation, and it's just not good business practice.

Fair enough.

[poiuiu]

We're not about to support "bashing" any of our competitors. One reason being that the games industry is a tight-nit one to be in. Several of our own staff started at various other companies, some have moved on to those other companies, and some have even come back.

Bashing competitors is a lose-lose situation, and it's just not good business practice.
If only all people in the industry had this mentality (but still remain competitive), then truly everyone can win, especially the fans.

[Zoltor]

We're not about to support "bashing" any of our competitors. One reason being that the games industry is a tight-nit one to be in. Several of our own staff started at various other companies, some have moved on to those other companies, and some have even come back.

Bashing competitors is a lose-lose situation, and it's just not good business practice.
If only all people in the industry had this mentality (but still remain competitive), then truly everyone can win, especially the fans.

aint that the sad truth, ATLUS is pretty much an oddity in such thinking(lol have you ever seen a Sony forum, It's not a pretty picture).

[PainKilleR-[CE]]

FF XIII will be a greatest hits title and selling @ $20-30 a year after the release. SMT: SJ may not be available a year after the release.

It's really not a tough decision for me, even if there weren't plenty of other reasons to choose an SMT title over an FF title.

[TheDoctor]

I'm not enjoying all of the FF bashing or people freaking out about the date.

I'm a MegaTen fan but I enjoy the occasional FF game, it's not good to be playing the same %^&* all of the time. Diversity is awesome.

I'll be buying Strange Journey day 1 and I'll enjoy FF13 sometime in the future.

[Crow T. Robot]

There aren't to many peeps freaking out perse, but it's gonna be tough for Sj to have great sales if it's being released the same day as a mainstream and popular RPG series. People are just being realistic is all.

[Chromanin]

Ah the beauty of a having a job. I can get both.

Yes, I suppose that's one of the perks of employment. I can buy all the games I want; I just don't have time to play them.

[unknown]

I don't give a #### about FFXIII.

So I'll be getting Strange Journey, wouldn't mind if you guys released the game earlier (HEHEHE) to avoid the competition, but if you delay it... *shakes fist*

[Tivor]

Ah the beauty of a having a job. I can get both.

Yes, I suppose that's one of the perks of employment. I can buy all the games I want; I just don't have time to play them.

Yeah, for me it's more of a time issue than a money issue. I want to play both, but I'll probably get SJ first since that one is more likely to go OOP,

[Foobar]

I don't see what teeing off about some other company accomplishes anyway. Using the internet as an outlet for all your frustrations is one thing, but if you're going to be a jerk, be a jerk where its accepted and OK. There aren't many places like that which I know of.

I really find it funny people have such emotionally invested anger toward SE, or any company, really. I don't like what Bioware and Bethesda do these days, but I'm not really losing sleep over it, either. The way some people talk, though, you'd think they have Nomura's face on a dartboard or something.

[illogicaldreamr]

Is there even a question? FF XIII is a total turd compared to SJ. A shiny, lustrous turd with transformer summons, but a turd nonetheless...

Do we even have to start this argument here? Final Fantasy is the most mainstream JRPG in the West, and it'll sell into the millions easily when all is said and done, no matter how terrible you think it'll be.

Strange Journey will be an amazing game as well, but it doesn't have the mainstream appeal to go head-to-head with Final Fantasy. It'll be obliterated sales-wise, and that's not what we, or Atlus USA, want to happen. It should be delayed. Even a couple of weeks to a month will see a massive improvement in sales upon release compared to if it were released on March 9.

SJ would be obliterated sales wise regardless of it being released on the same day or not, but yeah, it would be a good idea to not release it on the same day as FFXIII.

[Kromat]

I agree that this should be fun game when it comes out, because I loved devil survivor because of the Tactical RPG (I love the genre) and the first person combo, along with the content and fusion possibilities.

This game will be out in March, and there's plenty of stuff to fill the void, like atm, games like (Disgaea 2 PSP, Creature Defense TD, Jeanne D'Arc, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Final Fantasy IV DS, FFXII, Metroid Prime 3), also work and focusing on school, it shouldn't be hard to wait.

P.S. I got other games that i'd like to finish, but these are the ones that I'm concentrating on atm, and move on to them, when It's the right time.

[Neveryll]

First off let me say I will eventually own both games. I have been a long time fan of both series. I plan on preordering and day one.

For those that like to bash on the Final Fantasy series I would like to point out that the art of making games isn't simply a matter of choose a format and make a game and then make the next one with better graphics. If that was all that was offered then people would soon lose interest and leave as there is nothing decidedly different in any of the new sequels. Sure the explosions look a bit cooler and the story is a bit mroe detailed but that doesn't mean that keeping the same formula = more customers.

Just look at the Persona line of games. While some people here may not like the newest ones that were made, you will have to admit that the newest ones have helped draw more people into the SMT series of games. Many of them have tried to acquire some of the old games to see what the Ohh and Ahhing of the older fans have been talking about. It is important to try new things with games or you have little to help keep your playerbase excited about your latest offering. This sometimes means ruffling the feathers of purists but keeping a one size fits all attitude is the surest way to stagnate your fans.

I do think that releasing against Final Fantasy will hurt for new fans of the series that might be picking it up for the first time but I think its flavor and gameplay will set it apart in ways from the latest Final Fantasy offering. Given the fact they were both not announced to be released next week, fans of the series should have time to save for both games. It just means that people may have to use that little used strategy of saving money to get what they want. :p

All I can hope is that the good people at Atlus have some sharp marketing to dazzle gamers with the finer points of their game.

[Macheath]

Will this be delayed? I just got an e-mail from Amazon saying that the new shipping estimate is sometime in April. I must say that I'm happy that this got delayed, since so many games are coming out in March.

[Terash Cas]

Will this be delayed? I just got an e-mail from Amazon saying that the new shipping estimate is sometime in April. I must say that I'm happy that this got delayed, since so many games are coming out in March.

Yup..

"Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey"
Release date: March 23 2010
Estimated arrival date: April 05 2010 - April 09 2010

[Lorinosan]

^ Thank FFXIII for that. -.-

[four_black_hearts]

Way to go. Now I'll have to wait two more weeks to play Strange Journey, and I blame this thread. :mad:

[Macheath]

Way to go. Now I'll have to wait two more weeks to play Strange Journey, and I blame this thread. :mad:

Although the delay is very disappointing, it's a wise thing to stay away from those mainstream games many, many people are going to buy over other games.

[slayn]

Oh boy, this comes out a week before God of War 3 now. ATLUS, WHY YOU GOTTA MAKE ME HIT YOU, BABY?!

[Macheath]

^Whaaaat, now it's a week before God of War 3? Great, just great.

[Tivor]

It's a week before Super Street Fighter IV for me, if I'm remembering its release date correctly. Heh.

But that's ok. I've decided that SMT:SJ, FFXIII, and SSF4 are all going to be Day 1 purchases for me anyway. No other must-get-day-1 titles on the horizon for me until May, when 3DDGH comes out. ;)

[Zacewing]

I'd wait until Atlus themselves say the game is being delayed before you start freaking out.

[LordShade]

I checked other online stores, and they all say March 23rd, so I think it's accurate.

[kat_ears_kahrain]

I checked other online stores, and they all say March 23rd, so I think it's accurate.

That's what it looks like. Makes me happy since it doesn't conflict with other major releases. I can day one buy with a release of 3/23!

Now just wait for official word.

[TheDoctor]

That's what it looks like. Makes me happy since it doesn't conflict with other major releases. I can day one buy with a release of 3/23!

Now just wait for official word.

March 23 Super Street Fighter IV comes out.

It would be a shame if Atlus changed the date because of some people were freaking out about the game coming out on the date of a big title like FFXIII. Persona 3 and Persona came out on the same day as Madden 07 and Halo:ODST respectively.

Thought both SMT:SJ and FFXIII are RPGs, in my opinion they court different audiences. On top of that SJ is on a handheld.

[Tivor]

March 23 Super Street Fighter IV comes out.

According to Amazon, SSF4 comes out on March 31.



Thought both SMT:SJ and FFXIII are RPGs, in my opinion they court different audiences.

I won't argue about the factual basis of your statement (or lack thereof), since it's just an opinion and all.

But wouldn't you agree that those two games court much, much more similar audiences than, say, Persona series and Madden, Halo series?



On top of that SJ is on a handheld.

I don't see how that affects things. I mean, the only way that could affect things is if PS3/X360 owners do not own handhelds, and handheld owners do not own PS3/X360. But there are plenty of people who own both PS3/X360 and handhelds.

In other words, while you may think otherwise, there is a lot of overlap between potential market for FF13 and potential market for SMT:SJ. No point in adding to that overlap by releasing on same date.

[raiku]

^Whaaaat, now it's a week before God of War 3? Great, just great.

rather have it a week before a big release then the day of

[Lorinosan]

According to Amazon, SSF4 comes out on March 31.

Oh, wow! That sucks for people who wanted this and God of War III. Not to mention Sakura Wars....Infinite Space...

There's also no telling when Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver will be out...which my estimated guess is March as well.

[Tivor]

Don't forget Gran Turismo 5. That's also supposed to be a March release title too. Good thing I suck at racing games. :D

But man! I had totally forgotten about Infinite Space. Aaaarrgghh!!!!!

I had intended to day-one Infinite Space...., but I don't think I can day-one 3 RPG titles in a single month. :|

[Macheath]

^Same here. :frown: I won't be able to day-one many games since a #### load of RPGs are coming out in a single month. I have Infinite Space on pre-order but I might cancel it for other games. Hmm, I wonder if Resonance of Fate, too, is coming out in March.

Edit: Woohoo, Pokemon is also coming out in March...not sure if I should be mad or happy...

[Terash Cas]

^Same here. :frown: I won't be able to day-one many games since a #### load of RPGs are coming out in a single month. I have Infinite Space on pre-order but I might cancel it for other games. Hmm, I wonder if Resonance of Fate, too, is coming out in March.

Edit: Woohoo, Pokemon is also coming out in March...not sure if I should be mad or happy...

Thanks for making me add another game to my to buy list at amazon...

Infinite Space looks interesting sort of like Starflight.

[Macheath]

^Same here. :frown: I won't be able to day-one many games since a #### load of RPGs are coming out in a single month. I have Infinite Space on pre-order but I might cancel it for other games. Hmm, I wonder if Resonance of Fate, too, is coming out in March.

Edit: Woohoo, Pokemon is also coming out in March...not sure if I should be mad or happy...

Thanks for making me add another game to my to buy list at amazon...

Infinite Space looks interesting sort of like Starflight.

Yup, don't forget Pokemon. :) I hope I won't have to cancel Infinite Space, since it looks amazing!

My Amazon wish list keeps on getting longer and longer, too. Ugh.

[Enzeru]

Sakura Wars is coming out March 23rd...I hate March.

[Tivor]

Sakura Wars is coming out March 23rd...I hate March.

Tell me about it. I was going to pass on Sakura Wars, mainly because I already have an imported Korean version (language I can understand unlike Japanese). Then I read about the PS2 premium version goodies (art book, poster, etc), and now I'm seriously tempted.

SMT:SJ
FF13
SSF4

The above three are my must-get-day-one titles.

Then we have:

Infinite Space
Yakuza 3
and now, Sakura Wars 5.

Again, I'm glad I suck at driving games, and not a big fan of GoW-style games, or else I would have to add GT5 and GoW3 to the list as well.

March is gonna be hell.

[Foobar]

There's nothing Day One about FFXIII - there will be plenty of copies for weeks after release.

There's nothing Day One about Super Street Fighter IV unless you're a tournament player.

God of War III? Its going to be a greatest hits no matter what.

Yakuza is a love/hate series, with more falling to the latter, so I don't think its going to be a difficult one to find months down the road.

Infinite Space and SMT: Strange Journey are the March releases most likely to slip into obscurity the fastest. Sakura Wars maybe. PS2 games don't sell as swiftly as they used to, though.

[unknown]

Day One = you're buying it on the first day

It's not about how obscure the game is going to become.

[slayn]

God of War III? Its going to be a greatest hits no matter what.

True, but some of use are buying the big fancy collector's edition.

I REQUIRE MORE DUMB THINGS TO PUT ON MY SHELVES!

[kat_ears_kahrain]

God of War III? Its going to be a greatest hits no matter what.

True, but some of use are buying the big fancy collector's edition.

I REQUIRE MORE DUMB THINGS TO PUT ON MY SHELVES!

I have a Japanese copy of Nights: into dreams, with the story book. It's not dumb! :(

[slayn]

Perhaps the story book isn't, but you have to admit the box for GoW3 is kinda dumb. But I must have it!

[poiuiu]

Sakura Wars is coming out March 23rd...I hate March.

Supposedly, you can now add Megaman 10 to the list of March games. That should further push Strange Journey back. ;)

[Mellusia]

Don't outcast me, but I got introduced to RPG gaming via Final Fantasy and was a fan of FF for 6 years before I got into Shin Megami Tensei 2 years ago.

If Strange Journey comes with a pre-order bonus, then I definitely will get it release day, but if I have to choose to buy only one game that day, it will be FFXIII.

On the other hand, I could just try to save like mad and buy them both the same day, but odds are I'd be popping FFXIII into my eventual PS3 before I inserted SJ into my DS *shrugs*

[sfried]

Don't outcast me, but I got introduced to RPG gaming via Final Fantasy and was a fan of FF for 6 years before I got into Shin Megami Tensei 2 years ago.And which FF did you start from?

[Kakizaki]

Yakuza is a love/hate series, with more falling to the latterAnd you are basing this off of?....Can't wait to hear this one...

Anyway, if Sega treats Yakuza 3 like they did 2 in the U.S., it won't be that easy to track down - especially in store.

[Hamel]

Luckily my day one list for march is short
SMT SJ
Sakura Wars

Unless they add a bonus to another game I will buy eventually (like FF13) I see no reason to buy them on release date

[Foobar]

Anyway, if Sega treats Yakuza 3 like they did 2 in the U.S., it won't be that easy to track down - especially in store.

Pretty common used in my area, perhaps that's part of what led me to my statement.

I have a Japanese copy of Nights: into dreams, with the story book. It's not dumb!

Those blasted kids are singing in my head now, thanks to you.

-------------------

Only reason I'm doing FFXIII on Day One is probably because that's my deadline in which to have a PS3 and I probably won't have much else for it :P

[Kakizaki]

Pretty common used in my area, perhaps that's part of what led me to my statement.


With that logic, you could say the same about 90% of the games that have been released on the past couple of generations of console hardware...

[Mellusia]

Don't outcast me, but I got introduced to RPG gaming via Final Fantasy and was a fan of FF for 6 years before I got into Shin Megami Tensei 2 years ago.And which FF did you start from?

Technically I started with Final Fantasy Tactics for the PS1 and absolutely loved the story and characters. That game got me into strategy rpgs more so than the traditional rpgs-incidentally, it kind of set me up for games like Disgaea xD

But after that, I played FF Anthology (FFV and FFVI) and have more or less played the games in order, backtracking to get the older gamers at times. FFVII, FFVIII, FFIX, FFX, FF Origins (FFI and FFII), FFIV, FFIII, etc...

[Yukichin]

Don't outcast me, but I got introduced to RPG gaming via Final Fantasy and was a fan of FF for 6 years before I got into Shin Megami Tensei 2 years ago.

If Strange Journey comes with a pre-order bonus, then I definitely will get it release day, but if I have to choose to buy only one game that day, it will be FFXIII.

On the other hand, I could just try to save like mad and buy them both the same day, but odds are I'd be popping FFXIII into my eventual PS3 before I inserted SJ into my DS *shrugs*


I would honestly suggest getting SJ first, simply because SMT games seem to go into obscurity rather fast, especially compared to FF games; I'm STILL seeing copies of FFX-2 everywhere.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

Look at it this way. Most of the people who are going to buy FFXIII on release day probably don't even own a DS.

But yeah, FF games are still easy and cheap to find years after the fact. That's never been true of Atlus games.

[slayn]

Look at it this way. Most of the people who are going to buy FFXIII on release day probably don't even own a DS.

Considering the ubiquitousness of the DS, this is probably not even remotely true.

[Kakizaki]

^No doubt. The amount of ridiculous statements that have been flying about around here lately is insane.

I don't even know where to start.

[Foobar]

The whole premise of the thread (i.e, "nuuuuuuu don't release it the same day as FFXIII") is ridiculous to start with. Now you want to start judging the sanity of statements? Games get released the same day and games get delayed. When will people ever get over this?

We've had very few threads for the discussion of SMT:SJ - somewhat understandably so, since its not out yet in the US - but what we've had are "OMG this cannot be a true sequel since its on DS" and "OMG FFXIII comes out on the same day."

Lots of games slipped into 2010 because the holiday season was already crowded. We should be happy in and of itself that PS3 is finally picking up some steam. There's been very little incentive to even have one up until a few months ago unless you were a diehard HD fanatic (and unfortunately, its roadblock remains that HDTV upgrade to go with the PS3 - not all of us have been easily wowed by HD).

[Kakizaki]

Well, in all fairness, I was referring to the entire board, not just this thread.


We should be happy in and of itself that PS3 is finally picking up some steam.

No doubt.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

Look at it this way. Most of the people who are going to buy FFXIII on release day probably don't even own a DS.

Considering the ubiquitousness of the DS, this is probably not even remotely true.

The DS is ubiquitous with a completely different segment of the population. My evidence is purely anecdotal, I realize, but I know a large swath of people, and out of all the ones that own a PS3/360, maybe a third have a DS.

[Tivor]

Look at it this way. Most of the people who are going to buy FFXIII on release day probably don't even own a DS.

Considering the ubiquitousness of the DS, this is probably not even remotely true.

The DS is ubiquitous with a completely different segment of the population. My evidence is purely anecdotal, I realize, but I know a large swath of people, and out of all the ones that own a PS3/360, maybe a third have a DS.

I will not argue the factual basis (or again, lack thereof) of your statement, since it's only based on purely anecdotal evidence and all.

I'll only say that, considering that DS has been the haven for JRPGs this generation, the segment of PS3 owners who'll purchase FFXIII on release day is probably *more* likely to own a DS than your average PS3 owner. No, I don't have a factual data to back that statement up either, but hey, as long as we're throwing not-totally-fact-based arguments around, why not? :P

[Vyse of Arcadia]

I'll only say that, considering that DS has been the haven for JRPGs this generation, the segment of PS3 owners who'll purchase FFXIII on release day is probably *more* likely to own a DS than your average PS3 owner. No, I don't have a factual data to back that statement up either, but hey, as long as we're throwing not-totally-fact-based arguments around, why not? :P

Yeah, my entire (hypothetical) argument more or less hinges on the assumptions that more people are more likely to buy FFXIII on 360 than PS3, and that 360 owners are less likely to own DSes.

I'm sure anyone with some numbers could blow a whole in either of those.

[Nario]

What makes things harder for me is that not only does FFXIII and Strange Journey come out that day, but also Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. I intend on buying all four games that month, but I'll probably end up buying FFXIII and Strange Journey first. :)

[ElectricBugaboo]

So many good games come out in March. >_>

[Nephlabobo]

Look at it this way. Most of the people who are going to buy FFXIII on release day probably don't even own a DS..

Considering the amount of RPGs on the DS, I highly doubt that.

[madara]

Thank you Atlus for releasing this in March! FF13 sounds so terrible from the dozens of reviews I have read that I am not even going to bother until its $20. I like my rpgs to actually be rpgs not movies. So if SMT:SJ has a sense of exploration, towns, count me in!

[Nexus]

So many interesting games are coming in the next three or so months. As always I'm looking forward to any new SMT games. So this Strange Journey games looks quite good to me and I'm highly anticipating it's release! Good thing I have a job and at such a convenient place as well heh. :D

Honestly I don't think this will detract to much from SMT: Strange Journey's sales. Since honestly all the die hard fans will have it well pre-ordered. All the while when new people gain awareness of the game after the hype of FFXIII has died down a bit.