I think the producer might have been using "little guy big sword" as just an example. He really means a clean-cut boy band style hero not doing as well overseas. Dante and Cloud wouldn't fit that description, but the heroes for the Tales games, for example, would.

It has the same Toshinden name, but it's apparently a completely unrelated game.

The original Famitsu article about the game made a point of noting that.

If this game were really retro, it would have a no kanji mode!

This happens every now and then.

I've actually started checking in advance to avoid embarrassing situations where I gush over a game that was already released months back.

Like this: http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/05/07/artstyle_on_wiiware/

I even wrote that one on IGNWii and was quickly made fun of.

I didn't particularly care for the English name myself. Same with Shadow of the Colossus. It just sounds like a generic video game name.

This was my biggest TGS disappointment because it wasn't there. I'd been hoping that it would have snuck into Sony's booth.

Yeah, especially Sammy -- those guys are shady.

This article has a look at the letters from an older promotion:

http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/28/love_plus_love_letter_campaign/

Nothing really special, but if you're a fan of the game I'm sure it's a nice collector's item, especially if you can get all nine.

Back when I was really into Sakura Wars, I'd have probably spent ridiculous sums on worthless goods like this (not $750 though).

"If the ps3 version is suffering like that wouldnt it be better to delay and work on those problems before releasing it."

I think they'll fix any issues before the US version, but in Japan where the 360 isn't that big in the first place it probably won't matter too much.

Of course, if the PS3 version really is bad, negative initial press from the Japanese version could do major damage even outside of Japan.

I'll have a writeup on that in just a bit.

Friend Collection appeals to everyone, and is available for a low price. Media Create says that it's selling to the same people who bought Animal Crossing.

It's not just Famitsu. Sega seemed to be giving her more focus overall.

I personally liked the one in pink with pokadots and the one in the deep red long dress.

Actually, the interview does not specifically state that the overseas PS3 version is the same as Gestalt. It is heavily implied, though, especially considering Square Enix USA's statements when Gestalt and Replicant were first announced. I'll post a followup clarifying that and providing even more details on the game in just a bit.

Yikes... I'll fix that!

Thanks!

Yeah, I was wondering how to connect the car demo stage with something that rolls, and just couldn't make a connection.

I'm unfamiliar. Has IP blocking ever happened for a demo?

Didn't see your comment, GohanGVO.

Either they accidentally picked a hideous section of the game for the PS3 screen, or the PS3 version really does look bad.

There's a demo tour this weekend in Shinjuku. If I have some time I'll go take a look.

I've heard that the clock tower section runs poorly on the PS3.

It's a pretty intense area graphically -- one of the most intense visual displays I've ever seen in a game. But hopefully they'll have it cleaned up by release. Well... the US release, at least. Nothing is likely to change for Japan, since the game was probably finalized a while back in order to make its October 29 release.