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Perhaps MS has Japanese likes in mind afterall

Magatama officially announced, text courtesy of Gamers.com

Quote:

Though its existence definitely falls into the realm of worst-kept-secrets, Microsoft today officially unveiled Magatama, one of its key first-party titles for the Japanese market this year. Developed internally at Microsoft Game Studios, Magatama is a 3D action game set in a fantastic version of ancient Japan -- comparisons to Onimusha wouldn't be too far of a stretch, but Microsoft's game is entirely realtime 3D and features a stronger action emphasis.
The title, for those who never took Japanese art history in college, is a term for a jewel shaped like a comma, which have been found in large quantities at sites dating back to Japan's ancient history. Specifically, however, it usually refers to one-third of the Imperial Regalia, the jewel depicted alongside the sword Kusanagi and the mirror Yata no Kagami.

Magatama is set in an alternate version of the 15th century, telling its own story of the genesis of Japan's great civil wars. The Ashikaga shogunate is faced with a rebellion by a force called Monkan, which has mustered supernatural allies to overthrow the central government. The lead character is Shinato, a warrior monk sent by his order to help overcome the demonic rebels.

To aid him in his task, Shinato is invested with the power of Orochi, a divine energy that has been suppressed since ancient times. The power makes him a force to be reckoned with in battle -- Shinato can smoothly combine his twin swords with magical attacks -- but it may also have a mind of its own.

Magatama is due for release in Japan within the year, so check here and in the pages of XBN to learn more soon. A US release seems unlikely at this point, though -- Microsoft is pitching the game squarely at the Japanese market.

I'm not saying that they are geniuses and will soon dominate the Asian market. I'm simply saying that they are obviously not simply localizing Halo and NFL Fever... they are, in other words, trying (finally) to give the Japanese gamers games they want. And if the game turns out to be similar to Onimusha, but with better graphics, controls, and camera... then good for them. That will be a good start. Albeit a late one.

Ha! Soon MS will dominate Japan, and Nintendo will have nothing left! Quick, sell your Ninty stock!

Just kidding. :D *runs*

Too little, too late.

Well, they at least have MY likes in mind. I only saw a couple screens of some dude with a sword and I was already drooling.

Originally posted by Nicato
Too little, too late.

That's exactly what I was going to say.

Originally posted by Boy
Well, they at least have MY likes in mind. I only saw a couple screens of some dude with a sword and I was already drooling.

Ah... um... nevermind. ;)
*nudge, wink*

--Jason

I don't really think it's too little too late.

XBox does sell in Japan - low, but it's not like it's not in production at all. They are still trying, and god bless 'em. Microsoft said they were going to have a Western influence of games in Japan, not "only" Western games. So there is still plenty of room for Japanese centered titles that appeal to them culturally.

Nothing wrong with that.

And at this point, they only have to go up, so why not. Good luck and godspeed! I need Japanese import XBox games!

They're wasting their money, but whatever. They've got enough of it. Just as I think the Cube is doomed in the states, so I think the Box is doomed in the land of the rising sun. YBox may have a chance, though I can't think that far into the future yet.

I see your point, but I don't fully agree with your analogy. GameCube in the states is much closer to XBox than the reverse is in Japan.

I mean, just last week GameCube outsold PS2, barely in Japan. But XBox can not make such claims in the states. Nor can the numbers support the idea of pulling out in America.

XBox, however, does have the compassion of gamers in the community if they pull out of Japan. Everyone would understand. Weekly, XBox in Japan is not selling in the tens of thousands, or even the thousands.....only the hundreds! And recently just over the 500 unit mark. If XBox pulled out of Japan we'd all understand.

However, Nintendo pulling out of America would be a bad idea. Granted they are not making as much money, but on the flip side, the GameCube cost significantly less to produce, and they've temporarily stopped production to go into a all profit mode. You simply can not say that's money in the bank. Plus, with GBA sells on BOTH continents going through the roof they have incentive to stay.

Though....on the flip, flip-side, I guess enough people would understand if the Cube bailed out of America, as well. Though the outcry would be loud and long.

Isn't Magatama headed by some ex-Square programmer? I think that was it's claim to fame a couple of months ago.

btw, here's some screens for those interested: HERE

Looks very BLAH to me.
Although, this and Ninja Gaiden may prove a good thing for XBox in Japan this year.

Re: Perhaps MS has Japanese likes in mind afterall

And now we have FFXI on Xbox 360. Go figure. :D

Re: Perhaps MS has Japanese likes in mind afterall

This game could've come out at launch and it still would've been too little too late. MS isn't just suffering because they haven't actively tried to curry the favor of the Japanese market (because they have), they've just been fighting an uphill battle all the way. At best, this game will increase Xbox sales in Japan by a tiny tiny blip, disappear completely after a week, then resurface in the States where it can hopefully earn back the development costs. Japanese consumers barely even register that there is a console manufacturer outside of Sony and Nintendo. If DOA: Beach Volleyball and Ninja Gaiden couldn't change that, then there's no way Magatama's going to have any effect at all.