This information comes from Nintendo UK’s David Yarnton…

“We’ve still got to nail down the exact titles, because one of the big things when we look at a global launch – all of the markets in the space of four weeks – is trying to get a whole range of titles ready for launch. So we’re pretty close. In the next week or so we’ll be able to say ‘these are the exact launch titles’. We’re close but not quite ready to get exact titles. It’s a combination of looking at third-party as well. We’re launching with more titles than we probably ever have and it’s a matter of trying to get that breadth but also being fair to everyone.”

This entire situation with launch games has been rather strange. I just don’t know why everything hasn’t been figured out at this point!

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– Game’s main menu image is based on story progression
– One of these images is of a star-gazing tower
– Sakaguchi believes it will be easy to progress in story mode due to hint characters
– The hint characters provide clues as to what to do next
– Quests must be found, but it isn’t difficult to do so
– Party members that tag along with you can’t be selected during the game’s main story, but you can replace them while revisiting dungeons
– Pause battles at any time by hitting the “-” or Home button
– Some battle weapons will be obtained by playing online
– These weapons range from easy to difficult to acquire
– Strengthening items for weapons obtained in online mode can only be found in online mode as well

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This trademark was discovered in the US trademark database…

Hmm… Rodea the Sky Soldier sounds a lot like Tenku no Kishi Rodea. Perhaps XSEED will bring the game overseas?

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Earlier today, Nintendo of Europe explicitly stated that the 3DS’ eShop and Internet browser will be available on launch day through a simple firmware upgrade. But strangely, the situation might be different in North America. NoA’s Charlie Scibetta said the following about the two applications:

“Games and services offered by Nintendo can vary by region. Nintendo of America will release additional information about Nintendo eShop, including timing, content and pricing, at a later date.”

It’s definitely an odd statement. Might we really see the 3DS eShop/web browser in Europe right away, but not in North America? Only time will tell…

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This information comes from Nintendo’s Bill Trinen…

“We’re not opposed to Achievements. When they create their games, [Nintendo’s designers] don’t tell you how to play their game in order to achieve some kind of mythical reward. Basically, the way the games are designed is they’re designed for you to explore the game yourself and have this sense of discovery. To that end, I think that when you look specifically at games from EAD [the group long led by Mario and Donkey Kong creator Shigeru Miyamoto] and a lot of other games that Nintendo has developed a well, there are things you can do in the game that will result in some sort of reward or unexpected surprise. In my mind, that really encourages the sense of exploration rather than the sense of ‘If I do that, I’m going to get some sort of artificial point or score that’s going to make me feel better that I got this.’ And that, to me, is I think more compelling.”

I’m not really opposed to achievements myself. However, I generally don’t go out of my way to play a game just so I can earn them. How about you guys?

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– Four characters to choose from according to producer Masachika Kawata
– Possible co-op online mode
– Game was made due to fans’ interest
– Not a port of the side-game
– Will incorporate the best characteristics of the Resident Evil series and add improvements based upon feedback received
– Wide range of weaponry
– More characters to be available following the game’s release through download

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Reports earlier this week indicated that the 3DS’ eShop and Internet browser would not be ready for launch. An official response from Nintendo states otherwise, however. Users will be able to access both applications after installing a firmware upgrade. Other features – mainly DSiWare transfers and 3D video content – will not be immediately available.

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