FFXIII Sold 1.4 million Copies In Week One, Over 100k Bundles

The biggest game release in Japan this generation did not disappoint in the sales department.

According to data collected by VGChartz, Final Fantasy XIII sold roughly 1.4 million copies in its first week of availability at retail in the land of the rising sun. 1.25 million were standalone copies while another 100k were copies bundled with the PS3. Will it become the best selling Final Fantasy game in Japan? That's an answer that can't be given right now, the PS3's install base is only three times the size of Final Fantasy XIII, which means we should see a heavy drop in sales with anywhere from 200k-250k in the second week.

PS3 already sold 75,000 units last week in Japan so over 100,000 would have been sold without Final Fantasy XIII. When the bundle is factored in, it's expected that PS3 hardware sales should rise 175,000 to 225,000 units for the week.

Also, Final Fantasy XIII sales numbers are in line with previous titles which tend to rise about 20 percent from day one to week one. Stories have been circulating claiming that the game will not do as well as its predecessors, but sometimes the best analysts are the gamers themselves. Do you think FFXIII will outperform previous titles, or is the PS3 install base just too small in Japan to overtake the likes of FFX? Let us know in the comments below.

UPDATE: According to Famitsu, FFXIII sold 1,516,532 copies in the first week (as of December 20th). Also, the game helped boost PS3 hardware sales with 245,406 units sold last week in Japan. Great numbers.

12/21/09 Ernice Gilbert

1.8 Million Final Fantasy Units Shipped In Japan

The hype has been building for years, and now the game is finally here. Square-Enix isn't taking any chances either, so in an effort to prevent shortages, the company has made available 1.8 million copies of the game for PS3 in Japan.

Several launch events were held at different locations around the land of the rising sun with hundreds of people in line. There are reports that the crowds for Final Fantasy XIII were seemingly larger than those of Dragon Quest IX earlier this year. Official sales numbers haven't been released but as soon as they're in, GamesThirst will make them available to you.

The game is out in the west on March 9th, 2010.

12/18/09 Ernice Gilbert

Famitsu Final Fantasy Review Score Leaked

Famitsu review scores don't intrigue us that much here at GamesThirst, but when you're talking Final Fantasy then our interests peak.

The review score for Final Fantasy XIII from renowned Japanese publication Famitsu, has been leaked according to this source which includes scans of the magazine. In it, Final Final garnered a near perfect score of 39/40 which was expected, however it's important to remember that the same mag gave Bayonetta a 40/40.

The reviewer that deducted 1 point from the RPG's score complained of a "cluttered screen" which makes it difficult to see how much damage is being dealt. Other than that, all else is super.

"Beautiful graphics and superb story. These aspects can be enjoyed without feeling as though they're being forced upon you," Reviewer 1 said. "Combined with this, the extreme sense of satisfaction from the gameplay, is a direct result of a system that's evolved and reach perfection. With no vice to really speak of, at this time, this game stands at the RPG forefront of a superb combination of story and gameplay who's value can undoubtedly be experienced by all."

The third reviewer praised the game as being "extravagant and dense" and spoke highly of the sheer amount of content available in the game.

It's out on December 17th, 2009 in Japan and March 7th in the west. And it's looking darn good.

12/09/09 Ernice Gilbert

Final Fantasy import pre-orders are off the charts

The highly anticipated RPG from Square-Enix, Final Fantasy XIII, will be out a few painstaking months in Japan before we the lowly westerners get our hands on it, that is if you don't mind listening to the Japanese language and spending $90 plus shipping and handling to get it.

See what it costs to get the game over? And yet it's the biggest pre-ordered import game thus far this generation according to The Unofficial Final Fantasy site. Bayonetta follows closely which is expected; the game is being hyped to Pluto these days, with some even calling it a GOW killer.

Not too sure about the GOW killer babble however the game looks decent. But getting back on topic, there's nothing wrong if you're a die-hard fan of the legendary franchise to import the Japanese version. I'll be waiting for the western version reason being I'm no where close to understanding even the simplest quotes in Japanese, and I'm the type who love to pay close attention to the story-line of games, and as we know there's no other series that delves into story like Final Fantasy.

If you don't care about interaction, or can understand Japanese, then import it here. Just don't come leaking all the important moments, hence spoiling the game for the rest of us. Don't do it.

12/07/09 Ernice Gilbert

Video Thirst: New Final Fantasy XIII ad is Lightning fast

I wish I was in Japan right now. Seriously, apart from visiting the country being one of my lifelong dreams, I would love to see the pandemonium that will take place on December 17th of this year.

Final Fantasy XIII drops like a bomb in Japan this Christmas season, and believe me, gamers will literally tent outside of retail outlets just to get their hands on what is arguably the biggest RPG of this generation.

This new ad released does nothing to help the situation, it certainly adds to the expected madness however. Oh, and don't blink, it's Lightning fast!

Quench your thirst.

12/07/09 Ernice Gilbert

DSi LL launches in Japan, arrives 2010 in U.S.

It's now official, the Nintendo DSi LL launched in the land of the rising sun over the weekend.

You can find some live shots of the event over at Famitsu, including a picture showing a grandmother holding up her bring new portable system. Oh how times have changed.

As noted in the headline, the DSi LL doesn't launch in the west until next year, which when you think about it is not that far away. Be patient hasty fans, it's a virtue.

11/23/09 Ernice Gilbert

On November 13th, God of War III Demo Will Be Released In Japan

We haven't had an European or U.S. release date as yet but Japan can enjoy the demo come November 13th, 2009 according to this Siliconera article.

God of War III is the biggest PS3 exclusive set to land next year, and if what we've seen is any indication, The crew at Santa Monica is prepping this game to outdo anything with seen thus far. They did it with the first two titles for the PS2, and soon will be the PS3's turn to showcase Kratos killing gods.

The info comes from a promo in the Japanese version of infamous.

Get the full thing here. God of War III will be released exclusively for the PS3 on March 10th, 2009. Mark your calenders.

10/15/09 Ernice Gilbert

Japanese Retail Employee: Xbox 360 has been abandoned

Since the Xbox 360 was released in Japan, the the journey has been a rocky one to say the least. For some reason, the Japanese never gravitated to Microsoft's console like some thought they would. Even after four long years, only 1.1 million units have been sold. It's a tough outlook for the Xbox 360 in Japan and recently a Japanese game shop employee echoed that same sentiment on his personal blog.

"I think the greatest problem is there's little software," the employee said.

"This year, the eagerly anticipated titles are Final Fantasy 13 on the PS3 and for the Wii it's Super Mario Bros. and Zelda, and nothing much on the 360."

The the game shop employee went on outlaying the grim reality that awaits the Xbox 360 in the land of the rising sun, and concluded his post with rather harsh words concerning the situation.

"It might be very hard to change the flow and direction of a country, I feel like Japan has already abandoned [the Xbox 360]".

Tough assessment to say the least, Microsoft must revise their strategy if they hope to be relevant in Japan, before said assessment takes hold.

10/13/09 Ernice Gilbert

Japan: 1 Million Xbox 360s Sold in 4yrs, Should Microsoft Give up?

Some say if you want your games console to succeed in this business then you must have a foothold in Japan; for this very reason Microsoft has spent billions of dollars trying its best to do just that, but our research has shown Microsoft's effort is constantly falling flat. They've been trying for four long, hard, drawn-out years with little to show. Recently we provided data proving how poor the top 5 Xbox 360 "exclusives" in Japan have performed even after throwing millions at developers, combined those games did not break past 900,000 sold. Here's the list:

1. Star Ocean 4 (life-to-date: 208,521)

2. Blue Dragon (life-to-date: 203,740)

3. Tales of Vesperia (life-to-date: 194,714)

4. Last Remnant (life-to-date: 154,493)

5. Lost Odyssey (life-to-date: 104,417)

Total life-to-date sales combined: 865,885. What's even worst is most of the aforementioned games will soon be available for the PS3 with Tales of Vesperia already out for Sony's console with that version selling over 140,000 copies in the first day and 217,000 in its first week out, totally outstripping the life-to-date sales of the Xbox 360 version. So it's definitely an uphill battle for the Redmond giant. With some voicing their concerns publicly and gamers being furious about Microsoft's lack of first party studios, the question must be asked: Should Microsoft abandon their efforts in Japan and focus on the western regions like Europe and North America? Or should the software giant keep waging war on Sony and Nintendo's territory? The recent data we found is depressing to say the least, if Microsoft is in this business to make a profit and not just throw money at problems, then maybe they should consider leaving. Apparently, the Japanese are just not into the Xbox 360, let's have a look at some stats.

According to this very reliable source the Xbox 360 has sold (as of March 2009) 1,001,191 consoles in Japan. That's after being available for four years; With the recently redesigned PS3 Slim and Nintendo slashing the price of its flagship console it's extremely hard to see Japan as a good business investment pumping millions, even billions into for Microsoft. All that does is adds more debt to a Console that has cost them over 3 billion in RROD fixes and replacements. It's true some markets won't make a company any money, however they stay to keep a presence in said markets because of reputation and strategic placement. But with the Japanese market down over 18% this year, and big name publishers like Square-Enix looking eastward, it's probably time for Steve Ballmer and his gang to rethink their strategy. Share your thoughts below, should they leave, or stay until they find a foothold.

10/06/09 Ernice Gilbert

Final Fantay XIII TGS trailer now in English

Tired of all those Japanese FFXIII trailers? Yeah, me too. That was some serious "epicness" wouldn't you say? Think I might move to Japan on December 18th, one day after the release of FFXIII. I'll bypass the buying frenzy that'll undoubtedly happen, stay about a week, and then come back home after I've completed the game. So you ask why not just import the bad boy, and I say to you I won't, reason being I can't speak Japanese, and, well, need a Japanese interpretor's help, to which you'll say I could find someone right here in the states, and then I'll just yell at you. I'M GOING TO JAPAN!

Ah, see what I did there? I'm looking for an excuse to visit the orient, you, nor my wife will stop me this time around. December 18th can't get here soon enough. At least I'll be able to watch the TGS trailer with English subtitles while I wait. Square-Enix's localization crews need to take classes from the team who did this. So yes, I'll be in Japan alright, if only in my dreams. check the video after the jump.

09/30/09 Ernice Gilbert

New Final Fantasy XIII trailer released publicly by Square-Enix

A Final Fantasy XIII trailer that was showcased a while back at Square-Enix's premier party and more recently at the Tokyo Game Show, has now been publicly recently by the company. It is available on the Japanese Playstation store for download if you have an account, but you can watch it here after the jump.

The trailer is simply incredible. A new character is also revealed in the form of an unnamed tattooed woman who's role is yet to be known.

Final Fantasy XIII will be available in Japan Exclusive for the PS3 on December 17th 2009, and spring 2010 for Europe and North America on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

09/28/09 Ernice Gilbert

Final Fantasy XIII PS3 Slim Bundle, makes me jealous

Don't you just love how Sony always seem to give the Japanese all the cool stuff? I mean really, look at this whitish, pinkish, "lightning" theme Final Fantasy XIII PS3 Slim. Just sweet. On top of that, the limited PS3s will boast a 250GB HDD, and will be out on December 17th 2009.

Square also said they plan on releasing FFXIII in North America and Europe Spring of 2010. The game is one of the most highly anticipated titles this generation, and has been the at center of heated debates, especially after Yoshinori Kitase announced at E3 08, that the once Playstation exclusive will be making its debut on the Xbox 360. Controversy or not, gamers from the world over will be getting their hands on this gem on day one of its release. Hec, some will even import the Japanese version; that's how good it is.

09/24/09 Ernice Gilbert

Hideo Kojima to support Project Natal

Big things are happening at the annual Tokyo Game Show as we speak, and already Microsoft has breaking news. Major Nelson, (that's actually the guy's title), who has become the face of Xbox Live, tweeted big news from Microsoft. Apart from listing some new games which were added to Xbox Live Arcade today, he went on to relay, if true, what is the most interesting news coming out of Japan thus far, concerning the future of the Xbox 360, and the company's ambitious motion technology dubbed Project Natal.

According to Major Nelson, many of the industry's most creative minds have already signed up and pledged their support. They include Capcom's Keiji Inafune, Creator of Mega Man and Dead Rising, Toshihiro Nagoshi, creator of Super Monkey Ball. But the most notable of all is the San himself, Hideo Kojima, the creator of the venerable series Metal Gear Solid.

It's great news to know that so many of the leading industry developers and creators are on the Natal train, and with Kojima showing his support, I'm a bit more excited about Natal than I was an hour ago; How about you? Do you think Kojima could deliver something unique for Natal? share your thoughts.

09/23/09 Ernice Gilbert

Sony's Kaz Hirai TGS Keynote Details

The Big show is here again. Tomorrow morning the event commences with Sony's front man Kaz delivering a keynote to the masses. Last year 194,288 people attended the event over the course of four days, for both business and public visitors. This year is expected to eclipes last year's turn out.

Sony promised a big show, so rest assured as the news roll in, we'll keep you updated. Microsoft will also be there, but as Aaron Greenberg said, they won't have much to say, although their presence will surely be felt with all the games that'll be available to play and view on the show floor.

Hirai's Keynote begins at 10:30am local time. That's 6:30pm PST and 9:30pm Eastern time. Europe 2:30am PST, and 3:30am CET. I'm looking forward to a new Syphon Filter, and something fresh form Microsoft. What about you, think there's a new Twisted Metal headed our way? How about something big from Rare? Share your thoughts.

Thanks eurogamer

09/23/09 Ernice Gilbert

South African Gamers to Microsoft: Leave Japan, Come on Over

Being a gaming Journalist can be tough sometimes. You're constantly scouring the web, checking sources, shooting emails and making calls. It's a fast-pace news cycle, and we at Gamesthirst try to keep up. After all, you come for news, and we must deliver. Today is especially unique because while doing my normal news searching routine, I came across this website, which was reporting on a piece that we originally did. But what struck me, was the comments that I saw. Some users were complaining, expressing their disdain at the lack of support for their market. Others were less drastic, asking for only 10 percent of the amount Microsoft spends in Japan.

Going back to the original piece, we gave some numbers that displayed total life-to-date sales of four Xbox 360 Japan Exclusives, and later on, we updated the post to include Lost Odyssey. Even after the inclusion of Lost Odyssey, the total life-to-date sales did not reach 900,000 copies sold. Combined, the total is: 865,885, all of which at that point were exclusive to Microsoft's Xbox 360, and as you can see, with disappointing results. Having this data in their arsenal, the South African gamers were confused as to why would Microsoft keep beating a dead horse. In their opinion, SA would be a much better market to invest in while said market is still emerging.

We in the Americas, and Europe, get to enjoy Microsoft's revolutionary Online experience XBL, even if it comes at a price. The way they see it in SA is, they don't mind paying, just give the the darn service and support already. The South Africans contends, voicing that if Microsoft would just invest a fraction of what is being spent in Japan, then the company's long-term results could be extremely lucrative. With that I agree, but pulling out of Japan all together would be counter-productive. Let's look at the population of SA, it's 43,790,000 compared to Japan's 127,288,416. Add Japan's GDP which is $4.272 Trillion (purchasing power) then compare South Africa's $280 Billion (purchasing power), and the conclusion is clear. Microsoft should support SA now, and reap great benefits later; but even more important, is the market in the east. Japanese eat, sleep and drink games, Microsoft needs a strategy that works.

09/22/09 Ernice Gilbert

Xbox 360 Japan exclusives: Less than 1million sold combined

From its debut in Japan, Microsoft has stretched her muscles, taking risk, spending serious cash, buying "timed exclusives" all in an effort to make the Xbox 360 ubiquitous in the land of the rising sun. Question is, has the strategy worked out? Earlier this year, the software giant reported that it finally past the 1million mark of consoles sold in Japan, a goal they thought would be achieved a year earlier. The Japanese have reacted very lukewarm to the Xbox 360; and that's to say the least. Numbers don't lie, so, we've compiled a list of the top 4 "exclusive" Xbox 360 games and sales data in Japan. Life-to-date sales are as follows:

1. Star Ocean 4 (life-to-date: 208,521)

2. Blue Dragon (life-to-date: 203,740)

3. Tales of Vesperia (life-to-date: 194,714)

4. Last Remnant (life-to-date: 154,493)

Total life-to-date sales combined: 761,468. You may know that Tales of Vesperia recently launched on the PS3, selling over 140,000 copies on the first day. Star Ocean is also coming to the Sony's console, and so is the Last Remnant. Obviously Microsoft has invested heavily in timed exclusives, however, it seems that strategy has failed, (at least in Japan). Little good resulted from the investment, and what's even more glaring is the success those games are expected to have on the PS3. On top of all that, the PS3 versions will add new features. Some with new characters, new maps, upscaled graphics and even refined gameplay.

Gamers have argued saying, Microsoft should give up on the Orient, and use that same money building first party studios to help bolster their exclusive lineup in America. I disagree. Although the Xbox 360 is not performing as desired, giving up on Japan would look too bad; an image of perseverance and stability must be portrayed by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, and any other company, who, wish to keep their customers happy and confident. Sometimes even at a loss. There's no doubt the Redmond company needs to invest in building first party studios, but it should not come at the cost of one of the mainstays in the console war. No matter how much its market share has shrunk.

[UPDATE] Even after adding Lost Odyssey at users request, the total only amounts to 865,885 combined sales. Lost Odyssey sold 40,000 copies on its first day at retail in Japan and lifetime sales of 104,417.

09/21/09 Ernice Gilbert

Famitsu predicts FFXIII Will sell 1million copies first week in Japan

Famitsu is usually accurate when it provides sales forecast for upcoming games. So don't be surprised if their latest prediction is laser sharp. Famitsu sees about 1million copies of Final Fantasy 13 flying off store shelves all across Japan, in the first week of the game's release on December 17th 2009. This comes as no surprise, as Final Fantasy is Japan's GTA, or their Halo, or whatever. But with estimates like these, it's hard to ignore the potential PS3 sales boost that'll undoubtedly follow suit.

Microsoft could sure use FFXIII in that part of the world, but It won't happen, (at least not yet), since the game is exclusive to the PS3 in Japan. The publication also provided forecasts for games such as Wii Fit Plus, Gran Turismo PSP, Tekken 6 amongst others. Check the full list here.

09/21/09 Ernice Gilbert

Japanese hardware Sales, July 13-19: It’s Bloody

All I can see is red, no green to spark some hope in even the most unrelenting optimist. Sales were down across all platforms as Japan continues to lose market share to the UK and US. The DSi sold a ship load of units although it was down a disheartening 17% from the week prior, helped by the recent release of Dragon Quest IX no doubt.

I guess Mr. Kaz chose the right title for his TGS Keynote later this year “New tactics for 2009” because some new tactics would be welcomed, won’t you say? The bleeding got to stop in the Orient, but I doubt it will remain this way for too long; after all, one company (‘cough’ Sony ‘cough’), could drop the price of it’s console and the charts will look great again.

But what about the Xbox360? Even the PS2 is doing better the than Microsoft's Machine in Japan. The Xbox team will also need some “new tactics” to boost sales. Nintendo on the other, could just launch a few new colors of both the Wii and DSi and Tokyo goes wild. Hey what can I say, sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down, this week they’re down. Here's the breakdown:

- DSi: 96,986 21,216 (17.95%)
- PSP: 24,053 2,474 (9.33%)
- Wii: 20,807 1,334 (6.03%)
- DS Lite: 9,932 229 (2.25%)
- PS3: 8,865 999 (10.13%)
- PS2: 3,352 156 (4.45%)
- Xbox 360: 2,899 662 (18.59%)

28/07/09 Ernice Gilbert