Well, I do think the RPGs you're referring to would have helped a tad, especially with the way Wii software sales are lagging, but I don't think it would have made any kind of impact in the slightest. The issue here is all about the 3DS combined with declining Wii hardware and software sales (let's call it the double whammy). The price-cut of the 3DS has been a huge success, leading to increased sales, and of course an increase in game sales as well. The problem is, they're currently selling the system at a loss. So, not only are they not making as much on the system as they'd hoped, they're losing money on each system. Is there reason to be a bit worried? Certainly, there always is when a company is losing that much money. Nintendo isn't a tiny company though, and they've definitely got all kinds of money in the bank. A bit too early to be acting like the sky is falling. We'll see how the Wii U does on launch, and hopefully they'll be able to sell the 3DS at a profit sooner rather than later. Let's revisit this question next year if they're still losing the same kind of money.

Going back to the RPG question, I think saying NoA has a hatred for RPGs is pretty silly. You're talking about the same branch of the company that took a chance and finally brought Fire Emblem to the US and even gave that Heracles game a try. Now, we're certainly in agreement that they've bungled Xenoblade and The Last Story, but let's not forget the decent job they've done with the Dragon Quest titles here. I don't think we would have gotten Dragon Quest VI and Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 if not for them. I'm willing to give them a pass as long as that 3DS Fire Emblem makes it over here. I mean we eventually got Xenoblade, so it's all good!

That's funny, I can't recall seeing that a lot. The European version isn't a different translation is it? Still, I had similar trouble with the start of the game. The story is especially slow, and takes a bit too long setting things up for my taste. Still, once you go out in the world and combat becomes more frequent, things are more enjoyable. Stick with it! Who knows when/if we'll see the second chapter, so there's no rush.

If you think she's entertaining, just wait until you meet Olivier! This game is full of fun characters, and I really hope we see the second game in some form,  either on Steam or on PSP. Which reminds me that I'm shocked Final Fantasy Type-0 is not out here...

I would love to give it a try. I grew up playing many of the earlier Ultima games, so I'm not sure why I never got around to playing the later titles. I actually have a collection containing at least up to the eighth game I believe, so I guess I'll have to dig that up! That or I'll just play more Runes of Virtue.

That's OK, it's an odd sort of question. I think the FF7 8-bit remake was just a few screenshots or a video, but not a full remake by any stretch. The only real one I can think of isn't an RPG, Mega Man 7's 8-bit remake which is complete and quite cool. I think the only ones that would be helped by this would be games hurt by a poor visual presentation. One example would be the first Wild Arms. Mostly the game is fine, but the awful 3D battle sequences destroy the charm created by the classic 2D exploration. As for FF7, I think without the visual presentation people would like that game far less. What do you think?

That's OK, that's something that could work. I'm picturing something like the Sega CD Shining Force that was just a collection of Game Gear Shining Forces. This would be a cool way for Nintendo to catch up fans to the stories from the older games, but I suppose they've never been big on re-releasing their games in collections.

I think this is accurate. Big budget RPGs are pretty much stuck in the types of settings that work, so I suppose it would take a indie mega-hit to change people's ways. Speaking of which, I'm really excited for the Shadowrun game. That is such a cool setting, and I'm really hoping they do some good things with it. Are there any indie RPGs out there I may have missed with cool settings?

That is a really good question, and one that I don't really have a good answer for. You could always just play Guardian Heroes. Has that developer been busy with something else? Oh well, another game I still need to play!

Wait a second, I'm the Master of that Secret Society! In fact, I founded it! Is this some kind of joke? Clearly it is, but I'm just going to play along.

Mouse pad? Really? Such a prize is much too straightforward and non-complex to be a Kawazu prize. For shame!

Well this of course is easy, this should always be B. What's the fun in making a game if you can't go crazy and make a bunch of complicated game systems?

Well clearly the answer is D) one of the above at random. All of these things are possible SaGa happenings. I notice you don't even have a D)! That's coming off your final score.

Well considering the loss of LP is what leads to death, the "taken the life" phrasing suggests the poor beast's LP has been depleted. Therefore the answer is A).

C) Obviously. This is the universal answer when discussing phoenixes of any kind.

What kind of question is this? MY mother only knits scarves.

The answer is D) Whatever the heck I want. In the SaGa games, when you make a character in those that allow it, you name them.  Therefore, when naming my first-born I am free to name them whatever I wish. In conclusion this test was terrible. I give it an F and do not permit you entrance to the Kawazy society. Not even a single mention of Final Fantasy 2, Legend of Mana, or Crystal Chronicles? Just awful sir. I am ashamed on behalf of all Kawazu fans.