Flagship Xbox 360 RPG Blue Dragon has finally hit shops in Japan - the title that Microsoft hopes to finally cover the Far East in a green Xbox hue.
According to Famitsu, over 180 Japanese gamers were queuing outside the official launch spot Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara, Tokyo yesterday morning, and at 9am the first copy of Blue Dragon was ceremonially sold to most punctual punter, on stage with a giant count-down and - presumably - someone dancing around in a big dragon costume.
According to German site Gamefront.de, Microsoft has revealed that its goal is to sell 200,000 copies of Blue Dragon in Japan - which would make it one of the best selling 360 games to date in the country.
Pre-orders for Blue Dragon have been doing impressive numbers in Japan, largely thanks to the large fanbase surrounding Dragon Ball Z artist Akira Origami - who designed the characters in the game. Review scores have also helped build anticipation for the title; Famitsu awarded the Mistwalker RPG a 9, 9, 9, 10 rating, giving it an impressive final score of 37/40.
The X360 has right now 189 000 consoles sold in Japan ...I see as really difficult to sell 200 000 games right now .Unless they are speaking of the total amount of sales say three months from now .In any case I am pretty sure most of X360 japanese gamers will buy this and it will give a good boost to the console sales for two or three weeks .
From what I can gather, there were 100 thousand Blue Dragon LE systems sold (pre order). Therefore they would need approx half of the owners of 360s to buy this. I would think, that should be acheived before end of the year. Thats of cause based on the fact 100 thousand is correct ( I did read it somewhere....)
Well maybe the Xbox 720 should have a sticker on it saying "Made in Japan". The good ole japs dont like trading overseas much. Usually why you can never find a half decent store to purchase directly from over there.
However, each country to there own, customs are a strange thing.
Well maybe the Xbox 720 should have a sticker on it saying "Made in Japan". The good ole japs dont like trading overseas much. Usually why you can never find a half decent store to purchase directly from over there.
However, each country to there own, customs are a strange thing.
That's really not true. iPods, for example, sell really well over there, in fact its number 1. You have to consider they don't get all the games we get, they don't have Ghost Recon or Oblivion. Both would be considered in the running for best 360 title to date. Plus, they have different tastes in games, which are not properly catered for. They prefer RPGs of which there is only Enchanted Arms, and are not particularly keen on shooters. In fact Metal Gear Solid sells much more over here.
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