Late Night Consoling

Microsoft announced today that the father of the Final Fantasy series, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and his company Mistwalker, will work with Microsoft Game Studios to develop two RPGs for Microsoft's next Xbox console. "I'm excited about the two epic game titles we will be developing," Sakaguchi said. "A number of talented creators have signed on to help develop these games, and I'm confident we will be able to create games that provide gamers with a new kind of thrill. Microsoft's cutting-edge technologies in the next-generation platform will allow me to bring to life an array of ideas that I have had for many years," Sakaguchi said. "I want these games to be alive with a new vision for gaming and vividly depict new characters that will transcend the game, find a place in the hearts of gamers, and make time spent with my games a fond and long-lasting memory."

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment revealed that they are producing a video game adaptation of the 1971 movie Dirty Harry. WBIE didn't specify what systems it'll release for, just that it'd be on next-generation hardware. However, they did say the game will have the likeness and voice of Clint Eastwood, the actor behind the character.

The company best known for its videogame rental service and Dance Dance Revolution pads announced today that it has opened a game publishing division. The company is tight-lipped about its first game, only stating that it is a PS2 title shipping in the spring of this year.

The Big N announced firm release dates for four of its titles shipping in May. May 1 sees the shipping of Pokemon Emerald for the GBA. On May 9, the sequel to Donkey Konga hits stores shelves. On May 23, two titles are released: Geist for the GameCube and Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones for the GBA.

Game Informer talks about the Mistwalker deal with Peter Moore, Microsoft corporate VP of worldwide marketing and publishing. GameSpot chats with a couple developers on SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy Seals.