Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix recentlyh took an interesting approach to cross-platform development -- using DS source code to spawn the Wii version of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time.

At the CESA Developers Conference (CEDEC) in Yokohama, Japan, Square Enix game director Mitsuru Kamiyama and Nintendo technology support sub-manager Masaru Mitsuyoshi talked about the challenges in developing a DS-based game for the Wii.

"Echoes of Time was originally intended only for the DS, but our president at that time insisted that all titles be multiplatform," said Kamiyama. "So we decided on a Wii version, but with the condition that it be created based on the source code of the DS version."
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411mania talks about this week's game releases. Highlights include Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy, Metroid Prime Trilogy, Cursed Mountain, and Harvest Moon: Magical Melody.
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Gamerdeals.net writes:

"Highlights this week include Guitar Hero Metallica (PS3, Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360), Pokemon Platinum Version (DS), WWE Legends of Wrestlemania (Xbox 360, PS3), Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (DS, Wii), plus a few more gems...

Check out the full list of new video game releases (USA) for the week of March 23, 2009 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Sony PS2, PSP, Nintendo DS, and PC!"
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Here's the Euro releases for this week, highlights include The Wheelman, Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 for Wii and Buzz! Brain of the UK. Please note these are tenative release dates and are subject to change with little or no notice.
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This week's new video games bring a mix of movies, real-time strategy, sports, and RPGs. Tomorrow (Sunday) is the release of Pokemon Platinum. It will be a big seller for the DS with the large base of Pokémon collectors out there. Now that gamers have warmed up to RTS gaming with Halo Wars, it may be a good time to check out Stormrise from SEGA. Stormrise offers a new perspective to the traditional RTS with a third-person view and "vertical" gameplay. PLAYSTATION 3 gamers looking for a solid RTS fix should check out the "Ultimate Edition" of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. Video cutscenes look great on the Blu-ray edition. Try the demo just recently released on the PlayStation Network to see for yourself. Wanted: Weapons of Fate is a movie-inspired game that looks promising. A demo is available on Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network as well. As a little bonus, we have a video featuring the artist of the Wanted comic book below, courtesy of Hollywood.com. Another dose of Hollywood is coming from Vin Diesel in The Wheelman, the Midway game that Ubisoft is helping to co-publish. See more new videogame releases in the week ahead below!

This week's new video game releases:
(subject to change)

Xbox 360:
Monsters vs. Aliens
Stormrise
WWE Legends of WrestleMania
Wanted: Weapons of Fate
Wheelman

PLAYSTATION 3:
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 Ultimate Edition icon (pre-order bonus: Girls of Red Alert 3 poster)
Monsters vs. Aliens
Stormrise
WWE Legends of WrestleMania
Wanted: Weapons of Fate
Wheelman

Wii:
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time
Monsters vs. Aliens
MotoGP 08
Totally Spies: Totally Party

DS:
Broken Sword
Discovery Kids Dolphin Discovery
Dicovery Kids Kitten Corner
Discovery Kids Pony Paradise » Read More 

GamerDeals.net writes:

"For a change of pace, the hand held systems dominate the new game releases for the week.

Highlights this week include Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (Nintendo DS), Resistance: Retribution (PSP), Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, Pro-Evolution Soccer 2009 (360/PS3/Wii), plus a few more gems...

Check out the full list of new video game releases (USA) for the week of March 15, 2009 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Sony PS2, PSP, Nintendo DS, and PC!"
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These are the new and upcoming Square Enix North American releases. Included are:
- Star Ocean: The Last Hope
- Dragon Quest V
- Valkyrie Profile
- Dissidia Final Fantasy
- Echoes of Time
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Set in the fun and friendly Crystal Chronicles universe of the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time delivers a unique and innovative experience where both Nintendo platforms come together in perfect harmony.
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David Jenkins on Gamasutra writes:

"This week's slew of new releases in Japan has been unable to energize the charts in the same way as last week. Namco Bandai's Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2 on PSP holds onto the number one spot -- although with only 45,000 units sold, as the overall market slumps back to previous mid-January levels.

The highest new entry of the week, at number two, was Sony's Demon's Souls for the PlayStation 3. Developed by From Software, the game is a spiritual sequel to the company's King's Field role-playing game series. It debuted with 40,000 units sold."
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Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time was a first for Square Enix, as they decided to release the same game on both the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS. It turned out that it literally was the same game, and not in a flattering way - Square Enix announced that the DS version would be ported to the Wii, not the other way around. They would also be sold for the same price and be completely cross-compatible.
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Kombo Reports: "While PS3 and Xbox 360 owners wait for their chance to play a new Final Fantasy title, Wii and DS owners will be getting their own Final Fantasy in just a couple of months. Square-Enix just announced that Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time will be arriving on March 24th for the Wii and DS.

This may not be as graphically impressive as Final Fantasy XIII, but it does come with some unique features. Echoes of Time will allow Wii users to interact with DS users at the same time. Players will be able to switch from single to multiplayer mode on the fly."
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Square Enix is pushing forward with a promotional campaign for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time. Set for January 29 release, the DS/Wii cross platform action RPG will see some major star talent in its upcoming commercial campaign.
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