Koei launches Uncharted Waters MMO in Japan, may localize for the West

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 29th 2009 at 5:30PM }

Somehow, Koei has beaten Sony Online Entertainment at bringing a MMO to the PS3. Uncharted Waters is launching in Japan, bringing seafaring adventure to the masses. While that's little reason for us to celebrate, Siliconera may have discovered a few clues at a potential US release.

According to the site, Koei has recently registered a trademark for Uncharted Waters Online. Spencer speculates that the registration of an English trademark may be part of Koei Tecmo's plan to expand its global reach. If Koei decides to bring Uncharted Waters to the States, they better not take too long -- we think they'll want to beat FreeRealms, The Agency and DC Universe Online in order to best capture the PS3 audience's attention.

[Thanks, Zack!]

Tags: koei, mmo, uncharted-waters

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

LordAbsu @ Apr 29th 2009 5:53PM

Hmmm. I'm curiously hopeful about this. The recently released Virtual Console title's gameplay could make for a fun little game (especially in an MMO framework). Color me "inexplicably enthused". :D

Pantsparty @ Apr 29th 2009 6:07PM

Looks similar to FFXI. But that's most likely because Eastern developed MMO's seem to look the same. I'm hopeful for it. Whatever makes PSN a better platform for a multiplayer experience.

JDHexen @ Apr 29th 2009 6:13PM

The more the merrier.

Damian @ Apr 29th 2009 6:16PM

I'd happily give this a go and I am not the biggest MMO fan , just like to experience one on the PS3 with my feet up in front of big telly instead of hunched in front of a monitor . Tried Warcraft for 3 months then cancelled .
Perhaps if i'd tried Guild Wars which had no subscription fees I may have enjoyed it more .

Lil_Mermaid_Girl @ Apr 29th 2009 6:46PM

I really hope it comes over! The video reminds me of FFXI online on PS2 which I miss playing. I had alot of fun with that game. Any mmorpg on PS3 would be good, it seems like it's taking so long for anything to release. Out of the major 4 (DC Universe, Free Realms, Agency and now this) I think this one looks the best. I really hope they bring it over soon!!!!

And talking about Koei I wonder when they're gonna make a PS3 Romance of the Three Kingdoms game. I like that series too.

billop123 @ Apr 29th 2009 6:51PM

If they make a ps3 version of ROT3K i may just piss my pants

gmoya90 @ Apr 29th 2009 7:44PM

not sure about this yet but i been playing FF XI since 2002 and i actually stop this year but going back for the 3 new expantion packs ^^

FF XI is still very best MMO out there!

i88gerbils @ Apr 29th 2009 7:58PM

It's not like this isn't a new MMO. It's been out for the PC for almost half a decade. I don't even think you can sail around the world yet either (in order to get access to other areas you have to grind and advance the storyline for your nation).

FunkyFlyChicken @ Apr 29th 2009 8:06PM

I've seen a few comments about Free Realms today, one in a forum post were some people were claiming to have quit World of Warcraft for it, because it was JUST THAT GREAT. Those people have to be delusional 8 year olds. The game is NOTHING in comparison to a full blown MMO, it's more of a mix of an MMO and Cooking Mama, with a dash of Mario Kart or anything else Sony can think of to throw in. In essence - it's Toontown.

I don't think Free Realms is going to give ANY MMO a run for it's money, honestly. It really is only going to compete with the market that would be interested in ToonTown - I honestly think it's a complete waste for Sony to even want to invest in a PS3 version of it, I would think the vast majority of PS3 owners are going to be either out of the age group of interest, or be interested in a deeper and less cartoonish "MMO".

I've played Free Realms, beta and now that it's live on the PC, and really - it IS just Toontown with a coat of WoW paint. And the destruction derby/kart racing minigames are so floaty with the physics, they really aren't much fun to control, especially when I had slowdown in the TUTORIAL races, against AI opponents, making it almost impossible to control my vehicle.

FreeRealms isn't going be anything big, imo. PC or otherwise.

whazam1337 @ Apr 29th 2009 8:13PM

no... just no... Agency and DCUO, FTW !!!

Gambit07 @ Apr 29th 2009 8:36PM

I like how the boats make a sudden left turn there at the end.

Zack @ Apr 29th 2009 11:52PM

I am happy this story was picked up! I submitted it thinking that this was actually a pretty big landmark, being the first real MMO for the PS3 (seeing as how it came out before even the full release of Free Realms). Not even Microsoft has managed to do this exclusively, even if it had a chance to with True Fantasy Live Online. I really hope they do bring it Stateside, because it definitely deserves at least a try, and the gameplay videos on Youtube show quite an active community of players.

Mind you, as with all PS3 titles, this game is not region locked, so you can import it if you want to and give it a try -- you just won't be able to download the English updates or expansion packs when they come here. lol

mgsrocks1 @ Apr 30th 2009 2:08AM

For a moment I thought Nathan Drake is going be the star of an Uncharted MMO. {:o}

jesseryan305 @ Apr 30th 2009 6:29AM

i realy like mmos but this one isnt that apeling to me i think if it showed something like world of warcraft id be the first one to buy it but ill give it a try if it comes to us

Maximiliano Guerra @ Apr 30th 2009 7:45AM

Well, I really don't like MMOs (Monster Hunter aside.. psp/ps2, btw).
But this already seems more apealing to me than FreeRealms (for younger audiences), The Agency (haven't attracted me at all) and DC Universe Online (I don't like DC, marvel ftw). Don't think I'm picky, I like most of ps3 games, but those 3 mmo are just meh.
:)