Great idea by MS & Mistwalker...

Gain a fanbase for a JRPG by putting it on the DS....THEN bring it to the 360.

However, I don't know if this is the game I'd try to sell Japan...even though it seems like the perfect fit for Japan.   I didn't like the 360 Blue Dragon much at all (In fact, I even preferred Enchanted Arms!)

Anyhow, the art design and graphics were cute....the combat system was even fun....but it was the MOST UNCHALLENGING game I've ever played. When you can beat a 40 hour game and not die ONCE...it's just too easy. And the story, just didn't pull me in like other RPG's do...even the games with cliche stories...

Anyhow, it was a good game---just missing some essential elements that they can hopefully improve on Blue Dragon 2 or the DS Blue Dragon.

As this ever been done before?

It's a good strategy by MS to build the brand, and they really have nothing to lose in Japan.

I think it's smart. Microsoft does not have any incentive to create a handheld gaming device (part of their interest in the Xbox is to introduce digital downloading software to the living room), so there's likely never going to be an XboxMini or whatever. Why not put some of their games on the DS -- which is clearly the dominant handheld -- and improve their brand recognition of a few games while making some extra money?

 Then download the extra content from Xbox Live Marketplace where you can have the HARD DIFFCULTY!!!

hoorray, more blue dragon goodness :)

Wow, looks pretty cool. They are already doing a lot to get the BD name out besides the original 360 game anyway. There is the BD anime, a manga(comic), a card game. I remember maybe 1 or 2 months ago they had a promotion with McDonald's giving out a BD card (from the card game) when you bought a happy meal (in addition to the regular toy you got). This should only help to increase the brand name and hopefully BD2 does even better than BD1 by the time it comes out. :)

well DS can help the name grow and if they make a sequel it might sell better

Definitely smart move on MS side.

Speaking of M$ games on DS. Age of Empire is $15 at my Costco, is it any good?

The 360 BD game is huge, and not just because it's on 3 DVDs. A really rich and developed game, not surprising DS would want it in their stables as well.