The Rumour Mine: Sims 3 Late Night, the truth about the Final Fantasy Tactics delay, and Wii RPG comes to iPad

I'm not a fan of highlighting the back and forth that often occurs between game developers and the media. That sort of 'inside baseball' isn't exactly exciting when what you really come to read about is games.

The unexpected delay of Final Fantasy Tactics - a game which has many of us excited - has unfortunately thrust such a scenario into the spotlight. It's unfortunate, mainly because Square Enix has lambasted the media for spreading a rumour about the game's release. Spurious claim, no doubt.

Whatever. All I ultimately care about is when the game is coming out and whether it's going to receive a proper porting.

Rather than pointing fingers, how about committing to a release date and perhaps previewing the game?

Final Fantasy Tactics originally slated for September 15th, delayed by Square Enix

There was understandable confusion earlier this week when Square Enix claimed that the media had knowingly spread a rumour by reporting that Final Fantasy Tactics would go on sale for iPhone and iPod touch on September 15th.

It was unusual because the company hadn't denied reports from E3 claiming that they had confirmed the September 15th release date.

As a result, the last-minute delay to Final Fantasy Tactics was a surprise.

I have it on good authority that the game was indeed scheduled for release on September 15th and Square Enix had made the decision to delay the game for an unknown reason.

Rather than announce the delay, it appears that the publisher has decided to deny it ever suggested the release date.

It's an uncomfortable claim, though not because of disappointment in the delay: most gamers are reasonable enough to understand that delays are often necessary to ensure quality.

Judging from reader response to the delay, it appears that not many understand the reason for Square Enix to attack the press after allowing this 'rumour' to sit uncontested for three months.

The Sims 3: Late Night the next standalone expansion for iPhone

EA Mobile has just released a second standalone expansion for iPhone and iPod touch, The Sims 3: Ambitions, yet the next one is already well underway. To be honest, it's not much of a surprise that upcoming PC expansion pack The Sims 3: Late Night is being translated into iOS form.

Tentatively slated for release at the beginning of 2011, the game will let you paint the town red with the Sim of your choosing. Dive bars, popular night clubs, and classy lounges are open to you, as well as the opportunity to explore seedy alleyways and meet dark personalities.

Tied to these new activities are new professions, including rock star, mixologist, director, and local celebrity. Obviously, new clothes, character customisation options, and furniture will be included too.

It sounds solid enough, although the same was said of The Sims 3: World Adventures and its gallivanting across the globe, which proved to be a tad underwhelming. What do you think: bar hopping with your Sim or jet-setting to exotic locations - which has the capacity for more fun?

Side-scrolling RPG Muramasa: The Demon Blade being ported to iPad

Developer Vanillaware has a knack for creating drop-dead-gorgeous games (don't believe for a moment that the company's name is indicative of the quality of their games), and Wii action role-playing game Muramasa: The Demon Blade contributed to that reputation. Just imagine how much greater it'll look running in high definition on iPad.

Vanillaware is eager to see the role-playing game get a second chance at shifting copies as a downloadable title now that its time on Wii has come and gone. iPad won't be the only platform on which the game is available, as a release for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live is likely too.

Regardless, it's the purported iPad version of this dazzling romp through a fantastically imagined feudal Japan that has my interest piqued.

Role-playing games are few and far between on iPad, and lengthy games are even rarer. Don't expect it to come cheap, though. With Chaos Rings having smashed the £5.99/$9.99/€7.99 barrier, it seems reasonable to ask more than the average for this console port.