Square Enix is making a sequel to Final Fantasy XIII. US residents have to wait till next winter, but the Japanese get it this year.
http://blog.games.yahoo.com/blog/334-square-enix-final-fantasy-xiii-2-coming-2012
"Apparently unfazed by the disastrous reception of Final Fantasy XIV (Buy | Search), publisher Square Enix is once again looking to its extensive back catalog for the next in the much-loved series.
But this time it's Final Fantasy XIII (Buy | Search) that's in the frame for a follow-up, and in one of those naming decisions that'll make perfect sense to fans and none at all to anyone else, it'll be called Final Fantasy XIII-2. It'll launch in Japan this year, while Western gamers will have to wait until next winter.
Although little is known about the game beyond its trailer and a solitary screenshot, Square Enix promised in a statement it'll sport a new story, an "evolved" battle system, and the return of numerous familiar characters from the original game.
Depending on exactly how you count them, there are somewhere in the region of 30 major titles in the Final Fantasy series, making it one of gaming's most prolific franchises. Known for its intricate plots, strong characterizations, and sumptuous presentation, the series has been on a downward trend for some years.
Final Fantasies IV, VII, and IX are still remembered as some of the best games of all time, but following the 2004 departure of series' creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, they've struggled to attain the same recognition they enjoyed in previous decades, although sales remain broadly strong.
Its most recent installment, subscription-based massively multiplayer online world Final Fantasy XIV, was a disaster. Excoriated by critics for its poor interface, bad economy, and unfinished game mechanics, it scored an average review mark below 50%. Numerous prominent publications scored down in the 30-40% region -- a rare feat for a major release.
Square Enix has repeatedly apologized for its quality, handing out free subscription extensions to unfortunate players. Around 600,000 players bought Final Fantasy XIV, and we suspect as many as two or three of them are still playing it."
*UPDATE*
In an interview posted on Famitsu.com, Final Fantasy figureheads, Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama talk Final Fantasy XIII-2, dropping a few fresh details on the forthcoming Final Fantasy XIII follow-up.
First of all, the decision to make a direct sequel was due to a worldwide demand and the development team's desire to build further upon the central character of Lightning. What happened to her at the end of Final Fantasy XIII will be made clear in FF XIII-2, with a proper conclusion. Check out the promotional Lightning image at the bottom of the page for a cryptic story teaser.
There will also be new characters joining Lightning in her quest, but to say anything further regarding returning characters would be too spoilerific for those yet to finish Final Fantasy XIII. Additionally, the story will deal with a change that happens to Lightning regarding her abilities and apparently the ornate white, crystal-adorned chair shown in the trailer (pictured) will hold some significance.
What's more, there'll be no silly singing and dancing a la Yuna, Rikku and her posse in Final Fantasy X-2, as the game will adopt a much more serious tone as Lightning embarks upon a dark journey.
Finally, the development team is looking at the possibility of giving Final Fantasy XIII players something special, so it's strongly recommended that you hold on to your old FF XIII game saves. Got that? Good.
http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-7412-Keep-Hold-Of-Your-Final-Fantasy-XIII-Save-For-FF-XIII-2.html
Sounds like it's going to be nothing like FFX-2.....thank god.
http://blog.games.yahoo.com/blog/334-square-enix-final-fantasy-xiii-2-coming-2012
"Apparently unfazed by the disastrous reception of Final Fantasy XIV (Buy | Search), publisher Square Enix is once again looking to its extensive back catalog for the next in the much-loved series.
But this time it's Final Fantasy XIII (Buy | Search) that's in the frame for a follow-up, and in one of those naming decisions that'll make perfect sense to fans and none at all to anyone else, it'll be called Final Fantasy XIII-2. It'll launch in Japan this year, while Western gamers will have to wait until next winter.
Although little is known about the game beyond its trailer and a solitary screenshot, Square Enix promised in a statement it'll sport a new story, an "evolved" battle system, and the return of numerous familiar characters from the original game.
Depending on exactly how you count them, there are somewhere in the region of 30 major titles in the Final Fantasy series, making it one of gaming's most prolific franchises. Known for its intricate plots, strong characterizations, and sumptuous presentation, the series has been on a downward trend for some years.
Final Fantasies IV, VII, and IX are still remembered as some of the best games of all time, but following the 2004 departure of series' creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, they've struggled to attain the same recognition they enjoyed in previous decades, although sales remain broadly strong.
Its most recent installment, subscription-based massively multiplayer online world Final Fantasy XIV, was a disaster. Excoriated by critics for its poor interface, bad economy, and unfinished game mechanics, it scored an average review mark below 50%. Numerous prominent publications scored down in the 30-40% region -- a rare feat for a major release.
Square Enix has repeatedly apologized for its quality, handing out free subscription extensions to unfortunate players. Around 600,000 players bought Final Fantasy XIV, and we suspect as many as two or three of them are still playing it."
*UPDATE*
In an interview posted on Famitsu.com, Final Fantasy figureheads, Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama talk Final Fantasy XIII-2, dropping a few fresh details on the forthcoming Final Fantasy XIII follow-up.
First of all, the decision to make a direct sequel was due to a worldwide demand and the development team's desire to build further upon the central character of Lightning. What happened to her at the end of Final Fantasy XIII will be made clear in FF XIII-2, with a proper conclusion. Check out the promotional Lightning image at the bottom of the page for a cryptic story teaser.
There will also be new characters joining Lightning in her quest, but to say anything further regarding returning characters would be too spoilerific for those yet to finish Final Fantasy XIII. Additionally, the story will deal with a change that happens to Lightning regarding her abilities and apparently the ornate white, crystal-adorned chair shown in the trailer (pictured) will hold some significance.
What's more, there'll be no silly singing and dancing a la Yuna, Rikku and her posse in Final Fantasy X-2, as the game will adopt a much more serious tone as Lightning embarks upon a dark journey.
Finally, the development team is looking at the possibility of giving Final Fantasy XIII players something special, so it's strongly recommended that you hold on to your old FF XIII game saves. Got that? Good.
http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-7412-Keep-Hold-Of-Your-Final-Fantasy-XIII-Save-For-FF-XIII-2.html
Sounds like it's going to be nothing like FFX-2.....thank god.
, the graphics really didn't bother me just didn't enjoy the game in general seems slow and every time you enter battles its the same routine. Couldn't play it for more than a few hours before being way too bored and there being these 10 minute cutscenes. I guess I enjoy a different kind of RPG
