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Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 hosts a party of one

June 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Lightning Returns piqued my morbid curiosity

No development process has been as interesting to watch than the multi-game pile-up known as Final Fantasy 13. It’s not that these RPGs have been of poor quality, per se; they just represent the totality of Square Enix’s resource mismanagement during the first HD generation of consoles. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Lightning Returns wasn’t the only Final Fantasy 13-related product on the show floor during E3 2013, as Square unveiled the long-awaited Versus 13 under an entirely new (though slightly predictable) name: Final Fantasy 15.

This rebranding – combined with the Final Fantasy 13 name getting second billing to its lead character – provides some compelling evidence that the developer might be a little ashamed of that “lucky” number these days.

Gallery: Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (E3 2013)

Continue reading Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 hosts a party of one

JoystiqLightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 hosts a party of one originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy XIV: A Real Reborn: Latest beta test brings cross platform adventuring to PS3

June 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

A third round of beta invites are going out for the new MMO Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. This is your chance to get your hands on the Playstation 3 version of the game, where you can play right along with the other faithful testers that have been playing on the PC. The game has also been confirmed for PS4.

Cross platform play isn’t new to Square Enix either. Their first foray into the MMO space, Final Fantasy XI was, and still is mind you, playable on the PS2, PS3, Xbox360 and the PC. Despite the PlayOnline registration trouble you have to go through to even play it, it’s still there kicking and still cross platform. It also has been the most profitable Final Fantasy game made to date.

For those of you saying, “Wait a cotton pickin’ minute, I thought they done released FFXIV already?!” First I would commend you on saying cotton-pickin. Secondly, I would inform you that Square Enix (or as I affectionately refer to them as: Squeenix) has been very hard at work on a “2.0″ re-release version of the game. The initial release was not the smash hit they had hoped for, due to lackluster sales and critical nightmares. So the developers decided to get back to the drawing bored, literally, and re-work the game from the ground up, including reworking the UI and combat system.

Let us know what you think about online Final Fantasy games in the comments below, and register for the beta here!


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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Taps Nostalgia For Its Rebirth

June 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

In an E3 presentation, the team behind the game discussed how they are focused on bringing classic elements from the franchise into the MMO space.

The trailer they showcased captures this ambition perfectly with moogles, summons, limit breaks, cactuar, and none other than Cid and his infamous airship. The developers also aren't forgetting what fans love about Final Fantasy: the story and characters. A unique way they want to go about that in the MMO realm is to let you create your own Final Fantasy story and character. It's one thing to be an observer of Final Fantasy; it's another thing to live it. 

MMOs usually lock you into a class, but in a Realm Reborn you can choose your combat style on the fly, since weapons dictate class. Change your weapon and your class follows suit. While many MMOs encourage playing with others, A Realm Reborn isn't shying away from embracing those who want to play solo. Lone wolf players can rely on Chocobo companions, who take damage and heal you, so you can get through the game without human players at your side. 

Also taking a cue from successful MMOs such as Guild Wars 2, Fates (full active time events) happen as you explore the world. These public challenges randomly appear and provide unpredictability and realism to the vast world. 

(Please visit the site to view this media)

I also got some hands on time by taking on the Ifrit challenge with other players. Being thrown into an MMO without time to get your bearings isn't the easiest, but I eventually got through the initial barrier. Playing on the PlayStation 3, commands are executed by holding down the R2/L2 button and selecting attacks and skills that are mapped to specific buttons. Things got chaotic fast. Not only do you have work as a team successfully, but Ifrit could make the floor crumble, harming players. If you were too focused on what commands you are dishing out, you could get wrecked in his fury. I liked the challenge of juggling attacking, coordinating with the team, and paying attention to Ifrit's attack pattern. There's something to be said about overcoming the obstacle with a group, but the battle started to feel very mechanic after a while. 

Square Enix hopes A Realm Reborn rights its mistakes with Final Fantasy XIV. Time will tell if it gets there, but I did enjoy that the game feels like it was made by fan with little queues to Final Fantasy hallmarks.

The MMO releases on August 27 for PlayStation 3 and PC. A PS4 version is coming in 2014.

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E3 2013: Final Fantasy XV has insane battle gameplay!

June 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

For those of you sick of all the Final Fantasy XIII spin-offs and may have been put-off by its battle system (that would be me, raising my hand, right here), there’s some good news! Maybe.

Square Enix has released nearly four minutes of non-linear battle gameplay that will flip the Final Fantasy world on its head. It looks like FFXV will take from certain scenes and style from the Kingdom Hearts series, FFXIII, and perhaps a little bit of a taste from FF: Advent Children. While still in early production–and by early, I mean a mixture of work from almost seven years ago with a new splash of ideas from the past year–it definitely looks like the newest installment of the series is going to be wild.

I, for one, prefer turn-based RPG’s but the footage below absolutely has me intrigued. What do you all think? Does this gameplay look like it will finally breath life into a weakening series? Or are we getting close once more to a real final fantasy?


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Final Fantasy XV And Kingdom Hearts III Coming to Xbox One

June 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Square Enix has announced plans to release two of its action/RPGs on Xbox One as well as PlayStation 4.

This news comes after yesterday's announcement that Final Fantasy Versus XIII is now Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III is in development.

When we asked Final Fantasy brand director Shinji Hashimoto if the PS4 and Xbox One versions would release at the same time, the company would neither confirm or deny a simultaneous release date.

This is the first time the Kingdom Hearts franchise has appeared on a Microsoft console. Since this is the third entry, Matsuda was asked how the company plans to catch-up newcomers on Microsoft. As of right now, there's no plans for anything of that sort. But as Matsuda suggested, fans can look online at videos and to get a grasp of the complex history. 

Will you be picking up the games on Xbox One or PlayStation 4? 

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Final Fantasy Versus XIII is now Final Fantasy XV

June 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Square Enix is dropping some good ones on us today at E3. The previously announced Final Fantasy Versus XIII has evolved to become the newest installment in the Final Fantasy series as Final Fantasy XV. Coming off the announcement of the long-awaited Kingdom Hearts III, FFXV will be available for both the PS4 and Xbox One, packing a one-two punch for E3 audiences.

So why not FFVersus XIII? It appears that the title’s development expanded and eventually culminated into what developers felt to be the next proper Final Fantasy game. While the main concept, world and story continue to be developed as originally envisioned in FFVersus XIII, improvements were made to the action, gameplay elements and graphic quality to take full advantage of the next-gen consoles’ power.

Square Enix described the story in its official press release: “The armed forces of Niflheim launch a devastating assault upon the Kingdom of Lucis, casting Crown Prince Noctis and his comrades out of their homes and into the fray. The engaging tale to follow draws audiences into an awe-inspiring world steeped in the rich storytelling traditions of SQUARE ENIX’s renowned First Production Development team.”

Check out the thrilling E3 announcement trailer below. For more info, head to http://www.square-enix.com.


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Final Fantasy’s had ups and downs, but Square Enix still committed to series

June 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Square Enix’s brand director for Final Fantasy, Shinji Hashimoto elaborated on the upcoming Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts 3, remarking on the “evolving” nature of the franchise. …


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Kingdom Hearts 3, Final Fantasy 15 coming to Xbox One

June 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

While featured heavily in yesterday’s Sony E3 keynote, both Kingdom Hearts 3 and Final Fantasy 15 are also coming to Xbox One as well as PS4. Shinji Hashimoto, producer at Square Enix, announced the news this morning at a Square Enix event in Los Angeles (via Siliconera).

Kingdom Hearts 3 is said to feature a more mature Sora, the Keyblade-wielding protagonist of the series. Final Fantasy 15 – previously known as Final Fantasy Versus 13 – will use DirectX 11, making it easier to develop for both Xbox One and PS4 since both consoles are built on x86 architecture.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3, Final Fantasy 15 coming to Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix reveals E3 lineup, teases ‘Next generation of Final Fantasy’

June 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Square Enix reveals E3 lineup, teases 'Next generation of Final Fantasy'

Square Enix announced a slate of upcoming games appearing at E3 next week, headed up by a pair of high-profile Final Fantasy releases.

Throughout E3, Square Enix will show off Final Fantasy XIII‘s concluding chapter Lightning Returns, along with the relaunched MMORPG A Realm Reborn: Final Fantasy XIV. The company also teases “a first look at the next generation of Final Fantasy,” a statement that does not seem to refer to either FFXIV or Lightning Returns. Further details, however, are not yet available.

Other games appearing at Square Enix’s booth include Eidos Montreal’s Thief reboot and the “mystery thriller” Murdered: Soul Suspect. The Deus Ex series will occupy its share of booth space with the Wii U-exclusive Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut and the recently announced iOS sequel Deus Ex: The Fall.

The HD remakes Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMIX and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster will also appear at Square Enix’s E3 booth from June 11 through 13. Square Enix’s full press release is after the break below.

Show full PR text
SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES E3 2013 LINEUP

Diverse Lineup Highlighted by Signature Franchises, Compelling New Properties and Expanding Platforms

First Look at the Next Generation of FINAL FANTASY

LONDON (June 6, 2013) -Square Enix today announced its broad spectrum of next-generation and current generation console, PC and mobile game products to be unveiled during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2013, June 11-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Booth #1647. The company’s portfolio features new games from signature franchises, a re-imagined classic along with compelling new properties.

FINAL FANTASY(R), one of the most successful game franchises of all time, will have a dominant presence in the publisher’s booth with both FINAL FANTASY(R) XIV: A Realm Reborn[TM], a stunning massively multiplayer online role playing game that will enable players to create their own FINAL FANTASY adventure, and LIGHTNING RETURNS[TM]: FINAL FANTASY(R) XIII, the epic conclusion to the series. Square Enix will also unveil the first look at the next-generation of FINAL FANTASY.

THIEF[TM] is the reinvention of a classic franchise that allows players to step into the silent shoes of Garrett, a dark and solitary thief with an unrivaled set of skills. The most challenging heists, the most inaccessible loots, the best kept secrets: nothing is out of Garrett’s reach. The mystery thriller Murdered: Soul Suspect[TM] will haunt attendees as an entirely new game property where the main character travels through both a modern day Salem, Massachusetts and a ghost world to solve his own murder. Square Enix will also introduce DEUS EX(R): THE FALL[TM], the new installment of the award winning DEUS EX series. Additional mobile and tablet games will also be at E3.

“Square Enix continues to show its global creative presence like no other game publisher with products from its internal studios around the world as well as key partners,” said Yosuke Matsuda, representative director of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. “As the industry continues to diversify and expand Square Enix is poised to lead that change with products showcased at this year’s E3.”

Along with hands-on demonstrations of many games, E3 attendees will be able to experience exclusive theater presentations for FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn, THIEF and Murdered: Soul Suspect.

For the audience not attending E3, Square Enix will host an innovative live online broadcast from its booth, allowing the publisher’s passionate community to get a sneak peak at the new titles’ content and interact with Square Enix developers. Viewers worldwide will be able to tune in for the duration of the show (June 11 to June 13, 2013) for a unique insider’s perspective into Square Enix at the show. For a full schedule please visit:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/squareenixpresents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@squareenix
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SquareEnix

The announced E3 lineup for Square Enix:

Consoles and PC

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to have been completely rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on all systems, gameplay and player experience. FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn invites players to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends from around the world.

Platforms: PlayStation(R)3 system, Windows(R) PC
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Available: August 27

THIEF

THIEF is the reinvention of the classic franchise that allows players to take on the role of Garrett, the Master Thief. As the tide is about to turn in the City, Garrett, takes cover amidst the growing uprising and sneaks into the Baron’s manor to steal his most prized possession.

Platforms: PlayStation(R)4 system, Xbox One(R), the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC
Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company)
Available: 2014

MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT

The hardest case to solve is one’s own murder. Murdered: Soul Suspect takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach. When Ronan O’Connor, a detective with a checkered past, gets caught up in a violent burglary, his life is brought to an untimely end by a brutal and relentless killer. Shocked to find himself in the afterlife, his only escape from the limbo world of ‘Dusk’ is to uncover the truth behind his killer, track him down and bring him to justice using his detective instinct and newfound supernatural abilities.

Platforms: Xbox 360(R) games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 system, Windows PC
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Airtight Games
Available: Early 2014

LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII
As Lightning, it is your mission to save souls so they may be brought to a new world. However, with only thirteen days remaining, not everyone can be saved. Armed with all-new weapons, player customization and battle abilities, you are in a race against time to fully understand your destiny. It all ends here.

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation(R)3 system
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Available: February 14, 2014

KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX

Fully remastered in high-def, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX is a compilation of the critically acclaimed KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX and KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories titles. Players can now relive the origins of the celebrated franchise with Sora, Riku and the colorful cast of Disney characters, including Mickey, Donald and Goofy.

Platform: PlayStation(R)3 system
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Available: September 13 (Europe)

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION(R) – DIRECTOR’S CUT

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION – DIRECTOR’S CUT is the enhanced return to one of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises of all time. By offering players the chance to advance through the game in multiple and vastly different ways, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION – DIRECTOR’S CUT provides an experience where every choice has a lasting consequence. Director’s Cut features include visual improvements, overhauled boss fights, reinforced combat mechanics and much more making it the ultimate HUMAN REVOLUTION experience.

Platform: Nintendo Wii U[TM]
Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company)
Available: 2013

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster takes players into the adventures of Tidus and Yuna in beautifully remastered high definition.

Platforms: PlayStation(R)3 system, PlayStation(R)Vita handheld entertainment system
Available: 2013

Mobile and Tablet

DEUS EX: THE FALL

DEUS EX: THE FALL is the next chapter of the award winning DEUS EX series. Developed by Square Enix Ltd. in collaboration with the original DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION team at Eidos-Montréal and N-Fusion, DEUS EX: THE FALL is a story driven action-RPG and the first DEUS EX in the series to be released on mobile and tablet devices.

Platform: iOS
Developer: Square Enix Ltd./ Eidos-Montréal/ N-Fusion
Available: Summer

MINI NINJAS(R)

Mini Ninjas is the first mobile and tablet game in the action adventure franchise. Based on authentic ninja values, this beautiful, fast-paced game takes players on an epic journey, free from gruesome violence and high on Ninja fun. Hiro and his Mini Ninja friends run, jump and slash their way through spellbound lands to retrieve the stolen artefact from the dragon.

Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Magic Pockets SAS
Available: Now

About Square Enix Ltd.　

Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX, EIDOS(R) and TAITO(R) branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive[TM], Crystal Dynamics(R) and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST(R) which has sold over 61 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER(R) which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS(R). Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/.

JoystiqSquare Enix reveals E3 lineup, teases ‘Next generation of Final Fantasy’ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New info and trailers strike for upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

June 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Square Enix unveiled some fancy new trailers and screenshots for their upcoming FF title, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. The third game in the thunderous Lightning saga, Lightning Returns takes place in the new city of Yusnaan, where lady protagonist Lightning will take on huge monsters with a more actiony battle system, which will hopefully move like lightning.

Lightning’s former ally, Snow Villiers, makes his return to the series; and judging by the above screenshot, these two have major beef to settle (I like to imagine Snow is saying, “ICE TO SEE YOU!” to Lightning in that shot). Square Enix is boasting that this FF will have not only a new, refreshing storyline, but an updated look, as well.

A new E3 trailer and a behind-the-scenes look at its theme song, “The Savior” (written by famous composer Naoshi Mizuta) can be found below. Screenshots, videos, and more can be seen at the game’s website. Lightning Returns will be striking the 360 and PS3 on February 11th in North America and February 14th in Europe.


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