Final Fantasy XIII At E3

[Ben-N1ce]

It's a rumor....but if you like FF it's a damn good one

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3149186

The May issue of EGM, which we're thumbing through right now, hints that before Final Fantasy XII is released in the U.S. Square Enix plans to unveil Final Fantasy XIII at this May's E3. This issue also reveals in its rumor mill section that we should "expect a brief teaser video and confirmation from the publisher that the RPG will be a PS3 exclusive."
This corroborates rumblings we've heard that Final Fantasy XIII is practically close to being finished, and Square has been holding off on revealing it until FFXII (which was delayed several times) was released in Japan.

The issue also features some other tasty rumor nuggets worth checking out: Mario Paint for DS, a new PSP design (and new functions), and a sequel to a popular SNES/N64 franchise for the Revolution (read the mag to find out which it is).

In any case, FFXIII at E3. Commence freaking out. We are.

[VG Aficionado]

Yeah, I saw it a while ago. Nice rumour which could be true since FFXII should have been released a year or a year and a half ago, so a different team could have been working on FFXIII for a good while now.

[venomv]

Mario Paint for the DS would be one reason for me to accually buy one, I had some much fun with the SNES one. I find them being close to being done with FFXIII unlikly, but it makes sense that they may have enough to show a trailer though.

[Mitri]

i agree with venomv. if everyone is just getting their beta kits(or final whatever you wanna call it) then there is no possible way that it could be more than just a trailer. not playbable. unless they are making it for the ps2. remember sony said that their not going to stop supporting it until 2010.

[venomv]

Being on PS2 seems even less likely. Sony will support it till at least 2010 very possably longer, but most of the devolopers won't, much like they just stopped production on PS1 after 11-12 years but it hasn't had a new game in 4 years or so.

SNES FF4-5-6
PS1 FF7-8-9
PS2 FF10-11-12
There has never, to my knowledge, been more then 3 main FF's on a system, I could be wrong with the SNES numbers though.

[Mitri]

i saw a fifa 2004 for the ps1. and EA said that they are supporting it until 2010 because they feel that they gave up on the ps1 too quickly. and EA are gobbling everyone so we'll have plenty of games.

[venomv]

Hmmm, I heard somewhere that the last game was in 2002, but anyway, fortunaty Square-Enix isn't EA.

[Omegacell]

Interesting stuff, but close to being finished? i really doubt it, would be cool if true though:hugegrin:

[Z]

i agree with venomv. if everyone is just getting their beta kits(or final whatever you wanna call it) then there is no possible way that it could be more than just a trailer. not playbable. unless they are making it for the ps2. remember sony said that their not going to stop supporting it until 2010.
Sony never said such a thing. they never mentioned the word 'stop' other than talking about PSOne production recently. they said that PS2 has a 10 year life span (like PSOne) and they will only stop making them if there aren't any buyers left. that or they have more consoles and systems to support and PS2 sales have shrunk to a level that aren't worth the effort anymore (which is the same point as the fisrt one. ;p)

as for FF, I am pritty sure that SE have said that 12 was the last chapter on the current generation. of course, other main FF games are being made. FF12 took a whooping 6 years to finish. they started on it in 2000. FF10, FF11 & FF10-2 have released while they were still working on it. not only FF13 is in the works, but FF14 as well. SE have said that they are always working on multiple FF games simultaneously to insure that at least one FF game will be released annualy.

the only reason why we haven't heard about FF13 yet is due to FF12 not being released. well, come E3 it will be 2 months since the japanese version has been out (and the Korean one-though not localized). there isn't reason not to show at least pictures of the game (not even a trailer is required at this stage). if not, TGS will most certainly have it (and maybe DQ9 as well).

I have high hopes that a huge list of games will be shown in E3 that may release in the next 1-2 years from now.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Yeah we'll probably catch wind of FF13 soon. They can work on multiple ones because there's no continuity. Think about that. They've basically made A new RPG every year and put the same name on it so everyone will buy them. Sure, I know they tie in recurring themes like chocobos and Cid and airships and stuff, but think about it: the battle systems change, the settings, characters and story change. They just put in those things like lifestream/gaia and chocobos to keep people hooked. So they've got at least 2 being worked on in similar time periods. They can be worked on independently because they know the name will sell, and they're not hinging the next release on a previous one's success.

[Viano]

Yeah I think it's been confirmed that FFXII will be the last on PS2. However, the battle system from FFXII will bollllow your mind, it's extremely fun, like the advanced version of FFXI.


FFXIII, good to hear about it.

[rpgamer_2k5]

Meh..we still haven't recieved Final Fantasy XII; why the heck do we need hear info on FFXIII?

I wanna to hear news regarding other RPGs.

At least, SMT PS3 is gonna keep me happy. :)

[Killing Moon]

Jeezus, ENOUGH with the freakin' Final Fantasies already.

Can Square at the very least come up with some new material for once? It's like they peaked during the PSOne era and everything's been downhill with them since.

God, please stop the redundancy, PLEASE.

[RavenFox]

After they show this game my life as I know it will be over.

[Infernal]

Jeezus, ENOUGH with the freakin' Final Fantasies already.

Can Square at the very least come up with some new material for once? It's like they peaked during the PSOne era and everything's been downhill with them since.

God, please stop the redundancy, PLEASE.
:nono: They better not stop making Final Fantasies. Honestly FFX was my favorite RPG for the PS2 followed closely by DQ8. I agree the last 2 have been somewhat strange (X-2 and XI) but those were different, so clearly they need to stick to the old winning formula. Also FFXII has gotten nothing but great reviews by everyone and the demo I played showed some promise. Every FF has new material, so im not entirely sure what your talking about there.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

That's what I said. They're all different games, without any continuity between one and another (except the FF7-ac,bc,cc and dc,, and X-2) they just put the same title on it so everyone trusts it before they try it out.

[Infernal]

That's what I said. They're all different games, without any continuity between one and another (except the FF7-ac,bc,cc and dc,, and X-2) they just put the same title on it so everyone trusts it before they try it out.
Well not many RPG's have continuity. DragonQuest, Breath of Fire, even Zelda doesnt continue from the old storyline, it starts you off fresh. Can you imagine having to play through 11 games just to get to know what the hells happening in FFXII? Each FF just keeps the same objective (Save the world) by doing the same things (Fighting bad guys) while using the same things (Big swords, chocobos, airships) and putting you through a new storyline so it doesnt get old.

[venomv]

Jeezus, ENOUGH with the freakin' Final Fantasies already.

Can Square at the very least come up with some new material for once? It's like they peaked during the PSOne era and everything's been downhill with them since.

God, please stop the redundancy, PLEASE.

They do come up with new material, KH for PS2, Vagrant Story for PS1, and who knows what else that doesn't get released outside of Japan, the problem is just about all their games that don't have FF on them tend to be crap, or are overlooked, all their good devolopers are on their best series, makes sense to me. We have had 1 real FF on the PS2, so how do you know that they peaked in PS1 era, FFXII may blow FFVII-VIII away, even though I doubt I will ever like an RPG as much as FFVII.

[indiekid4]

i agree with venomv. if everyone is just getting their beta kits(or final whatever you wanna call it) then there is no possible way that it could be more than just a trailer. not playbable. unless they are making it for the ps2. remember sony said that their not going to stop supporting it until 2010.

True, but I doubt FF13 will be on PS2.

[cliffbo]

Jeezus, ENOUGH with the freakin' Final Fantasies already.

Can Square at the very least come up with some new material for once? It's like they peaked during the PSOne era and everything's been downhill with them since.

God, please stop the redundancy, PLEASE.

40/40 nuff said.

[indiekid4]

Jeezus, ENOUGH with the freakin' Final Fantasies already.

Can Square at the very least come up with some new material for once? It's like they peaked during the PSOne era and everything's been downhill with them since.

God, please stop the redundancy, PLEASE.

sorry Kiling, but I will have to disagree with you here. Keep them rolling out Square! I have a feeling FF12 will be an amazing game and one can only imagine how AWESOME FF13 will be on Ps3. *drools*

Like I've posted many times before, I am sick of all these darn FPS!! lol

[rpgamer_2k5]

I don't think the posters above are maligning Final Fantasy. Instead they are irritated that a Final Fantasy title is appearing so soon on the PS3. I also do not want to see another FF title so early. There are so many gems SE can unveil such as a Bouncer, Star Ocean, Parasite Eve, Front Mission sequel...err...

What I am saying? Square-Enix suite is becoming weaker. Star Ocean was not above 2 even though it was a good title, Front Mission was just a disappointment, Parasite Eve 2 when somewhere else, and Bouncer while great is probably not going to shelved like Erhgeiz.

Oh well, we always got Atlus, Nippon Ichi, probably Namco, Capcom on the Sony console.

Really, I mean it, Square-Enix needs to start trying to reach the heights during the Playstation times. I don't care about quantity, I just want to see quality. Go Square-Enix!

[curryking1]

Final Fantasy? XIII? In the same sentence? O my... *faints* lol.

If there are any games that I will expect to have amazing graphics, it will be the Final Fantasy on the PS3 (but if not that Gran Turismo 5 takes my vote).

But seriously, Final Fantasy XIII? Those words together were, not even five days ago, a dream. And conjoining E3 with it... if this unvieling is true it alone is enough to warrant a convention the size of E3. Cannot, but ironically, am willing to wait lol.

[venomv]

I don't think the posters above are maligning Final Fantasy. Instead they are irritated that a Final Fantasy title is appearing so soon on the PS3. I also do not want to see another FF title so early. There are so many gems SE can unveil such as a Bouncer, Star Ocean, Parasite Eve, Front Mission sequel...err...

What I am saying? Square-Enix suite is becoming weaker. Star Ocean was not above 2 even though it was a good title, Front Mission was just a disappointment, Parasite Eve 2 when somewhere else, and Bouncer while great is probably not going to shelved like Erhgeiz.

Oh well, we always got Atlus, Nippon Ichi, probably Namco, Capcom on the Sony console.

Really, I mean it, Square-Enix needs to start trying to reach the heights during the Playstation times. I don't care about quantity, I just want to see quality. Go Square-Enix!

I loved FM4, except how hard it is, and the length of the battles. I would like to see a sequal to Erhgeiz though.

[Z]

Meh..we still haven't recieved Final Fantasy XII; why the heck do we need hear info on FFXIII?

we haven't seen 12, but Japanese and Koreans would be playing with it for 2 months come E3. or 6 months come TGS. why wouldn't they show 12? it isn't like it will be released the next week of its first unveiling. heck, look at when did I start the FF12 thread! and that was when the very first pics came out from Famitsu, not when the first time FF12 was announced.
so, they can announce 13, and release two years from now.

the main reason to show at least a pic is to get people excited more about PS3 and next-gen. when do you think we'll get to see Killzone, MGS4, GT5, GTA4 and others? all have been announced, but it will be a long wait till we get them in stores. :)

[LaLiLuLeLo]

RPGamer, uh....Bouncer was a terrible game. Yeah I played it.
Story-stupid.
Fighting-sluggish and repetitive
Characters- corny
These ingredients do not a great game make.
It seems like square tries branching out into non-rpg games, but they always half-ass it when they do (drakangard anyone?), when the game could have had a lot of potential.

FF is the only thing I really believe in.

[kaphwan]

Jeezus, ENOUGH with the freakin' Final Fantasies already.

Can Square at the very least come up with some new material for once? It's like they peaked during the PSOne era and everything's been downhill with them since.

God, please stop the redundancy, PLEASE.

There are a great many (non-final fantasy, ps2) S-E titles you should make yourself aware of before you critisize the company.

That's all I can say without physically attacking my computer.

[woundingchaney]

I don't think the posters above are maligning Final Fantasy. Instead they are irritated that a Final Fantasy title is appearing so soon on the PS3. I also do not want to see another FF title so early. There are so many gems SE can unveil such as a Bouncer, Star Ocean, Parasite Eve, Front Mission sequel...err...

What I am saying? Square-Enix suite is becoming weaker. Star Ocean was not above 2 even though it was a good title, Front Mission was just a disappointment, Parasite Eve 2 when somewhere else, and Bouncer while great is probably not going to shelved like Erhgeiz.

Oh well, we always got Atlus, Nippon Ichi, probably Namco, Capcom on the Sony console.

Really, I mean it, Square-Enix needs to start trying to reach the heights during the Playstation times. I don't care about quantity, I just want to see quality. Go Square-Enix!


quoted for truth

[Slay]

Final Fantasy XIII to be released in holiday season
Fans stunned at the announcement that game is nearing completion





TOKYO--Square Enix today in Japan assembled a star-studded cast of corporate and creative talent to promote its upcoming game, Final Fantasy XIII. Most notable among those in attendance was former Final Fantasy lead producer and former Square vice president Hironobu Sakaguchi and Sony executive deputy president Ken Kutaragi (who appeared via video conferencing).

Much to the surprise of the gathered press, the conference was not solely about future SquareSoft releases as expected, but Final Fantasy XIII was thrown rather early on as a main topic. What struck the assembly was the announcement that the game is nearing completion, and is currently scheduled for a December release on the PS3 by game director Yasumi Matsuno. This was a total shock to the gathered press, as Final Fantasy XII has been just released on the PS2 and the series has been known to be heavily time consuming to develop. Furthermore, Matsuno has recently confirmed that FFXIII was in plan for PS3, but never mentioned that the game has even entered the development stage. If the game is indeed released when quoted, it will surely give a great boost to sales of Sony's new console, as they (Sony) couldn't have asked for a better killer app near the launch.

After the initial surprise, Matsuno proceeded to provide further info on the game itself. Final Fantasy XIII will take place in the World of Ivalice, which has been the background for previous titles created by Yasumi Matsuno. In Final Fantasy XIII, the Arcadia Empire, which rules the continent of Valendia, and the Rosaria Empire, which rules the continent of Ordalia, have been engaged in a long war. During the conflict, the Arcadia Empire conquers a small kingdom named Dalmasca, which has geographic significance because of its location between the two continents.

After the Kingdom is seized, Ashe, the princess of Dalmasca, joins a resistance army that has been fighting against the powerful Arcadia Empire. With her father dead, Ashe is the only living member of the royal family. Vowing to free Dalmasca from the Arciadian Empire's grasp, she quickly comes to terms with the harsh reality of its strength. Ashe is ready to admit her defeat, but pride in her being heir to the kingdom doesn't let her.

Things begin to change for Ashe after she meets a young man named Vaan, who is cheerful and optimistic despite having lost his parents in the clash between the two Empires. Their encounter, which eventually changes the world, is the dramatic beginning to Final Fantasy XIII.

Matsuno, who will be producing Final Fantasy XIII as well as participating in its development, commented at the press event that both FFXIII and the Final Fantasy Tactics series take place in the same world of Ivarice, albeit in different time periods. One similarity between FFXIII and the FFT series is the presence of the Judges. The Judges, who were protectors of Justice, brought law and order to the world of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance.

In Final Fantasy XIII, their roles will be as Knights of Terror. They will also likely play a vital role in the game, as the FF XIII logo pictures one of them. “The story will develop while the main characters are in constant flight, fleeing these Judges,” commented Matsuno.

According to the game's developers, Final Fantasy XIII's atmosphere is based on a mix of medieval Mediterranean countries, which is reflected on the game's buildings (their architecture) and the presence of different races, such as the Bangaas and Vieras (from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance). One of the unique elements of the game will be its atmosphere--including different languages that are spoken by the various races, as well as their unique set of prejudices (introducing the theme of social classes).

In one example of this complexity Matsuno and the development team is considering adding leg irons on some Moogles. "Moogles can have classes as well. I had the idea beginning about eight years back, but I never had the chance to build it into a game," Matsuno said. "Moogles are cute creatures with balloon-like items emanating from their head. It's kind of dark image, but we thought it might be funny if they also had leg irons on their feet."

In terms of in-game graphics, graphics director Hiroshi Minagawa described how the team worked with limited number of polygons in order to implement a new system into the game. "We decided to implement a new system into FFXII, but it brought a heavy restriction [to the polygon counts]," said Minagawa, looking at samples of real-time character models on the projector screen. "We began FFXIII development using the same polygon and texture count as Final Fantasy XII, but we couldn't create the system we wanted with that. We had to try and create the same look but with only half as many polygons."

"We were fortunate that this time we could work with a medium that has practically no limitations in storage space, and therefore could impliment all the textures we wanted to use in the previous installations but couldn't due to the handicap of the DVD format."

"If you look at these screens, they don't look too different from traditional Final Fantasy releases," continued Minagawa, pointing to the series of screenshots that are now available off the game's official site "Actually, we chose pictures that look like this on purpose."

Then Matsuno picked up the conversation, revealing that FFXIII will give players control of camera movement. "One of the things about the system that we can talk about concerns the player’s viewpoint. Up to Final Fantasy X, it has been fixed. This time, the map is rendered in full 3D. That is, the player can change their point of view as they wish."

Of additional interest to FF fans is the importance of flying craft in the game. One of the upcoming title's most unique features will be its large assortment of flying vessels. They factor in numerous ways, one being that the main character, Vaan, has a dream of one day becoming a pirate of the sky. Pointing to concept art of a large aircraft, art director Hideo Minaba commented, "This flying vessel is about 340 meters in length. The WWII battleship, Yamato, was about 260 meters long. There will be even more flying vessels--many larger than this."

The music in Final Fantasy XIII will be co-produced by Nobuo Uematsu and Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story). Sakimoto will be composing the general tracks, while Uematsu will be concentrating on a single track that will run during one very important scene. The team commented that they are working on a vocal track as well, or at least something they refer to as a "substitute" for a vocal track.

"Ever since Final fantasy VIII, we've believed that songs play an important part [in the game]. But we don't want to create something that will just be used over the final credits," said Sakimoto. "Not to get everyone thinking, be we are planning to challenge ourselves and create something different than a song."

A minute-long trailer of the game then ran during the event, beginning with a scene where the main character, Vaan, wakes up in an area that looks like some sort of a prison. The scene then changes to a town square, where a gray-haired warrior is seen in front of a crowd of spectators. In another scene, a Bangaa warrior is seen in a small argument with a soldier, and later again with a judge. A number of battle scenes are then displayed--with Vaan, Ashe, and a Viera named Fran. At the end of the trailer, the Viera helps Vaan and another man escape from the prison-like area in the first scene.

Final Fantasy XIII will once again be using voice actors to voice the characters. Kohei Takeda, who looked to be in his late teens or early twenties, will play the voice role of Vaan, as well as work on Vaan's motion capture. "I've been playing [Final Fantasy] since Final Fantasy V, but I never thought that I'd ever be playing the main character," he said. "I hope to work hard so that people will be happy to see me portraying Vaan."

it may as well this is an aprils fool joke. there is also an image but i can't post it

-
Edited by Z: FF12 spoiler

[Fedos]

Square Enix has since refuted this.

Yesterday 1UP passed along a juicy tidbit about Final Fantasy XIII appearing as a PlayStation 3 exclusive at May's E3 from the pages of the next Electronic Gaming Monthly's Rumor Mill, and it didn't take long for Square Enix's public relations department to send out an official response to the buzzing.

Of course, if I've learned anything from public relations statements in the past, anything past a "no comment" only encourages more people to believe the rumor (and often means there's some truth). Final Fantasy remaining exclusive to Sony isn't much of a shock to begin with, but the news was enough to get Square Enix to prepare this:

"While there have been numerous rumors about Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix has never released any information about the title. The recent online article stating that the title will be exclusive for PlayStation 3 and shown at E3 is not based on any official information obtained by us. I hope readers will remember April Fool's day is tomorrow and many Print and Online outlets pull pranks ever year, before they get their hopes crushed by a joke." -- Sonia Im, PR manager at Square Enix

For the record, 1UP's article was not a joke, nor was EGM's statement about Final Fantasy's alleged next-generation exclusivity. Heck, if it was, that would probably go down as one of the lamest attempts at faking out in the history of botched April Fool's jokes.

C'mon, we're better than that.

I very much doubt this was an April Fool's Joke though. I think Square Enix just wants to keep people in the dark about what they'll be showing at E3.
And umm...I can't post the link until I get fifteen posts, so...it's on 1up though.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Um, this sounds like complete crap.
The tacked an extra roman numeral to the name of FFXII and made it XIII. The article is a rehash of some news article about FF12, and padded around the edges to make it sound like a PS3 game. They definitely summarized the plot for Final Fantasy 12, saying it was the plot for 13. C'mooooonnnnn buddy.

[jaxmkii]

^^^ plus that would mean one month seperation between 12 and 13... dont see it happening that would be like Audi and VW selling the same car... oh wait they did do that. thats why no one knows what a VW phaton is! (its a Audi A8L with a VW badge)

[cliffbo]

^^^ plus that would mean one month seperation between 12 and 13... dont see it happening that would be like Audi and VW selling the same car... oh wait they did do that. thats why no one knows what a VW phaton is! (its a Audi A8L with a VW badge)

no, your right, square will allow at least a year. but then again, TR on Xbox is coming out at the same time as TR on 360

[LaLiLuLeLo]

no, your right, square will allow at least a year. but then again, TR on Xbox is coming out at the same time as TR on 360
but that's like using the analogy of, 'if we can put a man on the moon we can cure the common cold.' that's not necessarily true because those are two different sciences. Eidos is releasing tomb raider(?) on those 2 systems because there's not a big enough install base of 360s to profit from just releasing it as a next gen game. And it's the same game on multiple platforms, not multiple 'sequels' (and I say sequels loosely since it is the ff series) on one platfrom.

[cliffbo]

but that's like using the analogy of, 'if we can put a man on the moon we can cure the common cold.' that's not necessarily true because those are two different sciences. Eidos is releasing tomb raider(?) on those 2 systems because there's not a big enough install base of 360s to profit from just releasing it as a next gen game. And it's the same game on multiple platforms, not multiple 'sequels' (and I say sequels loosely since it is the ff series) on one platfrom.

okay conceded it was a bad analogy lol

[LaLiLuLeLo]

:shrug:

[rpgamer_2k5]

RPGamer, uh....Bouncer was a terrible game. Yeah I played it.
Story-stupid.
Fighting-sluggish and repetitive
Characters- corny
These ingredients do not a great game make.
It seems like square tries branching out into non-rpg games, but they always half-ass it when they do (drakangard anyone?), when the game could have had a lot of potential.

FF is the only thing I really believe in. Woah..relax. Why are you so offensive? :D The game recieved 6.7 on Gamespot, 7 on IGN, and 9.1 on All RPG. I do not think the title is that terrible. When I played the game initially, the title was well over passable, imo. There is certainly a lot of potential in this title. I liked this title. But really, you don't have to faithfully believe in my "recommended games" list. If I said, "Lunar, Panzer Dragoon, etc are amazing" then you gotta better get rid of the NaCl. :guns: However, Bouncer is more-or-less considered a below-average title in the mainstream so I'm not going to mind at all. It did manage to sell well over 200,000 copies in Japan and that's not an cake walk at all.

Woundingchaney, we're on the same page. I'm gonna have to say it: I can finally say that Mistwalker being established is interesting plus the fact that MS is supporting 'em. ;)

[Getting back my rant.]
When I attacked Square-Enix, I am speaking as a fan of the firm. Why must they constantly throw Final Fantasy at us? Don't even think I am a Final Fantasy hater. I have played all the titles; even when as far as importing. I won't say that FF is my favourite series, because Lunar, Panzer, Shining Force, Dragon Quest, and the Xeno series; and Dragon Force takes that pie. :banana: But I really expect a lot more from SE. Now I really understand why Hironobu Sakaguchi left SE...who am I kidding? I already knew for a long time.

Now that I defended my previous point, I am going to have to oppose the views held by the strong fans of FF. Note, I am not expecting you to believe in my claims, but I'm gonna have to say this:

Final Fantasy X and X-2 sold less copies than Final Fantasy V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX in Japan. While sales have been rising on Sony console and there was a massive spike from last-gen to this gen (that is why we see 50 Cent, Ecko and so on videogames these days). Final Fantasy has not been performing as well as before. Why is this? Maybe quality in the Final Fantasy brand is waning? Maybe the series can get too old? Now does this mean that Final Fantasy should be killed? Hell no, it's one of the best series out there and will have sales over a platinum. But Square-Enix needs to start working on new titles that could emulate the success that Final Fantasy has been able to garner in the past. DQ is there too, but something that could match the new titles we see from competitors.

Once again. I am not a rabid anti-SE fanboy; I am one who has always purchased the majority of the Square AND Enix released! I really do expect a lot more. And yes, Z is correct: Final Fantasy XIII is being used to intensify the PS3 hype. I am simply wandering off. :bigpimp:

[Fedos]

When Square and Enix first merged, one of the execs said that one day they would create a title that would surpass both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. That got me excited when I first read it. What kind of title would that be? Or more importantly, why haven't they developed it yet?

The most popular game to come out of the Square Enix stable this gen that's not FF or DQ is Kingdom Hearts, and that game was conceived originally under the banner of Squaresoft. So where are all the great games that we are supposed to see as a result of this union?

Square produced many great titles during the PS one era that weren't based on the mainline Final Fantasy series, such as Xenogears, Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story, etc, etc. But this gen, they have been pretty much silent. Where is oft rumoured Chrono Break? Why don't we have a true sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics (most would consider Final Fantasy XII to be that sequel). Square had many teams that worked on games before the merger (not really the case with Enix, they primarily outsourced), so what happened to all of them? I haven't heard that the company has been downsizing. Are all these teams still working for the company? And if so, what the heck are they doing?

Square was my favorite company last gen by far, easily outpacing all others. I have to say that this gen, I have been disappointed with their efforts. I'm speaking about the Square side of the company primarily, games like Dragon Quest VIII and Radiata Stories came from Enix, who outsourced. Most rpg gamers have a bigger history with the Square side of the company than Enix, seeing as how Star Ocean: The Second Story, Dragon Quest VII, and Valkryie Profile were the only games released in the states under the Enix banner last gen (at least I think I got that correct).

The best game that I've played this gen from Square was Final Fantasy X, and I had so many issues with that game it's not even funny. I have both Kingdom Hearts games to play, but seeing as how my PS2 is malfunctioning I won't be able to play them for awhile. I was so repulsed at the idea of Disney characters and Final Fantasy characters merging that I held off for a long time on a Kingdom Hearts purchase. Wouldn't it have been a better idea to just merge the different Final Fantasy worlds and come up with a few unique characters? I wonder if that even came up in Square's councils... And Final Fantasy X-2 was a disgrace.

Right now though, my favorite rpg of this generation is not a Final Fantasy title, that honor goes to Shadow Hearts: Covenant, as evidenced by my avatar and signature. After viewing many trailers and commericals for Final Fantasy XII though, and hearing about its perfect score, I have a feeling that Final Fantasy XII will recapture that crown for Square and Enix.

But the problem in my eyes doesn't lie with Enix it lies with Square. Because Enix didn't really establish itself in the West last gen, but Square did. I only say all this because the Square side of the company is not nearly outputting the quality they did during the PS one era, and I hope they rectify this for the next generation.

^Oh and Dragon Force for the Saturn was incredibly good, by far the best battle system/gameplay system that I've ever played with a strategy rpg.

[Z]

totally agree. I love the FF series since each one is concidered a different game (with very general themes shared). but I want more. I am disappointed with their offerings this gen. things like Unlimited Saga were a let down for me. and their non-rpg games are very lacking.

is it too much to ask to have the same flare of the PSOne era? heck, many of their RPGs on PSOne should have been made whole series with chapters annually. but alas, we had only one taste of each. in that time even other companies shined. I still can't believe Sony making such a good rpg as Legend of Dragoon. and they too have let it go. could it be that the latter didn't get good sales?

I realise that good rpgs are expensive to make in the direction of FF, but not every rpg has to be like it. there are other, much simpler ones to do technologically and financially.

here is to hoping the next cycle of consoles will have more diversity and more offerings of rpgs.

[rpgamer_2k5]

The RPGs from Atlus and Nippon Ichi aren't exactly expensive to deveop. Square-Enix does have the financial area to develop a load of games of those levels. Do not get me wrong though; those games are superior to many (or most) of the games with super-dooper graphics.

In addition Square-Enix is capable of developing other games at the level of Final Fantasy, as we can see with Valkyrie Profile, Seiken Densetsu 4, etc. All they require is competition. I believe that Mistwalker is going to be the first that well be heavily competiting with SE.

[EDITED]

[venomv]

In addition Square-Enix is capable of developing other games at the level of Final Fantasy, as we can see with Valkyrie Profile, Seiken Densetsu 4, etc. All they require is competition. I believe that Mistwalker is going to be the first that well be heavily competiting with SE.

If they bring good compatition SE quality will go up, but that doesn't nessisarily make them good games, I played DQVIII hoping for a good RPG, but it just a decent one, boring uninspired battle systems and characters with annoying reactions, after playing that I am at a loss on how it competed on FF's level.

[rpgamer_2k5]

You probably expected a modern game, but this game just has modern appearance. It is meant for those who played RPGs for long; like during the days of NES or the Master System, would really appreciate Dragon Quest VIII. When playing Dragon Quest, I feel happy.

And I doubt my view is not credible since the damn game has sold millions in Japan and several hundred thousands in the West. Plus the sales hasn't been dropping significantly like the Final Fantasy series which is degrading in quality, imo or the opinion of the consumers. I am not going to include XII in that category yet since it appears promising.

Even reviews for DQVIII has been high from Gamespot, IGN to RPG sites. I usually don't give a damn about reviews, though. But it really does make sense:

Dragon Quest VIII is a great title. :)

[venomv]

You probably expected a modern game, but this game just has modern appearance. It is meant for those who played RPGs for long; like during the days of NES or the Master System, would really appreciate Dragon Quest VIII. When playing Dragon Quest, I feel happy.

And I doubt my view is not credible since the damn game has sold millions in Japan and several hundred thousands in the West. Plus the sales hasn't been dropping significantly like the Final Fantasy series which is degrading in quality, imo or the opinion of the consumers. I am not going to include XII in that category yet since it appears promising.

Even reviews for DQVIII has been high from Gamespot, IGN to RPG sites. I usually don't give a damn about reviews, though. But it really does make sense:

Dragon Quest VIII is a great title. :)

Dude, I hate modern RPG's, I would rather have older style RPG's, but there is nothing great about that game (it is the only one I played so I can't comment of the others) it is a decent game. But the boring battles and crappy characters brought it down. It has a good story, but I got so bored I couldn't finish the game, that is the only RPG I have bought that I didn't finish, accually the only one I havn't beat multiple times too. There are tons of games that get awesome sales I can't stand, GTA for one, but that doesn't change my opinion. And bright colors annoy me, that may have something to do with it too, I had the same problem with Dark Cloud 2, but I liked that one much better.

[rpgamer_2k5]

I accept your opinion. Seeing that I really don't like Prince of Persia: everything was bad, over-rated, and cannot stand to the originals on PC or SNES; it is really possible that Dragon Quest VIII was not liked by a good number of consumers.

Also I don't like GTA either. I borrowed Vice City from my cousin and could only play it for 20 minutes...

[acidjames]

i didn't like DQ8 too (awful inventory, uninteresting combat system, boring story, nothing special about the game system, etc...) but saying FF is going bad may be true for a few titles (VIII was average, IX could have been much better, X-2 = wtf??) but XII appears to be absolutely gorgeous

let's just hope XIII will be even better

[venomv]

I didn't really like FFIX, and FFX could have been better. Maybe I should try one of the earlier DQ's as they were the one competing with FF anyway. I will give DQIX another shot defently, I didn't like DQVIII a whole lot, but it was good enough to know there is potential there. And FFXII does seem amazing after all I've heard, not that that would change anything, it has been a must buy for me forever. You might as well disregard FFX-2 as a FF, even though I loved the battle system, the rest of the game was to hyper for me, and a bit too much girl-power, not to mention the story is whacked. It isn't really part of the series in my opinon, more of just a place holder while they made FFXI MMO.