Talk Playstation 3 News

Square-Enix has answered what were unanswered questions ringing in everyones head. Thanks to MTV blog, here’s a round-up of the facts so far from the brief Q&A session:

* Why the move to Xbox 360 in addition to the PS3? Hashimoto explained via a translator: “We considered the hardware, and because of the situation and the spread of the hardware, we decided that way.”

* Will there be any content differences between the PS3 and Xbox 360? Kitase: “The game will be the same, but we have to consider Blu-ray and the other format, so it might be different [in that regard].” Hashimoto later added: “For content and gameplay, we don’t have the intention to make so much difference according to platform.”

* What’s the development update for the game? Kitase: “We are using new tools called Crystal Tools for development and developing the title on PC. From this year on, our pace is going a little bit faster. In the near future, we will probably be able to introduce further footage.”

* What’s the development process for the game? Hashimoto: “As we announced at the Microsoft presentation, as of today we are ready to start developing the title for Xbox 360. First, we will complete the PS3 in Japan. Then after that we will start localization of ‘FFXIII’ for PS3 for US and Europe. Then at the same time, we will start Xbox 360 the version development. That’s our entire process of development.”

How is the gameplay different from “Final Fantasy XII”? Kitase: “The entire atmosphere is different. There is more tempo and speed. On screen, it’s flashier and there’s more excitement in ‘FFXIII.’” … Every time we release a new game we try to make its own game design, so we don’t have any intention to make it closer to the previous and we are trying to make a new and unique game design.”

* What is the timing of the releases? Kitase: “As for the timing between US and Europe, we will try to make it as close as possible. Also, localization for US and Europe we will try to expedite as much as possible than the previous case.”

* The briefing implied that there was no Xbox 360 release for “FFXIII” in Japan. Is that true? Hashimoto: “Considering the market situation in US and Europe, the spread of 360, really our main reason for the change, and as for Japanese market and business direction, we have not changed anything.”

* At the Microsoft conference, it was announced that “”Last Remnant” would be released on Games for Windows. Any plans for “FFXIII”? After a long sigh, Kitase said: “For now, it’s to be decided.”

* How many discs will the game ship on? Kitase: “It is still to be decided.”

* Any plans for the Xbox 360 version to take advantage of Xbox Live? Kitase: “It’s to be decided.”

Well well, Final Fantasy fans can be happy once again as Square Enix will be returning to E3 this year at Los Angeles Convention Centre, the place where it should be because last year E3 was shambles. Square pretty much sat through the entire thing last year.

This year will be different because according to finalfantasyxiii.net Square will be returning to E3 and most likely showcasing FFXIII and possibly FFXIII Versus. Square have secured a very large both to itself once again.

“Good news is though, Square Enix is appearing at E3 2008. This is looking like a good sign as the Expo returns to the Los Angeles Convention Centre. Last year when E3 was in shams, Square Enix choose to basically sit the entirety of E3 07 out, to the dismay of FF fans worldwide. As the Expo is returning to a singular location, and Square is confirmed to have a very large both to itself once again, and not to mention the drought in news, E3 2008 will almost certainly bring news on FF13 and hopefully Versus 13 as well.”

Not only that but a demo could be on cards. There even could be a playable demo at E3. But Square is planning on getting a demo together.

“Square Enix is planning on getting a demo out to the public, although not specifying any particular region. The demo is planned mainly to showcase the new and very different battle system of Final Fantasy 13. The theme of the first game is determination, something that has been translated well so far in Lightning’s actions and expression”

If all this turn out to be true then Final Fantasy fans are in for a real treat at E3.

I’m sure we will be shown a breathtaking video of Final Fantasy XIII and maybe Final Fantasy XIII Versus too. I hope they release the videos on PSN too!

Lets just hope it is true! Oh and in case you didn’t know, E3 2008 will start the 15th of July and will last until July the 17th.

Oh and with all this news on the Xbox 360 getting Star Ocean 4 and The last Remnant, don’t underestimate the power of Final Fantasy.