Talk Playstation 3 News

In a recent issue of V-Jump, a character seen in the E3 2009 Trailer has been revealed. The silver haired figure that can be seen at the bottom of the post is Yaag Rosch. He’s a lieutenant colonel, and is the rival against Lighning and her colleagues. His role in the game is closely similar to those of the Turks in Final Fantasy VII. He has the desire for peace with Cocoon’s citizens.

Also, the summon Odin Gestalt can transform into a lightning horse, much how like the Shiva sisters can transform into motorcycles. His list of attacks are Roaring Sword, Vacuum Breaker, Crying Heaven Ten Thousand Thunder. His signature attack has also made the return, Zantetsuken.

The game is continued for a Winter 09 release in Japan, hopefully a confirmation will arise within the Tokyo Game Show.

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Here’s a development video of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIII. Quality isn’t top notch but you can see what is going on. Enjoy.

Here’s 4 screenshots of upcoming RPG from Square Enix, Final Fantasy XIII. The game is due out 2009 in Japan, and most likely 2010 for everywhere else.

4 new FFXIII screenshots

Final Fantasy XIII will be playable at the Tokyo Games Show 2008 which starts in September. The Playstation 3 version of the playable demo at TGS is more likely because development on the Xbox 360 version hasn’t started yet and will not be released in Japan at all.

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Square-Enix has announced at DKΣ3713 that Final Fantasy XIII will be released in Japan suring 2009.

The bundle that will consist of a Playstation 3, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete and of course the Final Fantasy XIII demo will be released sometime in March 2009.

Playstation 3 owners will get to play FFXIII before Xbox 360 owners, the demo is exclusive to the PS3.

DKΣ3713 is underway and announcements have already been made so keep an eye on TalkPlayStation.com for updates.

Square-Enix have confirmed that a Final Fantasy XIII demo will be released with the Advent Children: Complete, the Blu-Ray edition. Along with a demo of FFXIII, Versus XIII and Agito XIII trailers will be included on the disc.

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There are chances. Let me explain the theory as to how and why Final Fantasy Versus XIII could appear to the Xbox 360. Whether Square-Enix announce it at a later date as a straight release or a timed exclusive on the Playstation 3, then makes it way to the 360 some time after, it could happen.

Why it could go to X360

As some of you know there is a connection between FFXIII and Versus. The only real connection is they’re all under one compilation (Fabula Nova Crystallis) that unites the games under one big theme. Not only that but both games take place in the same universe, but neither story conflicts with each other. Square-Enix probably still doesn’t know what to do yet and are most likely still thinking of ideas. The two stories may conflict in some way. If this is true and Versus doesn’t get a X360 release, are they screwed?

What if the rest of the story unfolds in Versus? What if you need to play Versus to find out what happened to so and so? There are many things that could lead into Versus.

Square-Enix went through bankruptcy when they release the Final Fantasy movie and they are still chasing the loses. This could make their minds up eventually. Also, if FFXIII sells well on X360, whats to stop them from releasing Versus?

Remember a year ago when Square-Enix were saying that FFXIII is a PS3 exclusive?

Why it won’t go to X360

The first one is that Tetsuya Nomura doesn’t want it to go to the X360. Why? Because he probably knows that the Playstation Fanbase will go against Square-Enix, he loves the PS3 and has no intention of making the game for the X360. Afterall, PS3 isn’t getting Start Ocean 4 or Infinite Undiscovery… yet.

They announced at E3 2008 that Versus is a PS3 exclusive.

If Versus went to the X360, what will the PS3 have in terms of exclusivity from Square-Enix? Ok, they are going to be announcing something shortly that is supposed to turn the favour back into Sony’s hands. it has to be a big announcement like a Final Fantasy VII remake.

Versus exclusivity at the moment

At this moment in time FFXIII Versus is a Playstation 3 exclusive. Do you think Versus could make an appearance on the Xbox 360?

More details regarding Final Fantasy XIII have emerged. Square Enix finally talks about FFXIII since announcing a multiplatform release. You’ll find Square Enix talk about lightning, battles system, the games progression and its place in the series. Check the info out.

• First and foremost, in no way is Final Fantasy XIII delayed because it is now being released on two consoles. To ensure a similar experience on both consoles, Square Enix has set up two separate teams to work on each version. Both of these teams are working along schedule. (Yay!)
• The original Japanese and localized versions of the game will be exactly the same. Square Enix wants to shorten the previous six month localization time between the three major markets.
• The 360 version of the game may take up multiple discs, as opposed to a single blue-ray disc on the Playstation 3.
• Kitase on Lightning: “There’s almost sort of a rejection at the beginning,” [Lightning refuses to fight alongside others at first and] “then the relationship builds from there. The trailer was crafted to portray that theme and get that message across.”
• Kitase on battle system: “[I] took the best of X and XII and created something entirely new and evolved it… there will be monsters on the field but it’s a little bit different from the MMO style that XII had.”
• Toriyama, the director, is focusing on creating a story with good progression. The battle system director is hard at work making sure battles are exciting. Kitase explains that they are working on making sure gameplay and story are well blended. (Monkey Note: Unlike Final Fantasy XII!)
• Kitase on game progression: There is possibly going to be certain moments of the game where the story is very played up and players will be going in a linear direction, but then battles will also kick in at a certain point. [They're] aiming for a good balance there.”
• The team is already casting the Japanese voice actors! Kitase: “In the Final Fantasy series, we’re always looked to find voices that match the appearance and personality of the characters best. So in that sense, we’re looking for someone that is right for the image of the character and has talent in voice acting.”
• The soundtrack will not be worked on full force until the game’s cutscenes are completed, to ensure that scene and music are matched and polished. They would like to incorporate more vocals into this game’s music.
• Kitase on Final Fantasy XIII’s place in the series: “In the grand scheme of things, Final Fantasy XIII is probably very different and new from anything you’ve seen in the series before. But, everybody on the team has played XII and the previous titles and there is an unseen connection there among the series.”

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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.”

In an interview with Square Enix Executive Shinji Hashimoto, it was revealed that Final Fantasy XIII Versus will remain a Playstation 3 exlusive.

“We won’t change policy,”

“Final Fantasy Versus XIII is still a PlayStaion 3 exclusive.”

As long as PS3 gets some form of Final Fantasy exclusive its all good, but it is a massive blow that FFXIII couldn’t remain an exlcusive.

Source via PSU.

Microsoft stunned the world when they announced that Final Fantasy XIII would be making its way to their Xbox 360. During Square Enix E3 press conference they clarified a few details. Square Enix exec Shinji Hashimoto said:

I think you are right [in assuming that (the Xbox 360 version) is not coming out in Japan.]” It will only appear on Xbox 360 in English-speaking territories.

So that means FFXIII is exclusive to the Playstation 3 in Japan – where the series is most popular. It seems that FFXIII will be released on the Xbox 360 elsewhere along with the Playstation 3 version.

Not only that but Final Fantasy XIII will be released in Japan first before reaching English speaking territories.

Hashimoto says that the Xbox 360’s large install base in English territories is what led to the decision to make the game multiplatform. Because the decision was recent, there’s no way of estimating how many discs the Xbox 360 version will be

Final Fantasy XIII Versus – another Final Fantasy game is exclusive to the Playstation 3.

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Want to see how far Final Fantasy XIII has got in development? Take a look at the following trailer from E3 2008.

Final Fantasy XIII E3 2008: Cam Trailer

Ff-xiii.net has released their latest podcast, episode 9 and it contains discussions about Trophy support, news, E3 and more.

Lauren, Jamie, Kyle, and myself are back and hit up E3 and DKS3813 speculation, and other recent FFXIII news, believe it or not! This show didn’t get as much special treatment as usual, like the intro, but next episode will be back in full force!

To listen to the podcast, head over to this page.

The latest rumors regarding Final Fantasy XIII is that Jenova could return. According to finalfantasyseries.net they think this image could indicate the return.

Looks very similar to this shot from Final Fantasy VII.

“So far some Final Fantasy fans rubbish the claims saying its “too big” a link between VII and XIII. And in their own words; “that’s if its not a super secret remake of Final Fantasy VII”, which is even more outrageous. Isn’t it?..”

Our opinion is that its just another lifeform and has no link what so ever to Final Fantasy VII.