GamesRadar - Final Fantasy XIII

Back of FF13 Box Leaked, No Install & Lossless Audio for PS3 Version (News)

Nov 26, 2009

What appears to be the back of the Final Fantasy XIII boxart over in Japan has leaked onto the web - and the image confirms some long-debated questions about the final release of the game.

Specifically, the back of the box states that the game has no Optional or Mandatory install, only using up 500kb of hard drive space for a save game. This is great news for PS3 owners, and indicates that the game will run as smoothly as the demo did.

The image also confirms that the PS3 version will have super high quality LPCM 5.1 audio and the CGI sequences will be in full 1080p HD rather than the 720p that was feared.

Square Enix Prepares FF13 Product Onslaught (News)

Nov 26, 2009

How much do you love Final Fantasy? How big of a fan of Final Fantasy XIII are you before the game even comes out?

If the answer to either of these questions is a lot or quite a bit, Square Enix has you covered with the massive selection of merchandise they're preparing to ship alongside, before and after the game's Japanese release.

UFFSite has a guide to what's coming and links to import if you're so inclined.

Gamers with both consoles will buy FFXIII for PS3, not Xbox 360 (News)

Nov 23, 2009

Have you been reading the forums, or paying attention to topics concerning the once PS3 exclusive franchise Final Fantasy? If not, you're missing out on the argument of the century. If you own a PS3 and Xbox 360, for which console will you purchase Final Fantasy XIII, the biggest RPG this generation?

Final Fantasy XIII: More Info About Pulse (News)

Nov 23, 2009

As the Japanese release nears, we get some more info about one of the two worlds of this hotly anticipated RPG, the monsters that roam it, and the hunting missions

Square Enix Counting Down to FFXIII Trailer…Really?!? (News)

Nov 20, 2009

Continuing the ridiculous Japanese publisher trend of counting down to everything known to man, the official Final Fantasy XIII web site is counting down to the final trailer that will be released before the game hits shelves in December.

'Final' Final Fantasy XIII trailer on the way (News)

Nov 20, 2009

The Japanese Final Fantasy XIII website has been updated with a countdown for the "Final Trailer" - presumably the last trailer of the game we'll see before the game's Japanese release next month.

Sheduled to release next week on Wednesday the 25th November, coinciding nicely with the release date of the new issue of Famitsu, the 26th.

Final Fantasy XIII rated by ESRB (News)

Nov 20, 2009

Final Fantasy XIII has been rated by the ESRB. Does the rating surprise you?

41 Final Fantasy XIII Images (News)

Nov 19, 2009

41 images of Final Fantasy XIII's Japanese version showcasing many of the elements recently announced including Hope's Summon Alexander, Chocobos and some more shots of the game's many environments have surfaced.

Some of these have been seen in previous magazine scans and on Famitsu's website - but they're now here in a slightly higher resolution and minus the Famitsu watermark. Others are entirely new, but they're all awesome.

More Details on Final Fantasy XIII's Crystarium System and Chocobos (News)

Nov 19, 2009

Final Fantasy XIII is too modern for "levels". It has a Final Fantasy X style character growth system where players spend Crystarium points to purchase abilities and stat boosts earned from encounters. As seen above, Lighting is playing the role of a blaster and can purchase HP +15 or the magic spell thunder. Snow, being an attacker, has different options like the ruin spell and HP +70.

Jump FFXIII Scan: Hunts, Natural Environments & Huge Monsters. (News)

Nov 19, 2009

New Final Fantasy XIII scans from Jump has revealed that the game will have a similar mini-game to the hunt system from FFXII. They will be in the forms of optional missions.

You can activate these and other missions through 'Dark Inscriptions' scattered around the world

Also the scans reveal the official name of the planet Pulse is 'Grand Pulse'. Huge fields, ruined areas and greenery enriched valleys can be seen in the scans for that particular world.

The huge Dinosaur that can be seen is actually the games Adamantoise. That and the huge Cactuar can all be fought in battle!

This and much more information will be revealed in next weeks 17 page Famitsu blowout.

Square Enix President Downplays Final Fantasy XIII "Newness", Still Predicts Record Sales (News)

Nov 18, 2009

Ripten: "In a recent interview, Square Enix President, Yoichi Wada, was asked if he thought Final Fantasy XIII would be the best selling Final Fantasy ever, and considering the recent US & European announcement video touted Final Fantasy XIII as "possibly the most anticipated game of all time", his response may shock more than a few Final Fantasy fans..."

Final Fantasy XIII PS3 "Will Easily Cross 1 Million Mark" on Release (News)

Nov 17, 2009

Split-Screen: "Final Fantasy XIII is only a month away, and it's already begun outpacing FFXII (Playstation 2) in pre-orders according to a retailer representative in Japan. He also predicted the game will easily cross the one million mark on release."

Vincent Martella Doing a Voice For FF13 (News)

Nov 17, 2009

Vincent Martella (aka Greg from Everybody Hates Chris) has been confirmed to be doing a voice for a character in the English version of Final Fantasy XIII.

Yoichi Wada Ensures Final Fantasy Will Not Get Exhausted (News)

Nov 16, 2009

Final Fantasy Union writes, "In a keynote at the Montreal International Game Summit, Yoichi Wada, CEO and President of Square Enix, spoke to the possibility of Final Fantasy IP being exhausted, specifically Final Fantasy XIII's compilation Fabula Nova Crystallis, and how Square Enix keep the Final Fantasy series as a whole from becoming exhausted."

Final Fantasy XIII: Aussie Date Announced (News)

Nov 16, 2009

IGN: "Square Enix Ltd. today announced that Final Fantasy XIII will be available on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in Australia and New Zealand on March 9, 2010. This is the same date that it will launch in the U.S., and shows that the age of long delays for European and Australian releases of RPGs are long gone. Huzzah!"

Final Fantasy XIII Pre-Orders Begin With Release Date Delivery (News)

Nov 14, 2009

PlayStation LifeStyle writes:

"Let's face it, Final Fantasy is the biggest, most successful RPG franchise in history, and there is no doubt that Final Fantasy XIII is on the top of PlayStation 3 owners' most anticipated list. With the game's North American release date finally set in stone, one major online retailer has already opened up pre-orders and is offering release date delivery, as well as a slight price break for early pre-orders…"

New Final Fantasy XIII Screens Released (News)

Nov 14, 2009

GOONL!NE: Some new direct-feed shots of Final Fantasy XIII has been released by Square Enix.

FF XIII: Possible DLC Overseas? None for Japan. (News)

Nov 14, 2009

Speaking to CVG in a recent interview, Kitase told us: "Unfortunately, it has been decided that no DL contents will be available for the Japanese version due out in December, while no decision has been made for the overseas versions."

Square-Enix: FFXIII visuals will get you hooked (News)

Nov 14, 2009

Finally North American and European gamers know exactly when Final Fantasy 13 will be in store shelves in their respectful regions and they couldn't be happier. A lot of details were released today, including inside information on the visuals of the game. In fact Square-Enix believes lovers and new comers alike will be so impressed by how realistic the game looks that they'll be hooked by the visuals.

Here's Final Fantasy Art Director Isamu Kamikokuryo on the visuals and futuristic feel of the game:

EU Playstation Blog: FINAL FANTASY XIII - The Time Has Come (News)

Nov 13, 2009

Antonio Marfuggi writes:

"The time has come, folks! The countdown's over – we wait no more!"

New FF13 Information to arrive on every 13th day until March (News)

Nov 13, 2009

Square Enix intend to make the 13th day of each month special leading up to the March 9th 2010 release of Final Fantasy XIII by releasing all-new information on the English language release of the game on the 13th of every month.

That's today, the 13th December, January and February all to look forward to for huge website updates and information on the latest title in the Final Fantasy series.

Hear FF13's English Theme Song (News)

Nov 13, 2009

Here's Leona Lewis' contribution to the world of Final Fantasy, in the form of "My Hands" - the official theme of FF13's English release.

Final Fantasy XIII gets EU and US launch dates (News)

Nov 13, 2009

The Lost Gamer writes "Square Enix had promised to make a big announcement today regarding Final Fantasy XIII, and towards the end of the newly released trailer have unveiled exactly what fans within both Europe and America have been waiting for - it's release date."

Wada: We'll Get FFXIII Out to European Gamers "earlier then imagined" (News)

Nov 13, 2009

GOONL!NE: Square Enix president Yoichi Wada has given the clearest indication that we'l be seeing Final Fantasy XIII in Europe a lot sooner then previously thought.

Final Fantasy XIII - Release date announcement (Video)

Nov 13, 2009

An amazing looking new entry into the Final Fantasy series that promises to take the gameplay and story in entirely new directions.

Final Fantasy XIII - Lightning's New Weapon (News)

Nov 13, 2009

FinalFantasy-XIII.net: Shonen Jump's latest issue includes a new feature on Final Fantasy XIII with new screenshots and for the first time, proof that characters will be able to acquire new weapons.

Final Fantasy XIII Weapon System Detailed + Scans (News)

Nov 13, 2009

SCRAWL: "Final Fantasy XIII's Crystarium System is one thing; now here comes the game's weapon system.

Lightning and company are not limited to the base statistics of their equipped weapon. Players have the ability to apply weapon upgrades using materials that enemies drop in battle or those found in treasure chest. There are over one hundred materials that can be used to upgrade weapons. These upgrades will boost your weapons strength and experience. "

Final Fantasy XIII (Screenshots)

Nov 13, 2009

Final Fantasy XIII's FFXIV Bonus Item Revealed (Somewhat) (News)

Nov 12, 2009

Andriasang writes: "This past week, Weekly Shounen Jump provided first word on a Final Fantasy XIII bonus item. The magazine reported that Square Enix would be packing a Final Fantasy XIV campaign code with the first print run of FFXIII."

New Final Fantasy XIII Video in Playstation Home this Friday (News)

Nov 12, 2009

FinalFantasy-XIII.net: The US Playstation Blog has posted an update on what we can expect from the super special Final Fantasy XIII announcement this Friday. Apparently a "never-seen-before" Final Fantasy XIII Video is going to be aired in the 10-Screen Theatre on Playstation Home.

PSBlog EU: Final Fantasy XIII - A Special Announcement (News)

Nov 11, 2009

PSB EU writes:

"Hi everyone! I'm Antonio "Papero" Marfuggi from SQUARE ENIX's Brand Team.
Just dropping you a couple of lines to let you know something big (and with "big" I mean "BIG"!) is coming up about FINAL FANTASY XIII."

Rumor Control: No Final Fantasy XIV Beta With Final Fantasy XIII (News)

Nov 11, 2009

Famitsu explained what the Final Fantasy XIV campaign code is and it's not for beta test access.

FFXIII video announcement this Friday at 3:30PM GMT (News)

Nov 11, 2009

Vice president of brand at Square Enix Europe Larry Sparks told MCV today:

"We have some very big news regarding Final Fantasy XIII; that we will be revealing Friday afternoon.

"We wanted to share the news with as many people as possible, so we have created a special video that will be unveiled on Friday. We hope you enjoy the announcement."

Release date? Demo? Friday shall reveal all.

Update: This is a duplicate story but unlike the other one which has yet to be accepted, this one has a fixed URL source and links.

New Final Fantasy XIII Screenshots in Famitsu (News)

Nov 11, 2009

FinalFantasy-XIII.net: Last week, scans from Weekly Shonen Jump popped up and everyone was introduced to Hope's summon, Alexander, and the fact that the series staple chocobo can be ridden whilst journeying Pulse. The week prior to that, scans from Weekly Shonen Jump showed up depicting the character growth system, Crystarium.

Now the time has come, as per usual, for Famitsu to run a full, detailed feature.

RPG Deals 11/8 - 11/14 (News)

Nov 9, 2009

Get Mass Effect for $5 with purchase of Dragon Age, $25 gift cards being handed out, and more as Russ finds cheap RPGs at North American retailers.

Is this the Final Fantasy XIII North American box art? (News)

Nov 9, 2009

RPG Land discusses what is still unconfirmed, eventually saying, "...Furthermore, it's sporting a T rating instead of RP, which again puts it in the minority. Does Play-Asia know something we don't? While one must always be cautious, these retail leaks of info and images have been slightly more reliable than usual, lately, so it seems worth considering, though we'll say again: it's far from official."

Final Fantasy XIII: More Chocobo, Alexander details (News)

Nov 8, 2009

SCRAWL: "This week's Shonen Jump is officially out in Japan today, giving us a clearer insight into Final Fantasy XIII's Chocobos and Hope's summon Alexander than the leak earlier this week did.

Chocobos are huge in Final Fantasy XIII; they roam the world of Pulse with an purpose of providing high speed movement through the game's underworld. They have the ability to jump high, reaching locations otherwise inaccessible; and the ability to find treasures, an exclamation point appearing above their heads whenever they sense something, notifying you to dig for treasure."

English Final Fantasy XIII Announcement - November 13th (News)

Nov 7, 2009

FinalFantasy-XIII.net: Well that didn't take long. Forum members hintonmj and Squirrel Emperor have already worked out the anagram posted by Square Enix about an hour ago. The anagram says "Announcement Nov Thirteenth"

FFXIII to include FFXIV beta code; Hope's summon, Chocobos in leaked Jump scans (News)

Nov 6, 2009

SCRAWL: "Next week's Shonen Jump has leaked a bit early, considering it's still Friday, but we have them. The new scans reveal both Hope's summon in Final Fantasy XIII as well as what the beloved Chocobo will look like this time around.

The magazine also reveals that Final Fantasy XIII in Japan will come with beta access to Final Fantasy XIV."

Aspiring Composer Uses Final Fantasy XIII and Kingdom Hearts III To Promote His Music (News)

Nov 6, 2009

"Final Fantasy XIII" and "Kingdom Hearts III" soundtrack are what this aspiring composer on YouTube is distributing his music as. OSV has come across this user who has actually written some great sounding music that sounds as though it could really be from the game, but it's hard not to feel deceived when realizing it's all fan-made content being advertised as Square Enix music.

Wada: FF13 could be out before end of fiscal 2009 in West (News)

Nov 5, 2009

Nick @ PS3Center writes:

Square isn't done, either. While they've sold 12 million software units so far, they expect to double up to 26 million by the end of the fiscal year. This will obviously be helped by the Final Fantasy XIII, Star Ocean 4 International and Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep launches in Japan.

They may also be aiming to release Final Fantasy XIII this year in the West.

FF13 Environments Showcased (News)

Nov 5, 2009

Japanese publication GameWatch has published a bunch of Final Fantasy XIII screenshots that showcase some of the environments that will feature in the final game.

Many of the environments have been seen before in trailers and screenshots, but these in-engine shots have been especially taken to show off the locales of FF13's world.

Final Fantasy XIII is now nearing its Japanese release in December, and these in-engine environmental shots serve to give fans a broader idea of what the world of FF13 is like.

Final Fantasy XIII's Hope Estheim Gets His Own Summon (News)

Nov 5, 2009

Final Fantasy Union: "The latest edition of Jump Magazine reveals that Hope Estheim's associated summon will be Alexander. This means that almost all of the playable characters have had their summons revealed."

Final Fantasy XIII: Chocobo, Growth details in next Famitsu (News)

Nov 4, 2009

SCRAWL: "The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that next week's issue is going to contain brand new information on Final Fantasy XIII; this time, about Chocobos (the franchise's lovable bird creatures) and character growth (which we've already told you about)."

FF13 Soundtrack Website Opens, Offers free music to buyers (News)

Nov 4, 2009

Square Enix have opened the official Final Fantasy XIII soundtrack webpage, revealing the full contents of the limited edition OST and encouraging fans to invest in the soundtrack of Final Fantasy XIII by offering free music to those who pick it up.

The web page details that fans who pick up the FF13 soundtrack will be able to register the products at the Square Enix Members website, opening up a special music player that will allow fans to choose from over 4000 Square Enix music tracks for free streaming for their listening pleasure.

Final Fantasy XIII gets new English shots, more Fang (News)

Nov 3, 2009

SCRAWL: "A brand new batch of Final Fantasy XIII screenshots have come forth tonight showing us more of Sazh's summon in-battle as well as more of Oerba Yun Fang and her relationship to the main cast of characters; as it's seen in the image above, she's having a conversation with Sazh."

FFXIII boxart officially revealed (News)

Nov 2, 2009

Square Enix has lifted the wraps of what appears to be the Japanese boxart of Final Fantasy XIIIIt's now live on the Square Enix shop to look at.

Official Japanese box art for Final Fantasy XIII (News)

Nov 2, 2009

This final box art for Final Fantasy XIII was uploaded a few moments ago on Square Enix's own e-store. It's identical to most of the other Japanese Final Fantasy box arts (white background and logo). Note that while the image is small, it clearly doesn't have a Playstation Network icon. The icon, however, was present at the end of the English Final Fantasy XIII trailer.

Source: e-store (Square Enix)

Final Fantasy XIII level up system introduced, called the Crystalium System. Sphere Grid? (News)

Nov 1, 2009

We all have known for some time now that the level up system for Final Fantasy XIII would be different from all other past games. Introducing new systems for magic, attacks and levels. Well, I came upon this article today and I'm just a little disappointed with Square-Enix. They couldn't be original and come up with a new system, but instead re-hash a old system used from Final Fantasy X. On the other hand we have not exactly gotten our hands on Final Fantasy XIII, so it is hard to make a argument. Hit the jump for more info.

Lightning to appear in Dissidia: Final Fantasy (News)

Oct 31, 2009

The latest issue of Famitsu has revealed that Lightning will be appearing in Dissidia: Final Fantasy

Shonen Jump reveals FFXIII Crystalium -growth- System (scans+information) (News)

Oct 31, 2009

Today the character growth system was revealed in Shonen Jump. The scans are from next week's Shonen Jump so they aren't officialy released yet. Therefore the scans are in low quality for the time being.

The growth system is called "Crystalium System" and closely resembles to the sphere grid from FFX. In battle you will earn CP (Crystalium Points) instead of Experience points which aren't in the game (like FFX). There won't be a level-up system in FFXIII! With the earned CP points you will be able to learn an ability and when you learned it another one will open up.

FF13 Limited Edition Soundtrack now up for Preorder (News)

Oct 31, 2009

The Limited Edition of the Final Fantasy XIII soundtrack that was announced last week is now up for preorder online - with its limited status, it might be worth ordering soon!

The soundtrack comes on a whopping four discs including all the music from the game including the two theme songs sung by Sayuri Sugawara.

The limited edition also includes a bonus 'drama' CD which retells the 'Episode Zero' FF13 stories in a dramatic audio form, recorded by the in-game FF13 voice cast. In addition to that you'll get a special box, sleeve and a limited 32 page visual book.

Casting Call Tips Off Final Fantasy XIII Release Date Reveal Presentation (News)

Oct 29, 2009

A casting call held by Los Angeles based commercial ad agency, Liz Paulson Casting, is looking for someone to read a script which presents developer commentary and "an exclusive never before seen look at Final Fantasy XIII" before the camera pans back to reveal a release date.

Japanese Final Fantasy XIII Boxart Revealed (News)

Oct 24, 2009

What appears to be the complete Japanese boxart for Final Fantasy XIII appears to has leaked onto the web with the final boxart being identical to the art shown next to a special edition console at TGS 2009.

5-Disc Final Fantasy XIII Limited Edition Soundtrack Announced (News)

Oct 23, 2009

Square Enix has finally announced the official soundtrack release for Final Fantasy XIII. There will be a 5-disc limited edition containing a drama CD as well as a 4-disc regular edition released on January 27, 2010, with music composed by Masashi Hamauzu and two vocal themes sung by Sayuri Sugawara. The limited edition will come in special packaging.

FF13 Elixir Dated (News)

Oct 22, 2009

Suntory and Square Enix have finally announced the planned release date for the Final Fantasy XIII Elixir soft drink and released a bunch of images and information on the drink to celebrate including information on a special, limited edition version of the drink that includes an extra for FF13 fans.

FFXIII on the PS3 to have no Install (News)

Oct 21, 2009

The kind folks over at IGN went over the latest issue of Famitsu and revealed that FFXIII on the PS3 won't require an install. They also made a comment on loading times, and how the only time you will see them is when the transition from town to field occurs. The devs commented on how they did this because they wanted to create seamless environments with no loading.

Final Fantasy XIII and Versus XIII details from the latest Famitsu (News)

Oct 21, 2009

"The latest issue of Famitsu magazine comes jam-packed with fresh new information on Final Fantasy XIII as well as the other two Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Agito XIII titles."

Final Fantasy XIII scans reveal Wolba Yun Fang (News)

Oct 15, 2009

SCRAWL: "A new couple of Final Fantasy XIII scans have hit the net today, detailing the new character revealed in the Tokyo Game Show trailer. Wolba Yun Fang, as she's called, is an L'Cie who aids Sanctum and fights with a spear. Her summon is Bahamut."

New Shonen Jump scan features … Vanille's sister? (News)

Oct 14, 2009

2 FFXIII scans leaked today finally revealed the name of the mysterious woman who was first seen at the end of the TGS09 trailer. Her name is Oerba Yun Fang. Strangely Vanille's name is Oerba Dia Vanille. Could this mean Fang's a sister of Vanille? More details are currently unknown but I'll update this post when I find more. The scans also features an artwork, and two CGI images: Sazh with his summon and Fang with a … lance/rod (?)

New FFXIII Scan Appears from Japan (News)

Oct 14, 2009

GOONL!NE: A new scan of Final Fantasy XIII has appeared from Japan.

Final Fantasy XIII: 9 plausible plot predictions (Feature)

Oct 7, 2009

FFXIII’s launch date is slowly creaking into sight, meaning Square Enix is gradually releasing more and more details about the game. But what will actually happen? We’ve pored over the latest trailers to try and work it out. Here are 9 completely plausible plot predictions ...

People Auctioning Rights to Pre-order Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Pack (News)

Oct 7, 2009

Anoop Gantayat: How much would you be willing to pay for a chance at pre-ordering that sexy Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition hardware bundle?

Read that a second time before answering! You're not bidding on the bundle itself. You're not even bidding on a pre-order ticket. You're bidding on the right to pre-order.

Final Fantasy XIII trailer (Video)

Oct 6, 2009

An amazing looking new entry into the Final Fantasy series that promises to take the gameplay and story in entirely new directions.

FFXIII Technical Director Delivers Special Message (News)

Oct 6, 2009

Anoop Gantayat: Another special message popped up at the Final Fantasy XIII official site today. Doing the honors this time is Background Technical Director Ota Yoshihiko.

TGS09: Preview The Music of Square Enix's Upcoming Games: Music Sampler CD Vol. 4 (News)

Oct 2, 2009

Final Fantasy XIII, Four Warriors of Light -Final Fantasy Gaiden-, and FFCC: The Crystal Bearers were not only the sights from the Square Enix booth, but also the sounds at TGS 2009. Square Enix released the Square Enix Music Sampler Vol. 4 at the show, featuring music from all three games as well as tracks from a Kingdom Hearts piano arrangement CD and The World Ends With You. It was available to fans who stopped by the SQEX music booth and made a purchase, and is the 4th entry into this special sneak-peek series of CDs that SQEX releases at TGS each year.

20 MASSIVE games of early 2010 (Feature)

Oct 2, 2009

Christmas '09 is cancelled, but early next year looks amazing. ...

Final Fantasy XIII marketing at its finest (News)

Oct 1, 2009

SCRAWL: "Looks like they're doing a good job advertising Final Fantasy XIII, which Square Enix has announced will launch on December 17, 2009 in Japan. Already, magazine's are being plastered with advertisements of the highly anticipated RPG, if not the most anticipated."

Final Fantasy XIII Battle Screenshots (Now With More Odin) (News)

Sep 30, 2009

New battle screenshots from Final Fantasy XIII. Check them out.

Square Enix Aims For Six Million Plus Sales For Final Fantasy XIII (News)

Sep 29, 2009

Anoop Gantayat: With Dragon Quest IX out of the way, Final Fantasy XIII is Square Enix's biggest game in the pipeline. The company apparently has high hopes for the title.

Part One of FF13 Episode Zero Released (News)

Sep 29, 2009

Part one of the story depicting the 12 days leading up to the opening of the game are now online for public consumption.

Final Fantasy XIII: Episode Zero is a written story that tells of the explosive events leading up to the opening of Final Fantasy XIII, in particular the all-important 12 days before the game's story begins.

It's Official: FFXIII Has Better Japanese Voice Acting (News)

Sep 24, 2009

Split-screen: "Not that Square-Enix actually put up a big banner saying so, but any one who even slightly cringed at the whiny shenanigans of Final Fantasy XIII's voice cast will doubtless agree: This game would have been better with just a Japanese VO (voice over) and subtitles rather than the team going the whole hog with an English localization."

Could this be the FF13 Box Art? (News)

Sep 24, 2009

TGS has a bunch of Final Fantasy XIII stuff on display, including the all-new Final Fantasy XIII "Lightning Edition" white and pink PS3 Slim.

Everyone's seen that already thanks to the promotional photos - but next to it in its TGS display is a Final Fantasy XIII box with what could be the box art.

It's different to usual Final Fantasy boxes in Japan, abandoning the simplistic logo on a white background instead going for Lightning riding Odin's horse.

Final Fantasy XIII TGS 09 trailer countdown (News)

Sep 24, 2009

Square-Enix have updated their Final Fantasy XIII official website to reveal that the trailer shown recently at TGS will be available online in 3 days.

FFXIII - Lighting Edition PS3 Slim (News)

Sep 24, 2009

From Gameswire: "Square has unveiled a limited edition Final Fantasy XIII PS3, due to go on sale later this year.

"Dubbed the Lightning Edition, The 250GB Slim model – which has been given a rather fetching pink-on-white FFXIII theme – is due to go on sale in Japan alongside the game on 17 December, and will be available in strictly limited amounts.

"Although the exact number of consoles has yet to be revealed, we do know the price: JPY 41,600, or GBP 285/USD 460. Not that it's likely to ever be released outside of Japan."

IGN: TGS 2009: SCEJ Conference Live Blog (News)

Sep 24, 2009

IGN: "With Kaz Hirai's Keynote speech behind us, we've moved on to the Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Conference. We'll be live blogging the event starting at 9:30PM Pacific Standard Time or 12:30 AM Eastern Standard time in the United States."

TGS 09: New Final Fantasy XIII Demo Video (News)

Sep 24, 2009

FinalFantasy-XIII.net: The Final Fantasy XIII demo from the Premiere Party is at TGS for the public to play and thankfully, someone has sneaked a camera into Square's booth bringing us a preview of a new FMV and some gameplay including Lightning and Hope.

Secret Mode in FF13 Left to be Revealed (News)

Sep 23, 2009

Square-Enix is keeping a good lock on Final Fantasy XIII. With the release hitting later this winter, Square-Enix still won't share all the details about the game.

Famitsu predicts FFXIII Will sell 1million copies first week in Japan (News)

Sep 21, 2009

Gamesthirst writes: Famitsu is usually accurate when it provides sales forecast for upcoming games. So don't be surprised if their latest prediction is laser sharp. Famitsu sees about 1million copies of Final Fantasy 13 flying off store shelves all across Japan, in the first week of the game's release on December 17th 2009. This comes as no surprise, as Final Fantasy is Japan's GTA, or their Halo, or whatever. But with estimates like these, it's hard to ignore the potential PS3 sales boost that'll undoubtedly follow suit.

Final Fantasy XIII: Episode Zero Announced (News)

Sep 18, 2009

But it's not what you think! Rather than another full entry in the Fabula Nova Crystallis anthology, Episode Zero is a set of stories that lead up to the events of FF13, to be released online seperately and likely in a physical form at a later date.

Now residing within the "Special" section of the Final Fantasy XIII official website, the story - full title Episode Zero: Promise - is to be penned by Jun Eishima, who has worked on the FF series in the past.

The first episode of the story is to be titled "Encounter" and will be available to read online soon. Square Enix declined to comment to UFFSite on the possibility of an English translation and release of the stories.

Final Fantasy XIII scheduled for March 2010 EU/NA simultaneous release (News)

Sep 16, 2009

4 videos of the Final Fantasy XIII's Premiere Party speeches have been posted on Gametrailers.com: the release date announcement, the Final Fantasy XIII elixir announcement and the 2 speeches of Kaz Hirai and Yoshinori Kitase/Motomu Toriyama. Sadly the videos don't include any new footage but they include a rather surprising announcement that was misunderstood by several gaming sites:

Yoshinori Kitase:

"In the past it would be six months to almost a year after the initial release in Japan, so we're hoping to narrow the margin down. We hope it will only be three months after the Japanese release."

With English translations and voice acting as well as French and German translation already completed, I think this is highly possible. Of course Square Enix said in the past that the game needs to be released after April 2010 to fit in their fiscal year but for such a big title they might make an exception isn't it?

Gaming's would-be innovators (Feature)

Sep 16, 2009

We recently took issue with the claim that “gaming has not yet had its Citizen Kane”. As you can see, we managed to find 25 games that qualified for that title – and you had plenty more suggestions besides.

We’d have had no trouble whipping up a counter-list of dismal flops. ...

New Final Fantasy XIII Character Serah Farron Scan (News)

Sep 15, 2009

FinalFantasy-XIII.net: Shonen Jump's latest issue contains a feature on Final Fantasy XIII's newly announced character, Serah Farron. The scan contains a new render of her as well as several new in-game screenshot featuring her and other characters.

Details about FF13's Serah Revealed (News)

Sep 15, 2009

Details of the backstory of FF13's latest party member Serah have hit the web, including her surname and voice actress, relation to Lighting, love affair with Snow and status as a L'Cie.

Report: Final Fantasy XIII Premier Party (News)

Sep 14, 2009

It seems impossible to keep secrets any more. Even Square Enix bowed before the weight of international expectation for Final Fantasy XIII, with fans discovering its Japanese release date before the September 8 'Premiere Party' at which the company had intended to reveal it.

No matter. The giant succeeded with its first intention, with president Yoichi Wada confirming that the game, four years in the making so far, would indeed see release in Japan before the end of the year. December 17, to be exact.

The price? An indomitable 9240 yen (£62/US$102). After PS3 game Gundam Senki, releasing earlier this month at 8379 yen, it seemed yet more confirmation that publishers are steadily raising game prices. Not that it was any surprise to the assembled crowd at the Miraikan science museum in Tokyo, of course. Japanese bloggers already knew about it because they'd noticed on the Square Enix website that changing the address of the page announcing the event from 'before' to 'after' would reveal all.

Enterbrain: FF13 to sell 500K PS3s in Japan (News)

Sep 14, 2009

Nick @ PS3Center writes:

Famitsu magazine publisher Enterbrain is expecting big things from the PS3 this holiday season in Japan. Enterbrain president Hirokazu Hamamura told press earlier today that he expected 500,000 PS3s to be sold in December off of the release of Final Fantasy XIII and the reduced price of the PS3 game console.

Another Look At Sony's Sexy Lightning Cosplay (News)

Sep 14, 2009

Sony actually shot two videos with Hong Kong pop star, Theresa, dressed up like Lightning. This video is part of a series of summer shorts where PlayStation products are paired up with bikini models.

New Final Fantasy XIII Scans from Famitsu (News)

Sep 13, 2009

FinalFantasy-XIII.net: The latest issue of Famitsu has been released in China and it contains a brand new Final Fantasy XIII feature inside. The scans sum up most of the media shown at the Final Fantasy XIII Premiere.

New Final Fantasy XIII cam footage (News)

Sep 11, 2009

A Youtube user went to the Final Fantasy XIII premiere party event and posted footage of his game play on Youtube.

Final Fantasy XIII PS3 leaps to No. 1 at Japan retailer (News)

Sep 9, 2009

Advanced sales for Square Enix Holdings Co.'s Final Fantasy XIII for Sony Corp.'s Playstation 3 leaped to the No. 1 rank at Japan retail following disclosure of a Dec. release date this week.

FF13 & PS3 marketing blitz already underway (News)

Sep 9, 2009

Japanese gaming stores are getting taken over by Final Fantasy XIII for PS3 after the launch date has been announced - Lightning is everywhere!

Photos are starting to come out of Japan picturing some pretty awesome posters featuring Lightning and the launch date, often positioned next to PS3 Slim bundles so FF fans can pick up the console before they get the game.

Square Enix and Sony both have high hopes for FF13 in Japan, and with preorders now open how much of an impact the game will have on PS3 sales will begin to come clear.

Sony Promotes PS3 With Final Fantasy XIII Cosplay (News)

Sep 9, 2009

As a summer promo, Sony shot a series of PlayStation shorts in Hong Kong. Theresa, a local pop star, was recruited as a host and in this clip she's dressed up like Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII.

How to make a game that’ll sell a million copies (Feature)

Sep 9, 2009

Any old Tom, Dick or Harry with a comprehensive grip of computer programming and loads of money-men friendly ideas can spew forth a game that’ll sell a shit-load of copies. With that in mind, and a science stick gripped in one hand, we’ve come up with full-proof calculations on how to make the perfect moolah-making game for most of the major genres. Below you’ll find the perfect titles that’ll make any suit sully his ...

Final Fantasy XIII Controls Detailed (News)

Sep 9, 2009

Brian Ashcraft of Kotaku writes:

"Last night, Square Enix held its Final Fantasy XIII Premiere Party, giving a handful of individuals a chance to play the Tokyo Game Show build of Final Fantasy XIII.

At each demo station, the game's controls were detailed for players. The controls don't seem to have changed since the earlier demo that was bundled with Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete."

Sayuri Sugawara Performs Final Fantasy XIII Song "Kimiga Irukara" (News)

Sep 9, 2009

G4TV: As video games moved from cartidges to discs, composers have teamed up with recording artists give games crossover appeal. Square Enix is no stranger to this practice. Its newest song is Final Fantasy XIII's "Kimiga Irukara". Japanese pop star Sayuri Sugawara performed the song and spoke about working on it at the Final Fantasy XIII premiere party. Here are some pics of this adorable songstress.

Final Fantasy XIII's Serah Revealed (News)

Sep 8, 2009

First images of FF13 party member Serah have reached the net in the form of screencaps from the TGS 2009 trailer.

Here's the first glimpse of Serah, who has been confirmed to be Snow's squeeze.

New FF13 Screens Released (News)

Sep 8, 2009

With the Premiere Party over, Square Enix has released some new FF13 screens for us all to enjoy.

FF13 theme tune singer revealed, single release date set (News)

Sep 8, 2009

Sayuri Sugawara has been announced as the singer for Nobuo Uematsu's vocal theme to Final Fantasy XIII.

The theme song's name is "Kimi Ga Iru Kara" and it will be released as a single over in Japan on December 2nd.

Sugawara told the audience at the FF13 Premiere Party that Square Enix gave her FF13's keywords and theme; she based her performance of that.

Before introducing Sayuri Sugawara, main game composer Masashi Hamauzu promised that the game would have many vocal tracks, even in gameplay areas like fields.

Final Fantasy XIII ELIXIR Drink to be Released (News)

Sep 8, 2009

Square Enix have announced that they will once again partner with Suntory to release a Final Fantasy XIII Drink: ELIXIR.

Elixir was served to press at the Final Fantasy XIII Premiere Party. Suntory previously collaborated with Square Enix for the Final Fantasy: POTION range of drinks for Final Fantasy VII and Dissidia: Final Fantasy.

The drinks will launch in December in Japan with limited edition can designs in a box set. Prices will be announced in October.

Euro FFXIII date to be announced in the "very near future" (News)

Sep 8, 2009

VG247: Square Enix Europe has just told us that it's to put a European date on FFXIII imminently.