Square's E3 Show Announcements & Discussion

[Lakenbelle]

It's about to begin so any and all news from the conference can go in here for now. I'll try to keep it updated as much as possible but aside from the usuals such as Final Fantasy XII and FFVII: Dirge of Cerberus, some expected news comes 2 Wii titles possibly using the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest brands.

Will we see Final Fantasy VII for the PS3?

Is Matsuno still insane?

It looks like Play Arts will be releasing a figure line for FFXII:
http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/3136/394040xw.jpg

Meanwhile here's a look at their Weapon line of mini-replicas:
http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/1781/394064iy.jpg


Updates so far...
-Final Fantasy XII in the US this October.
-More Mobile games on the way including Space Invaders (?) Elevator Action(?) & Dirge of Cerberus: Lost Episodes also on mobile this summer.
-Dawn of Mana, Final Fantasy V and VI for GBA.

More updates:
-Valkyrie Profile PSP: July 18
-FFIII, Rocket Slime in Sept.
-Valkyrie Profile 2: Sept

Hefty trailer for Final Fantasy XII being shown, all in English!

.....sparing no expense on the voice acting for this one--it's all appropriately haughty, in line with the tone of the story.

Some more:

:25 Looks like their mobile strategy rages unabated--Dirge is the standout since it's all in 3D. Now we've got Final Fantasy III for DS, billed as "the only Final Fantasy never to reach Western shores." They're urging us to "complete the fantasy" with this 3D remake--fine by me since it looks like the best DS RPG yet.
http://na.square-enix.com/e306/titles/mana/img/img01_mana.jpg
http://na.square-enix.com/e306/titles/mana/img/img02_mana.jpg
http://na.square-enix.com/e306/titles/mana/img/img03_mana.jpg

Dawn of Mana, the first true Mana sequel in a decade, reveals the origins of the legend behind the Mana Tree and the Sword of Mana.

A 3D World
Breaking the series' 2D mold, Dawn of Mana brings the world of Mana to three-dimensional life while preserving the atmosphere that fans have come to know and love. See for yourself how vividly characters and monsters move about these new yet familiar surroundings.

An Action-Adventure
This installment in the Mana series is a true action-adventure, with sweeping plains and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. It's a world ripe for adventure!

A World of Sensation
"Touch" is the theme of Dawn of Mana's world. You can virtually feel realistically rendered, lifelike objects.

Also Dirge of Cerberus as a US release date: August 25th. Comes complete with new features.

Dragon Quest for Wii announced: Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors. It's also a Wii launch title.

I spoke too soon: Here's our first real footage of FFVII Crisis Core for the PSP. Stars Zack of Soldier fame, apparently, and there's a ton of Sephiroth in here (down, boys 'n girls). No gameplay footage, only real-time cutscenes, but it looks amazing for a PSP game.
'bout time.


The hits keep on coming--now we have Akitoshi Kawazu, exec. producer of Crystal Chronicles. Two new games from that series: one DS, one Wii. DS game is Ring of Fates, and will have wi-fi multiplayer (duh). Looks a bit more whimsical than the Cube version, same basic sense of style though. They're showing four players at once, like you'd expect. Yay DS!



2:02 Final announcement! For PS3! E3 is so damn exciting sometimes. What is it?!

FINAL FANTASY XIII. FINAL FANTASY XIII. They pulled a serious bait-and-switch on us. Sword-and-gun-wielding heroine who looks like Yuna, flipping her way around a high-tech, futuristic world. No idea what it was until the end when that NAME popped up. Yoshinori Kitase directing! This is the guy behind all the best ones--VI, VIII, VIII, X. Be still my heart.

2:08 Sorry, I jumped the gun--Mr. Kitase was merely presenting. Motomu Toriyama will direct the game. And apparently FFXIII isn't the only game coming out of this universe--there's a, uh, mobile game too. Oh.

More details coming!
http://blog.wired.com/games/Photo_050806_004-122896.jpg

Third FFXIII title announced-Final Fantasy Versus XIII!! Directed by Tetsuya Nomura and from the KH & AC team.


http://blog.wired.com/games/Photo_050806_005.jpg


Conference comes to a close...

2:20 The conference draws to a close with a comment from Hashimoto that this should demonstrate Square Enix's commitment to next-generation gaming, but that it's "only the beginning." A final movie showcases the name Final Fantasy XIII, as if each new installment in this mega-enormous series is now a franchise unto itself.

Finally, Mr. Wada has retaken the stage. "How did that grab you?" Laughter and applause. Some more commentary on SE's commitment to supporting the next gen. Speaks more about the "synergy between products" being a proven formula with Compilation of FFVII. Looks like they're taking the same tack with FFXIII.

Some more info on FFXIII (can't type fast enough!): The game was begun by the FFX team for PS2, but the team was then derailed to make last year's FFVIII PS3 tech demo. They were so happy with the hardware, they decided to then shift development to the new platform. Apparently the game will run on the "White Engine" and will feature the most technologically advanced civilization ever featured in a Final Fantasy. The storyline will center on "those who resist the world." Yeah, okay.
One conference down and already this E3 is rocking better than last year's. Plenty of support for Sony and Nintendo but MS and the 360 were completely ignored.


You can view the Final Fantasy XIII trailer here on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlOBLQTo-pY

[Carmilla]

Although these are all 'old' series the amount of games are staggering and awesome... though Microsoft has been given the cold shoulder.

Valkyrie Profile - PSP and PS2
Dragon Quest - DS and Wii
Mana - DS and PS2
FF3 - DS
FF5 and FF6 - Gameboy
FF7 - Dirge on PS2 and Crisis for the PSP
FF12 - PS2
FF13 - on the PS3, also a side mobile game, and an action PS3 game kinda like Dirge of Cerberus
Crystal Chronicles - on DS and the Wii

INSANE :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Lakenbelle]

FFXIII. These are supposed to be real-time on the PS3....
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/milkor/finalfanta200151l3kl.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/milkor/finalfanta200152l2dh.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/milkor/finalfanta200153l7ad.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/milkor/finalfanta200155l7gc.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/milkor/finalfanta200159l5il.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/milkor/finalfanta200154l1ej.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/milkor/finalfanta200158l2rr.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/milkor/finalfanta200157l3tw.jpg
:eek:

[BizzerocitY]

It doesn't feel like Final Fantasy anymore, that looks like Ghost Recon or some first person shooter or something =( Or Ghost in the Shell. What ever happened to the good old days, with much, much less machines and more magic and sword fighting, etc...?

[Lynx]

i wouldnt worry too much games change a lot before they're completed. so dont think too much of it for now

[Necronopticous]

If I were to say what just happened when I saw the Final Fantasy XIII stuff I would be demodded and banned from this message board forever.

[Dreddz]

Mad, wish I was There.

[Captain Maxx Power]

If I were to say what just happened when I saw the Final Fantasy XIII stuff I would be demodded and banned from this message board forever.

You really said "Gosh darn that's impressive"? You uncivilised brute!

Those screenies look...chaotically impressive. Though I doubt it's in real-time I have a feeling it's going to be a hugely massive story-arc already. I'm imaging universe-spanning for some reason. This is based purely on the hearsay going on in my head right now.

[Dreddz]

Kinda moves the attention off FFXII. Not the best idea IMO.
All they need to do now is surprise everyone with screens for the FFVII remake, then they would of outdone themselves, and given me the reason to make a little shrine for square.

[Necronopticous]

A female protagonist...My greatest Final Fantasy wish come true, finally!

[Dreddz]

Finally !
Anywho, so theres going to be three FFXIII titles ?

[Carmilla]

I never cared for the Mana series and its high emphasis on fruits and vegetables. So that new PS2 Mana with a GIANT strawberry doesnt make me too excited.

But just thinking about FF III on the DS by end of year, Dirge of Cerberus in August, and FF XII in October are making me crazy!

Though whats with all those mobile cell games? Is anyone excited about these?

And im extremely shocked at the big time shunnings of the PSP and Xbox 360. Though in Japan, those two systems are doing terribly so go figure... :choc2:

[Nick Schovitz]

A female protagonist...My greatest Final Fantasy wish come true, finally!
What about Terra? http://utenti.lycos.it/tifalock87/FF6/terra.gif

[Necronopticous]

What about her?

[crono_logical]

What about YRP? :D

[Lakenbelle]

I don't consider FFX-2 to be an FF title, so.. yeah. Terra's been the only FF female lead as far as I'm concerned and my opinion won't be swayed anytime soon. I'm glad it appears that we'll finally have another with a female lead. It's about time.

I'm actually really excited for Dawn of Mana. It looks like fun.

[Necronopticous]

Terra was no more a female lead than Celes was, and Celes was no more a female lead than Rinoa or Yuna was. I don't really feel that Final Fantasy VI even had a main character. In my eyes, this will be the first time.

[Crossblades]

Awesome info:)

I'm glad SE is releasing two more FFCC games.

And it looks like FF XIII will return to its FF VII and VIII roots when it comes to settings

[nik0tine]

A female protagonist...My greatest Final Fantasy wish come true, finally!
I've been waiting for this moment ever since I finished FFVI all those years ago. My prayers, finally, have been answered.


Terra was no more a female lead than Celes was, and Celes was no more a female lead than Rinoa or Yuna was. I don't really feel that Final Fantasy VI even had a main character. In my eyes, this will be the first time.I disagree. I think FFVI did have a main character, but it had more than one. I, personally, consider Terra and Celes to be the most integral characters of that game and I would refer to them as the main characters of FFVI.

[~SapphireStar~]

So are the games turn based? Or have Square gone and made it real time? But why do that? I would stop playing the future series if it goes real time, it wouldnt feel right. But god those images are lush :D

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

What about YRP? :D

A GOOD female lead :D

[Necronopticous]

Personally I don't think Square will go back to the pre-FFXII turn-based or ATB battle systems for at least a couple installments. I imagine when they do it will be a sort of Final Fantasy IX style "back to the roots" type thing.

[DLLS]

Thanks for the FFXIII screen shots. I can't wait to see more screenshots and more information over all the other games! :D

[Miriel]

I was intrigued by FFXII from the first screenshot I saw. With these screenshots from FFXIII, I'm just not feeling it. At all. It's just... blah. I mean, the girl just looks like a slightly more feminine version of Cloud. =/

[Necronopticous]

I'll give you blah. :kaofight:

[Lakenbelle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlOBLQTo-pY

FFXIII on YouTube.

[Necronopticous]

I...I don't even know what to do with myself.

[Erdrick Holmes]

A female protagonist...My greatest Final Fantasy wish come true, finally!

What? Tidus wasn't girly enough for you?

Looks like Square 'in over it's head' Enix has it's work cut out for it.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

I'm intrigued by the futuristic world, and while I generally prefer more medieval RPGs I'm not at all averse to the sci-fi aspect. I think it could be good.

[DJZen]

So... Basically S-E has decided to make more Phantasy Star clones... Great...

[Zeromus_X]

Looks pretty delicious, especially since VP: Lenneth will come to the U.S. (And Silmeria.) *sigh*...

And FFXIII, Classics Ports, and the Wii Dragon Quests sound pretty tasty too, as well as a new Seiken Densetsu game! :cat: And gotta love that logo. Keep cranking out more concept art, Amano. And yay! Nomura is the designer. Although I can't really tell his design apart from the guy who did FFXII, so meh. :cat:

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

Some (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3150506) stuff (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3150511).

[XxSephirothxX]

If anyone can find full-size versions of those FFXIII images without watermarks that sites like IGN use, I'll be eternally greatful. :p As for the games: XIII will probably be fun, but it bothers me to see Square turning each new game into its own little franchise.

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

Considering the watermarks are on top of empty white space, it would be a simple trick to remove them yourself.

[Del Murder]

This game looks terrible. Enix has ruined Square.

Kidding. Who the hell knows what it will be like. She's a looker, though (the game, not the girl). Not sure if I want to pay $600 for the system to play it.

[boys from the dwarf]

those graphics are amazing and thats only in a normal battle. i hope it keep the FF feel to the game but im sure they wont 100% ditch the storyline. its good the have a futuristic FF every now and then as a little break from ones like FF4 or FF9. as long as they make a good storyline, ill be o.k with it. i guess ill need a PS3 sooner or later. it being futuristic isnt a bad thing because as you can tell it still has swords and magic.

[NeoCracker]

I can't seem to get excited over XIII. Xenosaga 3 is still top in my mind, maybe after i get it XIII will get me going.

[boys from the dwarf]

i think the battle system will be less like the others and more like FF12s. looks great but one FF game is enough to be waiting for. let alone 2!

[dirkdirden]

A female protagonist...My greatest Final Fantasy wish come true, finally!

What? Tidus wasn't girly enough for you?

Looks like Square 'in over it's head' Enix has it's work cut out for it.

hahahahahahah

tidus is a girl.

X-2 was all girls......I'd say that the protagonist was female.

[Dreddz]

So FFXIII is going to be multi platform eh, thats lame.
After looking at the trailer, im not feeling it, it looks the part, but whats up with the gameplay, thats not why I got into Final Fantasy.

[Carmilla]

So FFXIII is going to be multi platform eh, thats lame.
After looking at the trailer, im not feeling it, it looks the part, but whats up with the gameplay, thats not why I got into Final Fantasy.

Multi-platform? You mean PS3 and mobile phones?
Because the 'main' FF series is PS3 exclusive. :choc2:

[DJZen]

I'm disappointed in the severe disproportionality between the number of announced FF titles and the number of announced anything else.

[Pool]

I agree that FF is starting lose it's feel a bit. Ever since it's jump to the PS2 I've been slighty disapointed. Not that FF10 wasn't a great game, it just wasn't the masterpiece that FF9 was. The announcement of FF13, which I think it's safe to say will not be released until 2011, was impressive. I like how Final Fantasy can always keep it's Magic and Sword's theme fresh, amongst even the most futuristic of settings. Don't be so afraid of change people. Although the whole 3 FF13's concept is still confusing, and a tad bit disapointing, I'm sure it will be just as much of an experiance as any of your favorite games in the series. Just think positive, and have faith in the developer who has already caused you to spend so much time talking about it's games over this forum. Legend of Mana for PS1 was the /xxx.gif/xxx.gif/xxx.gif/xxx.gif. I loved that game so much. I'm satisfied with all of Square's announcements. I just hope Square can stop milking the fat-ass cash cow that Final Fantasy has become. I'd hate to see FF get ruined.

[Russielloyd]

I like the idea of battling like that, keeping the battle flowing, but to keep the elemet of turn based, like selecting your next move while the previous move is still happening, but seeing how it is fast paced, that one would be a tough one to pull off, specially with 2 or 3 other characters by her side.

I'm more of a futuistic kind of Final Fantasy player, although saying that, it can be futuristic, medieval or whatever, long as there's a story and elements of what Final Fantasy traditionally is, i'm not bothered. There's always be some kind of emotion woven into Final Fantasy's stories, i think it will be the key in this games success.

Also, i thought the music piece in the trailer sounded good.

[boys from the dwarf]

it was only 2 games. just because FFX and X-2 werent as good as 9 (which is my favourite.) doesnt mean that all of the ones after them will be bad as well. wait until there out then decide whether there good or not.

[DJZen]

I'm more of a futuistic kind of Final Fantasy player, although saying that, it can be futuristic, medieval or whatever, long as there's a story and elements of what Final Fantasy traditionally is, i'm not bothered.

Traditionally, Final Fantasy is a swords and sorcery JRPG.

[Carmilla]

I just hope Square can stop milking the fat-ass cash cow that Final Fantasy has become. I'd hate to see FF get ruined.

When we see "Final Fantasy - Extreme Beach Volleyball" than we are in trouble. :mog:

[NeoCracker]

I just hope Square can stop milking the fat-ass cash cow that Final Fantasy has become. I'd hate to see FF get ruined.

When we see "Final Fantasy - Extreme Beach Volleyball" than we are in trouble. :mog:
I'd so play that :love:

[DJZen]

Me too, but only if Heidegger is playable.

[Crossblades]

I just hope Square can stop milking the fat-ass cash cow that Final Fantasy has become. I'd hate to see FF get ruined.

When we see "Final Fantasy - Extreme Beach Volleyball" than we are in trouble. :mog:

I'm all for that actually, but only if they don't use the Final Fantasy name, and they add females from other Square Enix games

[Russielloyd]

I found the same trailer on another FF forum, but it's didnt play properly,
so i reduced the res and changed format and it's in high quality.

Also the video in in High Definiton, so nothin goes a miss.

Final Fantasy XIII Trailer (http://www.russielloyd.org.uk/finalfantasy/Final Fantasy XIII Trailer.avi)

Enjoy

[DJZen]

You know what'd be pwnz? Final Fantasy vs. Dragon Quest Baseball.

[boys from the dwarf]

i wouldnt mind a few spin offs as long as they stay with the main series which is still good and theres no proof that the companys falling into ruins. its weird. people just hold a grudge because of 2 games that werent as good as the other 9. it would be cool to see a game a little bit like marvel VS capcom but with square VS something. its would be fun i guess and no one would care because its not part of the main series. right now though theres no apparent reason for people to say the companys dying.

[-N-]

I can't get excited about FFXIII when I haven't even played FFXII. :\

[Dr.M]

ba hahaha, yeah if we see ff extream beach vollyball then were doomed....but i gotta say the guy in ffv13 is so hot! haha, MINE! yes and a mate of mine thinks the girl in ff13 looks a lot like ashe, i would have 2 agree. she dose.

u no a reason i love ff so much is part of the reason of the turn base system, if that go's im a gonner, i can't get past the demos of brother in arms haha, but of course thats just part of the reason i love ff. the stories, the characters r so unique u no, everything...i don't think the square team r silly enough 2 distroy the whole ff legercy, they wouldn't...well i don't think they would.

[nirojan]

check out this thread for FF:XIII series!
http://forums.eyesonff.com/showthread.php?t=84656