SE has released some information about the classes/races in the upcoming FFXIV. There are some (obviously) familiar faces, and some, not so much.
It should also be noted that a few more screenshots of FFXIII battles have been released. These shots don't look like shipwrecks in the sand (as some news reporters might have you believe).
...Nothing gets past the eyes of avid fans. In this case, a side-by-side comparison of screenshots shows a noticeable difference between FFXIII's promotional shots and its actual cinematics. Of course, the higher quality shots are promotional, but no less upsetting.
But, as it turns out, not even Square Enix tolerates lower quality. SE has been given approximately $325,000 as a settlement from a Korean producer, under the charge that the producer had violated copyright laws.
Additionally, we of the EoFF Site Staff have reached an all time low. We would like to welcome several members to the roster of soul-snatchers, and hope that they will be producing work for a long, long, long time. A reminder as well, that the Returners start their gaming marathon tomorrow (details below).
Source: Sankaku (not once, but twice), Square Enix (copyright case)
...We at EoFF are always willing to support our fellow gamers when it comes to causes of interest. Another gaming marathon is being held by The Returners for the benefit of Child's Play, a charitable organization dedicated to children and their families during extended hospital stays. The 120 hour session is slated to begin August 6th.
In a show of solidarity, we too at EoFF also plan on resuming our "Eyes on Plays Final Fantasy" after the hiatus. Expect an update when it is ready to go, because things are fun. when we get ready to Aim and Ignite the hearts of Final Fantasy gamers everywhere.
...No, I am not temporarily blind in one eye after seeing Four Year Strong less than 12 hours ago; my mind is sound, and the announcement is true. Square Enix does in fact, have plans to show off their games at GamesCom, including a lineup that features their recent acquisition, Eidos.
Source: Kotaku (Forums Thread)
...Here's some more screenshots and scans of the new FFXIII character, Hope Estheim. It would appear that he and the female character Vanille are friends. They're no Matt and Kim, but one can hope that there's some of that extra special pew-pew-qq inducing attack methods that they can do. Also, he has mommy issues, if only because it's all Snow's fault. What a guy.
...An obviously awesome play on words with an old quote from a poem should be the signal that something awesome approaches. As it turns out, a new Final Fantasy XIII character has been revealed by the name of Hope Estheim, a boy with a vendetta against Snow.
If this information had been released on a different day, I would have used a Deas Vail reference, but instead, you get some more FF Gaiden screenshots.
An even better bonus on the day, for all of those fortunate enough to have a Wii (and spare points), FF Crystal Chronicles: My Life As A Darklord is available today for download for the Wii. Two parts.
Sources: Magic Box, Square Enix
...It would appear that developer SE has gotten itself involved in another situation that requires legal action, only this time, as the plaintiff. SE is suing a French company, SAKURA, on the claim that it was distributing "pirated" products for damages and liabilities.
Additionally, formerly reported legal-issue-hidden-fees-quagmire-game, also known as FFXI, had a pre-sale on the 5th, over the PlayOnline Viewer for a mini-scenario add-on entitled A Moogle Kupo d’Etat™ – Evil in Small Doses. Requires Rise of the Zilart expansion to access. Priced at $9.99. A penny saved is a penny earned, right?
Finally, in case anyone lives in Japan and cares enough, FFIV: The After Years will be released on WiiWare on July 21, 2009 for 800 points.
Source: Square Enix, Square Enix (again), Magic Box
...No, these are not the only colors of fireworks that could be afforded by most American cities (happy awesome Philadelphia paper signing day, everyone), but rather, the new mystery project for SE. It is slated for a Fall '09 release on the DS. Remember FFI? It reminds me of that.
...In today's day and age, it turns out that making anyone pay a value other than what is listed on the price tag is enough to get one of the parties sued (whether the difference is BIG or small). Video gaming is no exception; SE is to be sued for hidden fees in their online RPG, FFXI.
Source: Slashdot
...SE game developer Hiromichi Tanaka said recently revealed some details about the path that FFXIV will take, as a game. Unfortunately, we don't have a transcript, so you'll just have to watch it yourself. Also, if you happen to like RPGs, Dragon Quest IX for the DS will be coming out in Japan on July 11. Expect an announcement for a Stateside or EU release sometime soon.
Also, on a current-events type spiel (Final Fantasy isn't a current event?), this certain Site staffer would like say congratulations to everyone who happened to win a Ciddie at the popularity-contest-type-festival we had over the weekend. Normally, we wouldn't advertise this event to the public, but seeing as how I've decided to start a coup, I felt it appropriate to inform the masses of the abuse of laissez-faire and salutary neglect forms of economic policies.
Source: The Magic Box
...This new trailer features another unnamed character with the standard librarian-flavored corrective eyewear. Suffice it to say, this is a very yes move on behalf of all of those with vision problems. That isn't to say that there aren't any pictures, either.
Dissidia Trailer, FFXIII Trailer, FFXIV Trailer; these are courtesy of E3 and YouTube accounts. Also, Nobuo Uematsu is the music person for FFXIV. Are you psyched? I know I am!
...It was announced as XIV at E3, a PS3 exclusive, for the time being. It's starting to look like a trend, SE announcing two titles in development at a time.
Source: Kotaku, Forums Thread
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