Final Fantasy XIII

[On a Pale Horse]

Anyone who's beaten XII....

When you go onto Bahamut, is there no going back? When you win, can you still play and get the rest of the espers and hunts, or is it over?

[Deathscythe]

I have only played X, my favorite character was Aurron.

[Just Jeans]

Auron is a bad ass. And I love Uematsu's theme for him.

I still haven't beaten Final Fantasy XII. I've advanced a little further into the storyline, and I'm still doing hunts, but I've not beaten it. I nearly have the license board filled, though, and I'm not even level 60 yet. :shock:

I'm wanting to play the Final Fantasy XII sequel that's coming out on the DS. It looks fun. I'd also like to get FF 1 and FF 2 for the PSP.
ADDED:
Bit of info about Final Fantasy XIII:

The first confirmed main character is a young woman (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/04/Lightning.JPG/800px-Lightning.JPG) featured in the E³ trailer. Jump Festa 2007 confirmed her name as "Lightning", though Famitsu magazine states that this is a codename that she will probably use for parts of the game. She has also been confirmed to be the main character of the game. In a recent interview with Toriyama, he said the character only calls herself Lightning to keep her true name a secret. He went on to say that the reason will be revealed in the plot. Character designer Tetsuya Nomura describes her as "not very feminine", and says that he was asked to create a "female version of Cloud from Final Fantasy VII" when designing her. Very little information is known out about her yet but Square Enix has revealed that the two yellow stripes on Lightning's left shoulder symbolize her rank and social status.

In Geemaga, it has been confirmed by Toriyama that the story is not about a group of people banding together to save the world, but there will be party battles.

Jump Festa 2007 also confirmed the presence of a second character, a blond, bandanna-wearing male (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/66/Newcharacter_ff13.jpg) who rides a motorcycle and uses a gun to come to Lightning's aid when she is outnumbered by soldiers. This character has been dubbed "Mr. 33 cm" for the moment as it is noted to be his shoe size and thus suggesting that he is a very big man as recently released by Square Enix. Toriyama also confirmed that the blond male and Lightning are supposed to have a unique relationship. He has also been described by the staff as cowboy-like.

Through Geemaga, it has been confirmed that he is wild and heroic but there isn't really a sense of him being an ally or enemy of Lightning. He has also been confirmed to have an unusual way of fighting.

[Deathscythe]

I've known that stuff for a long time, Square Enix really needs to show more XIII stuff.

But it doesn't matter as I don't own a Playstation 3.

[Just Jeans]

New information isn't likely anytime soon. IGN recently reported that the game is only 13% complete, and Final Fantasy Versus XIII is only 1.3% complete.

July 17, 2007 - All hyped up for new Final Fantasy XIII details to accompany today's Tokyo PlayStation Premiere press conference? Well settle down, because we only have one tiny bit of info.

According to Sony's press materials, the highly anticipated RPG sequel is now 13% complete. Yes, a low, unlucky completion percentage. But thankfully it's not as low as Final Fantasy Versus XIII, which is listed as 1.3%!

[Deathscythe]

Hasn't Square been on working on this game for over a year? Talk about taking their time. But I'll probably have a Playstation 3 by than, so its all good.

[Just Jeans]

Capcom has been working on Resident Evil 5 for over a year, and they're saying it should possibly be out before 2010. :duh: Square Enix and Capcom are the kings of slow.

In any case, they're working on three Final Fantasy XIII games at one time -- two of them are for the PS3, one is for the mobile phone -- so I can accept it might be taking a little longer than they thought.

FF XIII has apparently undergone some changes since the trailer that was shown at E3 in 2006. I've read that the Battle System was too ambitious and they had to retool it. I reckon the game will probably be out (along with Resident Evil 5) in 2009.

[Monkey]

Can you hate and love a series at the same time?

That's my feeling toward FF. The first game is the best cart made on the NES (IMO); the sixth & seventh installments are some of the best games ever made for any system. Unfortunately, I quit playing 2, 3, 4, & 9 because they just got too boring. I was on the very last stage on part 4 & part 9, but never bothered to finish because of the long, unnecessary, boring, drawn-out battles.

What the series needs is a collectors set that contains parts I-XII (except the online version... part XI?), and the original NES versions of 1, 2, & 3. The DS version of part III (with 3D graphics) was a big letdown (yawn).:meh:

[Killa Pimp]

Damn, I feel old now, I only finished 1,2 & 7.

Do they have any for the PSP?

[Deathscythe]

Theres a spinoff of Final Fantasy VII coming to the PSP, its called Crisis Core.

[Killa Pimp]

Great, I will definitely get that one.

[Just Jeans]

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII isn't a spin-off, it's a prequel. You play Zack, and the game is set before and during the events leading up to Sephiroth's insanity. I'm looking forward to playing it (especially now that the PSP is going to be TV-connectible)... if it ever comes out. The damned thing has been in development for nearly three years.

Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II are both out on the PSP. They look really purdy.

I just got Final Fantasy IV Advance. I've never beaten it (I've been playing it since it was released in the states as Final Fantasy II, but I've just never finished it). Can't wait to finally finish it. I really want to get Final Fantasy V Advance as well. That game is amazing fun.

[Violent VictiM]

A prequel to Final Fantasy VII is downright stupid. If you don't know the story of Zack and Aeris, and also the events leading up to Sephiroth's mind fuck, then you obviously didn't pay close enough attention to VII. To make an entire game based on shit we already know just makes me angry. Instead of just working on a direct sequel, we get a prequel with a story we already know. Oh yay, I can direct Zack in and out of buildings now, and get the same story all over again but now I can SEEEEE it. WHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEE!

Advent Children was pretty badass. If no one has seen this, I suggest you find it somewhere and give it a gander. I still felt incomplete after watching it, but it was nice to see the characters again.

Final Fantasy X was by far the most time I ever invested in a Video Game. 300+ hours. When I play RPG's, I'd rather level up really quick then blow threw the game. So I will spend hours upon hours just roaming and playing the same battles over and over again. Eventually I go insane and begin to come up with shit for them to say while in battle.

Final Fantasy is really the only game series that really gets my emotions into it. I will literally watch the plot twists and just be like, "oh you fucking son of a bitch" or I'll gasp when I didn't see something coming. You invest so much time into making the characters strong, that when the game is over, you feel sad and alone. Well, me anyways.

They also need to stop with multiple endings (FFX2 in particular). I'm already going to invest a ton of hours finding weapons, items, and hidden shit why do I need to do it over and over again just to get all the endings? I hated that. It was such a turn off.

Final Fantasy VII still remains my favorite of all time though.

[Just Jeans]

If you don't know the story of Zack and Aeris, and also the events leading up to Sephiroth's mind fuck, then you obviously didn't pay close enough attention to VII.

I think you'll find your hate a little preemptive. The game is set during the time when Zack is still a Shinra Guard. The scenario is set way before he becomes a SOLDIER First Class, and long before the events depicted in Final Fantasy VII (before Zack has been given the Buster Sword; the game starts before Zack and Aerith have even met).

There are also elements from Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII and Advent Children in the game (most notably Genesis and his relation to Sephiroth).

But Sephiroth himself is a good guy in the game. He's a member of your party (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Crisis-corebattle.JPG) for at least a little while.

To make an entire game based on shit we already know just makes me angry.

That's not what they've done.

Instead of just working on a direct sequel, we get a prequel with a story we already know.

That's not what you're getting. Go read up on the game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_Core:_Final_Fantasy_VII). I think your perception of the game is a little skewed (mostly down to my description of it up-thread, I suppose). It's going to be mostly -- if not all -- new material.

Oh yay, I can direct Zack in and out of buildings now, and get the same story all over again but now I can SEEEEE it.

That's not what's happening. Although to be fair, you'll probably still hate it because it's not a turn-based RPG. Not everyone is going to like the DMW (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_Core:_Final_Fantasy_VII#Battle_system) system. I'm still undecided about it, but I'm guessing I'll probably like it. It looks a lot like the battle system in the Kingdom Hearts games, only with some new things going on.

Advent Children was pretty badass. If no one has seen this, I suggest you find it somewhere and give it a gander. I still felt incomplete after watching it, but it was nice to see the characters again.

You'll get another chance to feel incomplete -- they're re-releasing it on Blue-Ray in a director's cut format. What they've added to it, I'm not entirely sure, but I know that Sephiroth impales Cloud on his sword in the new version (the scene mimics the one in Last Order, I think, where Cloud pulls himself down Sephiroth's blade).

Final Fantasy X was by far the most time I ever invested in a Video Game. 300+ hours.

I've spent about that just playing Blitzball. An underwater sports game based on stats rather than action? Yeah, that's addictive.

Final Fantasy VII still remains my favorite of all time though.

I like Final Fantasy VII, but Final Fantasy VI will always be my baby. I'd love to see a PS3 remake of it, but that's not likely. The game would be massive, and Square Enix probably wouldn't want to spend the time on it.

PS: Concept art of the main cast in Crisis Core (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/07/Crisiscoreartwork.PNG).

[Violent VictiM]

I guess I just find it hard to grasp the concept since I love Cloud so much. Zack just doesn't do it for me, so a game based around him just dulls the area of my brain that already goes ape shit for FF VII.

[Just Jeans]

Cloud is in the game. I'm not sure in what capacity, but he is there.

Personally, I never had an opinion of Zack. He plays such a minuscule part in the over all flow of the narrative for the original game that I didn't really have much to say about him. But he's a major bad ass in Last Order, so that's good enough for me to give him a shot in Crisis Core.

I'm a couple of hours into Final Fantasy IV Advance. The game is buggy as hell. The world map scrolls in a bit of a jerky fashion on the Game Boy Player (it isn't so bad on the SP) and there are some bizarre glitches during battle. Characters will get to go two times in a row, the ATB bar be damned, and the menus lag (which can cause you to select the wrong spell if your thumb is too fast). It's a shame, really. According to the Wiki article about the game, all of these bugs and glitches were fixed for the European version.

Final Fantasy IV for the DS is looking sweet. I've only seen a single picture (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/27/FFIVDS.JPG), but it looks better than Final Fantasy III in terms of the graphics.

According to the guys at Square Enix, 2/3 of the original script for Final Fantasy IV was cut out before the game was released on the SNES. It's all supposed to be restored for the DS version, and some new stuff will be added as well. They're toying with a way to up the replayability of the game, although they're being tight lipped on what that will be.

[MaDMaNMaRz]

I've never been into RPG's, but I REALLY liked FF VII and VIII. 7 was just so damn addicting. The story, characters, soundtrack, etc....were all amazing!

I still have the FF7 soundtrack......I still listen to it from time to time. :)

[Just Jeans]

I have 30 official Final Fantasy soundtracks in my collection. :X

I'm all about teh Final Fantasy.

[MaDMaNMaRz]

Damn Jeans, that's hardcore. :) :shy:

[Violent VictiM]

Cloud is in the game. I'm not sure in what capacity, but he is there.


Okay, but no Aeris? C'mon. You and I both know, Jeansie ol' boy, that if we were in a bar drinking and Aeris walked through the door, we'd double team her that night. You know this, maaaaaan!

[Darth Sinister]

Final Fantasy IV for the DS is looking sweet. I've only seen a single picture, but it looks better than Final Fantasy III in terms of the graphics.

According to the guys at Square Enix, 2/3 of the original script for Final Fantasy IV was cut out before the game was released on the SNES. It's all supposed to be restored for the DS version, and some new stuff will be added as well. They're toying with a way to up the replayability of the game, although they're being tight lipped on what that will be.


Okay, I can deal with that. Otherwise, I wasn't going to even get another version of this. I hope they port over the Lunar Ruins and the Cave of Trials.

[Just Jeans]

Okay, but no Aeris?

Yeah, she turns up in the game. It begins before Zack meets her, but she is in the game. The original Japanese tag line for the game was "A story of three young men and one young woman bound for destiny's core."

This is the best picture I could find to represent her look in Crisis Core. I'm pretty sure this is a Cos Player, but she's got the hair and the top perfect, so meh:
http://imgbolt.com/public/17588/crisis%20core.jpg

Look at this scan (http://media.crisis-core.net/scans/vj_05-07_2.jpg) from a Japanese gaming magazine. On the right side of the page, you'll see Aerith's picture in the "Power Surge!" window. I guess she joins your party as well.

C'mon. You and I both know, Jeansie ol' boy, that if we were in a bar drinking and Aeris walked through the door, we'd double team her that night. You know this, maaaaaan!

I won't confirm that.

But I won't deny it, either. :shifty:

[Violent VictiM]

Wow! She looks gorgeous there. I've never been in love with a Video Game character, but I'll tell ya...Aeris has got my heart.

[Just Jeans]

You know, I wonder if Square Enix is going to leave her name "Aeris" or change it back to "Aerith" in the North American version of Crisis Core. Why they changed it in the first place is beyond me, but in Advent Children she's listed in the ending credits as Aerith, so I wonder which variation they'll use in Crisis Core. I wish they'd pick a name and stick with it.

[Just Jeans]

I just got Final Fantasy V Advance, and I managed to get it for practically nothing. I rule. :funky:

Now I just need Final Fantasy VI Advance and Dawn of Souls, and I'll have all the GBA ports.

[zach82]

I'm a big fan of the earlier games (especially I and VII), but none of them after FF VI have really appealed to me all that much.

[freako104]

FF VI Advance is just like the PS game. I am glad they remade them for the DS. I keep having a hope the others will be remade for PS3 (if I ever get one) or for 360. Esp 7 and 8 which were my faves in the series

[Just Jeans]

Final Fantasy VI Advance has a new script (the script in the PS version is the old one from the SNES cart) and there's also new areas to fight in (including a new dungeon). It's as updated as Final Fantasy IV Advance and Final Fantasy V Advance were.

They're working on Final Fantasy IV for the DS right now, but I don't think they've announced whether they'll be doing V and VI as well. I hope they do.

[Scarecrow]

I love FF6, playing it at the moment, been playing it for a while, actually. Having trouble with the Cult of Kefka, but man, i'll get it done. Such an amazing game, I love the fact the entire world map gets fecked over.


- Scarecrow

[Just Jeans]

An actual plot outline for Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII has been released. It is set before Midgar has been fully constructed, and it seems like a chunk of the game will be set in Wutai.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f9/CCFF7_Japan_front.jpg
Thanks to their monopoly on mako energy and a strong military force, the Shinra Electric Power Company is quickly exerting their influence around the world. Construction is also rapidly advancing on their base, and symbol of prosperity, the mako city of Midgar, which will soon become Shinra's seat of power.

The Shinra Company possesses an organization of soldiers with powerful combat ability known as SOLDIER, and amongst them, the especially excellent SOLDIERs are known as SOLDIER: First Class, inspiring respect and envy from the masses. One of the young people yearning to be First Class is Zack. He works hard at his daily duties with his senior, Angeal, a First Class and an excellent leader.

At that time, the SOLDIER Mass Disappearance Incident occurred when, during combat operations in Wutai, Genesis, a first class member of SOLDIER, went missing without a trace along with many other SOLDIERs. The Shinra Company's top management assessed the situation and decided to send out SOLDIER in order to bring an end to the war and clarify the scandal, and so, Angeal and Zack, as well as Sephiroth, whose name would come to be known throughout the world as a hero, were dispatched to Wutai.

What is the truth behind Genesis' disappearance? What is the secret concealed by the three SOLDIERs dispatched to Wutai? A struggle of cruel fate awaits Zack.

[Killa Pimp]

Cool: Looks like a definite pick up!

[Scarecrow]

Good ole Final Fantasy VII, that's so going to last them!


- Scarecrow

[Chex]

Some screenshots of Golbez and the four fiends from the upcoming remake of Final Fantasy IV:

http://www.jeux-france.com/Webmasters/Images/58281020071119_152342_1_big.jpg

[Just Jeans]

He looks even more like a Judge from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance/Final Fantasy XII now.

Can't wait to play that.

Anyhoo, Crisis Core has been out in Japan for a while now. Still no release date information for 'round these parts, but a two disc soundtrack is out, and I'm going to see about nabbing that.

Also, the game ends by showing the beginning of Final Fantasy VII; we see Aerith and we see Cloud in Midgar, and then it cuts to the words "To be continued in Final Fantasy VII". I know some people would argue that it means nothing beyond go pick up the original PSX game, but I'm holding out hope it means a possible remake is on the way, either for the PSP or the PS3.

The game scored a 35/40 from Famitsu.
ADDED:
Here's something neat: Final Fantasy VII: Voices of the Life Stream (http://ff7.ocremix.org/tracks/)

It's an unofficial four disc album released by the guys who put together OC Remix. It's gotten good reviews online, and I'm thinking about downloading it (there's a torrent for it, but I'm going to nab it track-by-track).

[Darth Sinister]

Wow, looks good so far.

[Joe Strummer]

It went downhill after 6 and I honestly cannot stand these games anymore. I would rather play Dragon Quest than another tranny surprise final fantasy. However, I will play the remake of 4 on my Ds since it's a classic FF and better than the shit they bring out these days with male heroes looking like chicks.

[Just Jeans]

You may want to skip the IV remake if you're put off by the character design from VII up -- Cecil looks like a babe when he's out of his Dark armor.

[Chex]

I would rather play Dragon Quest than another tranny surprise final fantasy

Oddly enough, I've decided to take on the marathon of Dragon Quest games. Just finished the first entry and am moving on to part II.

[Patrick]

tranny surprise... shit they bring out these days with male heroes looking like chicks.

That's almost funny. :side: Not quiet, but almost.

Anyway, Does anyone play Final Fantasy XI online? Me and my boyfriend play it and we are on the Unicorn server. He is a HUGE FF fan and has basically all of their action figures and games and everything.

[Darth Sinister]

Check this out. Final Fantasy IV DS vids from You Tube. Warning, you may need a new pair of underwear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArFFGjFsj9Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMwIak17DtE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzv0CM9OIwo

[Chex]

Rydia/Lydia has come so far since her SNES/SFCOM days. :cry:

Rydia/Lydia (http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/4003/ffivxm1.jpg)

[Just Jeans]

Did you guys know that Nobuo Uematsu composed a vocal track for Final Fantasy VI that never ended up in the game? It's called Approaching Sentiment and is a vocal arrangement of an unused track from the game called Town 02.

[Chex]

Final Fantasy IV-2 is coming out:

Link (http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/ff/ff4after/story.html)

However, put this one up there with Parasite Eve 3. If you're unsure of what I mean, it's that the game is for Japanese cell phones only.

[zach82]

The link you posted was broken man, just thought you'd like to know.

I'm with Joe Strummer on the character design too, not a fan on the later games; and I'm a DQ fan too. I actually just got around to picking up DQVIII about a week ago, great game.

FF IV-2 does sound like an interesting concept though; if they can pull it off effectively I'll probably pick it up.

[Chex]

Well that blows. The link was working earlier. Oh well.

Another Link (www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3165001)

If you want more sources, there's plenty out there on google, but that should give all the details known as of now.

[Scarecrow]

Well that's... unexpected.


- Scarecrow

[Just Jeans]

Not so much unexpected as it is unavoidable. I expect all of the games from IV onward will eventually have a -2 installment. Pity about it being a cell phone game, though. It'll probably never come out state-side.

[Patrick]

My boyfriend picked up Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core today. The opening graphics are awesome as usual. We have heard that Shiva is NOT in this game. Is that true anyone? If it is true that she is absent, I can't believe that. :(

[Darth Sinister]

First look at "Final Fantasy IV: The After-Return Of The Moon". (http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/ff/ff4after/characters/index.html) No, it's still not coming out on GBA or DS.

Here are some of the new features from Wikipedia.

Final Fantasy IV the After will utilize most of the gameplay features of Final Fantasy IV, including random encounters and the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which it originally popularized. It will also retain a number of the graphical enhancements from the Wonderswan Color and Gameboy Advance versions of Final Fantasy IV, while further improving the quality of the character sprites to a level comparable with those of Final Fantasy VI.

The battle system uses a new feature called the "Age of the Moon", which reflects the game's lunar phases, which change as players rest at inns, with each of the phases altering physical and magical attack powers for both player characters and enemies. Certain rare monsters will also only appear during certain lunar phases.

The game will also introduce a new type of combination attack through the "Band System", known as a "Band" ability. Similar to the Double and Triple Techs of Chrono Trigger, these allow two or more characters to coordinate separate commands into a single new attack at the cost of MP from all involved. Band abilities are said to be extremely powerful, and there will be over 50 different Band abilities in all.

The story so far.

Following the events of the original Final Fantasy IV, the second moon leaves the Blue Planet's orbit and there is a period of peace as Damcyan, Eblan, and the Village of Mist are rebuilt, while the kingdom of Baron come under the rule of Cecil and his wife, Rosa. However, 17 years later, the second moon has reappeared in the sky, much closer to the planet than it was years ago, and the unchanging Crystals begin to emit a soft light; however, the meaning behind these events remains unknown.

The game revolves around Ceodore, a young man who is the first son of Cecil Harvey and Rosa Farrell, two of the protagonists from the original, both of whom will be returning along with most of the other main cast members. A screenshot has also depicted Ceodore fighting alongside a man enshrouded in robes, known only as the "Mysterious Man", who appears to be extremely familiar with the incidents that occured during the original game and is searching for a certain man.

The demo showcased at Jump Festa 2008, though following a slightly different plot from the actual chapters, introduced a female antagonist with blue hair and clothing, known as the "Mysterious Maiden", attacking Baron castle with several monsters, while Cecil, Rosa, and Ceodore defended it. Rydia also arrived to help, as did the Mysterious Man, who joined the party after protecting a number of soldiers outside of the castle.

Returning characters

Cecil - A Paladin who has inherited the blood of the Lunarians. He governs the large Kingdom of Baron and the surrounding region as king, and is greatly loved by both his soldiers and his people.

Rosa - The Queen of the Kingdom of Baron and a White Mage. She is a beloved queen and supports Cecil from the shadows. She's worried about Ceodore, who is going through an emotional age.

Kain - A former Dragon Knight of the Kingdom of Baron. He secluded himself at Mt. Ordeal in order to overcome his mental weaknesses, and there has been no word of his whereabouts since.

Rydia - A Summoner from the village of Mist. Her second home is the Land of Summons, though Queen Ashura decided that she should live with her fellow humans, and she now endeavors to rebuild Mist with the cooperation of Cecil and others.

Edge - The inheritor of his parent's dying wish, to revive the ruins of Eblan castle. His people place great confidence in him, and he rules as the kind-hearted king of Eblan. He's also making efforts to aid in the reconstruction of Mist.

Cid - The Airship Engineer for Baron. Though his beard has become white, he refuses to retire and continues to show his extraordinary skills on the job. He understands Cecil's expections, and is something of a substitute grandfather for Ceodore.

Yang - Taking his place as the King of Fabul, he upholds the teachings of the royal dynasty and leads the people of Fabul. His training as a monk remains unchanged, and he hasn't neglected his personal discipline. His only desire is to be able to gently raise his only daughter, Ursula. As usual, his wife, the Queen, has no qualms about whacking him over the head with a frying pan.

Edward - Known in the Japanese version as Gilbart, he is the beloved king of Damcyan. It is thanks to his singing voice that the struggles he faced with Cecil and the others became known the world over. With the cooperation of Baron, he maintains the balance of the worldwide economy. In the moonlit night, he reminisces about his departed love and his late father while playing the lute.

Palom - Greatly admiring the Great Sage Tellah, who passed away, he aspires to become a Great Sage as well. Now grown, he harbors resentment towards the elders of Mysidia and his elder twin sister, Porom, who still preach to him if he were a child. He wishes to leave the rigid Mysidia in order to travel all over in the pursuit of knowledge as a sage.

Porom - Having reached adulthood, she now supports the aging elders and protects the magical laws of Mysidia. She has also obtained the trust of the Mysidian Black Mages. Palom's recent rebellion has her at a loss.

Luca - The only daughter of Giott, the King of Dwarves. She was impressed by Cid, and now studies engineering as his apprentice. She has mastered the skills of Airship steering and maintenance. She yearns for the surface world, and frequently travels back there to visit.

New Characters

Ceodore
A young man and the son of Cecil and Rosa, Ceodore is the protagonist of the game, and the prince of the kingdom of Baron; he struggles with the obligations of being the heir to a sacred bloodline. Shortly after enlisting with the Red Wings, Baron's airship fleet, and obtaining the title of "Knight", he witnesses the reappearance of the moon on his first expedition. When the fleet comes under attack from the Mysterious Maiden, he's left as the sole survivor of the Red Wings, and later joins his father in defending the castle while Baron is under siege.


Biggs and Wedge

Two members of the Red Wings who accompany Prince Ceodore on his first mission with the fleet. It is revealed that they were present when Cecil first attacked Mysidia, and were the soldiers who questioned his actions. They perish while protecting Ceodore from an assault lead by the Mysterious Maiden, in which all of the other members of the fleet are killed.

Mysterious Man

A wandering swordsman covered in robes who claims to have cast aside his name long ago, who reveals that he is searching for Kain. Little is known of him, or his goals, however he comes to the aid of Ceodore after the destruction of the Red Wings, and also joins Cecil in defending Baron during the assault, rescuing several soldiers outside of the castle in the process.


Mysterious Maiden

A mysterious woman with blue hair and clothing who possesses powerful magic and the ability to call summoned creatures. She decimates the Red Wings, leaving Ceodore as the only survivor, and later enters the Land of Summons where she turns Leviathan and Ashura to stone, stating that she has come for their powers, before leading an assault against the Kindgom of Baron. In the Jump Festa demo, she refuses to tell Cecil her name, stating that members of an inferior species don't deserve to know it.

Ursula

Ursula is Yang's only daughter and the first princess of the Kingdom of Fabul. She was brought up watching her father's form and training, and has yearned for such strength since she was a young girl. However, she is irritated by her father, who refuses to give her lessons. The heart of her strength comes from her mother, the queen.

[Patrick]

My boyfriend picked up Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core today. The opening graphics are awesome as usual. We have heard that Shiva is NOT in this game. Is that true anyone? If it is true that she is absent, I can't believe that. :(

Anyone know?

[Just Jeans]

I haven't read your spoiler because I haven't had a chance to play the game yet and I know practically nothing about it beyond the basic plot outline.

[Darth Sinister]

July 22nd is when Final Fantasy IV for the DS will debut in the US. So far confirmed as doing the US voices are Yuri Lowenthal as Cecil and Liam O'Brien as Kain.

[Just Jeans]

Liam O'Brien plays Red XIII in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and Akihiko Sanada in Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3. He's easily my favorite voice actor in Persona 3, so I reckon he's a good choice for Kain.

I see Yuri Lowenthal plays Superman in Legion of Super-Heroes and Sauske in Naruto (which I'm reading, but haven't watched the animated series yet). He also played Reks in Final Fantasy XII. He didn't have a lot of screen time, but I liked his voice on that character.

[Scarecrow]

Finally finished "Final Fantasy VI"! Fantastic game, the second best of the series form my experience, a brilliant story with wonderful characetrs ecah with their own storylines! Kefka made a brilliant villain and I loved how he progressed throughout the game, starting off almost as comic relief. So much to say, need to work my thoughts out more but wow, an epic final battle!


- Scarecrow

[Patrick]

I will be glad when E3 and Comic Con start so we'll get some updated news on Final Fantasy XIII.

Hopefully, as they mentioned a couple months ago, Square-Soft will eventually remake FF VII. All these action themed Final Fantasy games need to cease. Square needs to be making more classic RPG Final Fantasy games.

[Darth Sinister]

Finally finished "Final Fantasy VI"! Fantastic game, the second best of the series form my experience, a brilliant story with wonderful characetrs ecah with their own storylines! Kefka made a brilliant villain and I loved how he progressed throughout the game, starting off almost as comic relief. So much to say, need to work my thoughts out more but wow, an epic final battle!


- Scarecrow

Which version did you play? SNES, GBA or PS?

[Scarecrow]

Which version did you play? SNES, GBA or PS?

PSOne, got pretty much all of them when they were released, III aside of course...grr...


- Scarecrow

[MiGhTy KoNgZiLlA]

final fantasy 13 has just been announced as coming to the xbox 360

[Biosynthnut v.2]

final fantasy 13 has just been announced as coming to the xbox 360

OUCH! That's gotta hurt the ps3 fanboys.....:eek:

[Deathscythe]

Yeah, theres goes another reason to not get a PS3 in the future.

[Darth Sinister]

OUCH! That's gotta hurt the ps3 fanboys.....:eek:

It probably hurt as bad as it did for us Nintendo fanboys when VII was announced for the PS and not the N64.

[Deathscythe]

It probably hurt as bad as it did for us Nintendo fanboys when VII was announced for the PS and not the N64.

Yeah but you N64 never got VII, at least PS3 will still get XIII.

[freako104]

Sweet!!! What about the mirror game for XIII?

[Chex]

It probably hurt as bad as it did for us Nintendo fanboys when VII was announced for the PS and not the N64.

Which is why it makes little sense to me everytime I read comments about how the situations are parallel to each other despite the key fact that XIII is still coming out for the PS3, but that it will be available to a wider audience due to it also being released on the 360 where as VII was strictly PS.

It's not like the PS3 fans can't still play as they're getting it while the Nintendo fans had no choice other than to simply buy a Playstation if they wanted to play VII or pick up the computer version.

[FinalBeyond]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-uTnqYHZ-I - I think this sums up the more extreme element of the PS3 fan reaction.

Warning: This guy scares me more than every Friday film put together.

[Darth Sinister]

Which is why it makes little sense to me everytime I read comments about how the situations are parallel to each other despite the key fact that XIII is still coming out for the PS3, but that it will be available to a wider audience due to it also being released on the 360 where as VII was strictly PS.

It's not like the PS3 fans can't still play as they're getting it while the Nintendo fans had no choice other than to simply buy a Playstation if they wanted to play VII or pick up the computer version.


I'm not saying that the PS3 fans won't get to have their game at all. Just that there are those PS fans who hinge their reasoning to have a Playstation, regardless of the generation, because the main series has been exclusive. There are those who wear that like a badge of honor and now that it is no longer exclusive, those people wonder if the XBox 360 version outsells the PS3 version, will 14 and all the rest be exclusive to the 360 and future generations of it.

[Chex]

I'm not saying that the PS3 fans won't get to have their game at all. Just that there are those PS fans who hinge their reasoning to have a Playstation, regardless of the generation, because the main series has been exclusive. There are those who wear that like a badge of honor and now that it is no longer exclusive, those people wonder if the XBox 360 version outsells the PS3 version, will 14 and all the rest be exclusive to the 360 and future generations of it.

Which wasn't ever included in your original statement in the poor comparison, but regardless, what you said should be the chief main concern yet you're the first person in a sea of countless posts that has actually made the conection that it's not about this particular entry, but the future entries and where they may be heading.

Nobody else, or at least nobody that has written any concern from what I've read, has even touched that scenario, but rather thrown a fit simply because it's not exclusive anymore or that Square has "backstabbed their fans". Yes, I know how ludicrous that statement is given where the Final Fantasy series spent nearly half it's life at.:p

[Just Jeans]

OUCH! That's gotta hurt the ps3 fanboys.....:eek:

Doesn't bother me in the slightest. I'm a Sony fan, but I don't begrudge others the ability to play the games they want to play without shelling out for another console. I'd be thrilled if Halo 3 or Dead Rising came out on the PS3, for example, and I wouldn't throw a wobbler if MGS4 came out on the 360.

Anyhoo, I'm sure the hardcore fanboys will be pleased to know that the the game will not be hitting the 360 in Japan, and the companion game -- Final Fantasy Versus XIII -- is still a PS3 exclusive.

[Patrick]

And the Xbox 360 version is going to be compressed...lol. PS3 version will be a Blu-ray. Xbox will be standard.

Obviously, I am a SONY fan. I just can't stand Microsoft. They always have to steal everything from others. Even the chick on G4 during the E3 coverage said as much. Microsoft blatantly ripped off Nintendo Wii's Mii characters. Microsoft already got sued by IBM and IBM won the suit years ago because of Microsoft trying to monopolize the computer industry. Then they failed again with HD-DVD and you see where that is now. Who knows, maybe the third time will be a charm in the worst way for Microsoft.

Here is an interview with Square-Enix from GameSpot.com:

http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/finalfantasy13/news.html?sid=6194175&om_act=convert&om_clk=newlyadded&tag=newlyadded;title;1

[Darth Sinister]

"Final Fantasy IV: The After Years", the US/Europe release of the mobile phone game "Final Fantasy IV-The Aftermath: Return Of The Moon" will be released in the US and Europe, on the WiiWare.

http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4theafter/screens/ff4theafter36.jpg

http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4theafter/screens/ff4theafter35.jpg

http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4theafter/screens/ff4theafter34.jpg

http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4theafter/screens/ff4theafter33.jpg

http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4theafter/screens/ff4theafter32.jpg

http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4theafter/screens/ff4theafter31.jpg

[Just Jeans]

Pity they won't release it on the PlayStation Network. I'd buy it in an instant.

[Just Jeans]

A seven minute trailer for Final Fantasy XIII (running on the PS3 by all accounts) was released at the Tokyo Game Show -- see it here (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/tgs-09-final-fantasy/57151#comment_head_text) -- and man, does it look good. One of the best looking games on the PS3, no doubt. I think this is the best they've done with the lip flap in a the series thus far.

Now let's hope the storyline and gameplay can match up to the stunning visuals.

Sweet!!! What about the mirror game for XIII?

Final Fantasy Versus XIII will remain a PS3 exclusive (the main game itself will remain a PS3 exclusive in Japan.)

[Scarecrow]

Replaying Final Fantasy VII with my wife, whose never played it... and didn't know any twists. On Disc 2 and suffice to say, the event at the end of Disc 1 had her most upset!

You know, I've never realised before but playing it again it struck me... Jenova is basically The Thing isn't 'she'?!

- Scarecrow

[nottidelterrore]

ucIEef16d_M

[Scarecrow]

This reminds me. Finally did it. Beat Ruby and Emerald Weapons and finished the game with every last submission and aspect done. Even bred my own Gold Chocobo. Awesome. :D


- Scarecrow

[Violent VictiM]

And the Xbox 360 version is going to be compressed...lol. PS3 version will be a Blu-ray. Xbox will be standard.

Obviously, I am a SONY fan. I just can't stand Microsoft. They always have to steal everything from others...

Microsoft blatantly ripped off Nintendo Wii's Mii characters.

Then they failed again with HD-DVD and you see where that is now.



-Compressed or not I enjoy the 360 more than the PS3. I feel the library of games is just more expansive and enjoyable. I'm just stoked to see a Final Fantasy on 360. I'm not sure if you're saying that they stole Final Fantasy but I'm sure that was Square-Enix's decision, not so much theft.

So what? They may have ripped it off but they didn't do it without innovation. The Mii's always looked stupid and childish to me; like Legos. The Avatars are actually kinda cool, and definitely are more human like.

You can't fault Microsoft for the failure of HD-DVD adaptation. Sony made Blu-Ray an exclusive and they had to compete in some way. Had Blu-Ray not taken off, and HD-DVD had won the battle, we'd be giving kudos.

Either way, I'm stoked as hell from Final Fantasy on XBOX finally and I'll be anticipating this game until it's release date.

[Just Jeans]

I feel the library of games is just more expansive and enjoyable.

I feel the same, but in reverse. I enjoy the 360, but there are more games I want to play on the PS3 (I don't think I could live without Uncharted 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 and inFAMOUS. Amazing games.)

Because I like such a wide assortment of games, I've never been a fan of console exclusives, because I don't like having to pick a console based on two or three titles that can't be got on another console, which is why I'm glad Dead Rising 2 is coming out for PS3, and that Final Fantasy XIII (which looks beautiful) is coming out for the 360. I wish all games could be multi-platform, but that'd be too easy for the consumer.

[Deathscythe]

This comes out one week after my birthday, March 9th.

The only FF game I've beaten all the way through is X, from what I heard the same team behind X is also doing XIII? Can anybody confirm this? If its true, I'll definiitly have to give this one a try.

[Darth Sinister]

Because I like such a wide assortment of games, I've never been a fan of console exclusives, because I don't like having to pick a console based on two or three titles that can't be got on another console, which is why I'm glad Dead Rising 2 is coming out for PS3, and that Final Fantasy XIII (which looks beautiful) is coming out for the 360. I wish all games could be multi-platform, but that'd be too easy for the consumer.

I agree with you there. Otherwise, you wind up spending money on more than one console just to play one or two games. I'm kinda glad I didn't wind up going that route like I had originally planned to, years ago.

[Just Jeans]

Leona Lewis will be offering up a song off her second album as the official North American and European theme of Final Fantasy XIII.

9q0_mNC5FQ8

What an odd choice for main theme, particularly considering how different it is from the Japanese theme song (Kimi Ga Iru Kara (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWz1cj-QFK4)). I like the song, but I'm curious to know how well it'll fit in with the game.

In other news, the game will release in North America (http://kotaku.com/5403678/final-fantasy-xiii-hits-north-america-march-9) on March 9th.

Final Fantasy XIII hits the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 on March 9, 2010, introducing both sets of platform owners to the sky city of Cocoon.

The game, which hits in Japan on Dec. 17, will include a new battle system, a "dramatic story" focused on the emotions of the character and will feature a Leona Lewis single as the game's opening theme.

[Just Jeans]

I agree with pretty much every word in the following article.

Opinion: Leona Lewis in Final Fantasy XIII Changes the Tune (http://www.industrygamers.com/news/opinion-leona-lewis-in-final-fantasy-xiii-changes-the-tune/)

When Final Fantasy VIII released a decade ago, it included Eyes On Me by Faye Wong, marking the first lyrical theme song in series history. The single sold over 400,000 copies in Japan and reflected how mainstream Final Fantasy had become in that country. A tradition was established, with Emiko Shiratori, Rikki, and Angela Aki singing theme songs for Final Fantasy IX, X and XII respectively.

When Sayuri Sugawara was announced to sing the theme songs for the Japanese versions of Final Fantasy XIII, it shocked no one; when Leona Lewis was announced to be lending her song My Hands to the American and European versions of the game, it should have shocked nearly everyone.

Some gamers will rankle at Lewis' inclusion; for some of the so-called "hardcore" gamers, they'd likely reject any Western artist being inserted in the game if it isn't Pantera or Avenged Sevenfold or Dragonforce or something of that ilk. The attitude runs parallel to video gaming's image as the punk rock of entertainment mediums – despite revenues that can simply not be ignored, it is still thought of as a children's diversion by many people who make entertainment their livelihood and others who are not given to play games other than maybe the occasional Bejeweled session.

Leona Lewis: R&B/Pop star and genuine big deal in the music business.

But think about it: a contemporary, single-worthy song from a surefire hit album of an up-and-coming pop star is being featured in a video game on purpose and in a non-ironic fashion. Excluding music games, we can't think of this happening in the past ever, and it's really something that would have been unthinkable not long ago in the industry.

This is a sign that video games really are turning into a big boy entertainment business that's not just aiming for teenage boys with an excess of adrenaline. Most blockbuster movies, for instance, have music albums that accompany them and feature elements for both women and men. Iron Man is a perfect example; it had action, yes, but it also had a relatable female character/love interest in Pepper Potts and plenty of humor.

The Lewis song is also a keen acknowledgement by RCA and Square Enix that casual game players are among the fans of Final Fantasy. In many cases, there are those who simply watch the story unfold while someone else plays. This song reaches out to non-gamers (particularly women) who might be intimidated by a complex RPG title, along with fans of mainstream music who may have only heard of Final Fantasy in passing before this, let alone played a game in the franchise before.

We'd like to think this shows how far Final Fantasy has come in the U.S. over the past decade... and how far games in general have come, that it doesn't take a motion controlled mini-game compilation to bring in the mainstream. Gamers might scoff at the implications of this, but if this could help lead to conversations among 20 and 30 somethings in the same sort of casual way they speak about TV shows like Weeds, we're all for it.

[Monkey]

I haven't had a chance to play X or XII yet, but I might just go ahead and jump into XIII. I resigned from playing these games, only to have renewed interest after the past several days.

Last week I started a game of Final Fantasy I on the NES. I beat it in two days.

I then started the same game, only the remake for PS1. Started to play it on my PS2, but I don't have a memory card. I popped it into my PS3 for shits and giggles, and it worked. :D

So, I'm on the final dungeon and looking to beat it soon. The gameplay is nearly identical, only a few names have been changed. The items thankfully have descriptions, you can buy multiple items at one shot, townspeople are more talkative, some cut scenes have been added, the specialty swords actually work against the characters they were designed to work on. The bosses (Lich, Kraken, Tiamat, and the red bitch with 82 arms... Kyra?) are much, much, harder to kill than on the NES, though. So, I'll have to level up a bit before I can beat the game (fuckers... wasting my time). Also, the random monster encounters are far more frequent in this version. The one thing I can't stand about Final Fantasy games... constantly being attacked (yawn) so the games are longer than need be. The northeast pennisula trick still worked (extremely hard monster encounters early in the game enabling you to level up much faster and avoid more time-consuming fights).

If you killed a monster in the NES version, your attack was wasted. In this version, your character automatically attacks another monster. In the original, you weren't able to use the "Life" spell in combat, now you can. Finally, using the 'Memo Save' is a real life saver. Instead of starting from your save point before you enter a dungeon, if your party is killed by some cheap attacks, you can just restart from where you memo saved, no matter where you did it. All in all, I can't tell which version is harder, though. The fact the bosses are harder and you get attacked more frequently evens out the changes that make it easier.

I used to think the NES was the way to go, but the PS1 remake really adds to the game.

Otherwise, I'll beat the game and will probably, finally, give II a shot. It's a shame they never ported part III to the PS1. I have all the PS1 ports and games (1, 2, and 4-9)... I might work my way up to XIII as time goes by.

[Just Jeans]

xAwoUVolqaQ

[FinalBeyond]

There's one thing that makes me interested in FF13, one of my favourite actors (Ono Daisuke) being in one of the main roles. However, it seems that the 360 version won't have the Japanese language track due to space issues. It seems to me that here's a perfect situation for DLC to be implemented. Let's hope they utilise it.

[Just Jeans]

They're not even releasing a demo because it'd be too big -- something like 4GB -- so I can't imagine they'd upload the entire Japanese dub as DLC. It would be gargantuan, especially since they would need to include the code that reworks the character's faces so the dialog fits the motion of their lips (this is the first game in the franchise where, outside the pre-rendered CGI cut-scenes, they've completely reworked the character's faces to match the dialog. The Japanese dialog would look horribly out of place if they simply layered it over the current animations.)

As I understand it, the 360 version of the game spans three dual-layer DVDs. :eek:

[Ravenwood]

I'm picking it up tonight.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

I may rent it during the summer.... But the "all to human" style the past 3 games just eh... I know all the games have a human touch but I liked the weird side characters.

[FinalBeyond]

They're not even releasing a demo because it'd be too big -- something like 4GB -- so I can't imagine they'd upload the entire Japanese dub as DLC. It would be gargantuan, especially since they would need to include the code that reworks the character's faces so the dialog fits the motion of their lips (this is the first game in the franchise where, outside the pre-rendered CGI cut-scenes, they've completely reworked the character's faces to match the dialog. The Japanese dialog would look horribly out of place if they simply layered it over the current animations.)

As I understand it, the 360 version of the game spans three dual-layer DVDs. :eek:

Quite honestly, I wouldn't mind if they just layered it over. I'll take out of place over mediocre dubs any day. :p Just sticking up the audio shouldn't take too big a chunk of the hard drive, especially if it were compressed.

There are probably issues beyond that, that my less-than-stellar knowledge of technology doesn't help, but it's probably my only hope of getting a 360 game starring my favourite actor that isn't Sonic '06. :p

[Just Jeans]

I'll take out of place over mediocre dubs any day. :p

Good job it appears to be a pretty strong dub, then. One of the best in the franchise. :D

But the trouble with just slapping it on is, if the pacing of the dialog is different, it would create horrible timing inconsistencies that go beyond the lip sync (if a line takes longer to deliver in one language than the other, you'd end up having entire lines of dialog that aren't matching up with anyone's mouth at all. It would be chaos.)

In principal, I'm not against offering the Japanese dub as DLC. I'd probably buy it myself. I just don't think it's very likely, I think it'd be way too big for any reasonable person to download, and there would probably be a world of technical issues.

Just sticking up the audio shouldn't take too big a chunk of the hard drive, especially if it were compressed.

Even compressed, there's going to be many hours of high def audio. It would be humongous.

...but it's probably my only hope of getting a 360 game starring my favourite actor that isn't Sonic '06. :p

Or you could just buy it for the system it was developed for and avoid the port entirely. ;) (That is assuming the Japanese dub is included on the Blu-ray. I'm not sure about that. I know the Japanese dub was left off Metal Gear Solid 4 because there just wasn't space for it.)

[Violent VictiM]

I Also, the random monster encounters are far more frequent in this version. The one thing I can't stand about Final Fantasy games...

X was the last game I played so I don't know if this is a mainstay but I'm yet to acquire the ability to encounter a random battle. Did XII follow this, or is it because I haven't made it to the World Map yet?

At any rate, I'm not asking you Monkey more the guys who have played it further than I. I quote you because my favorite part of the game is the random battling. I'll invest an hours worth of time in a high experience area just doing the same battles over and over, this way I fly through the game at much quicker pace when it comes to getting through Dungeons and boss battles.

A fear of mine for XIII is that it seems you upgrade the Weapons, not the characters which leaves me hoping that the random battles are what helps you improve weaponry because I haven't received Gil as a result fo a battle yet either, or at least not to my knowledge I have.

All in all I like it so far.

[Just Jeans]

There are no random battles in Final Fantasy XIII. Like XII, all of the monsters are on-screen. Once you get down to Pulse, you can wander the world and farm experience off many enemies. According to the GameTrailers reviews, you can dump many, many hours battling enemies on Pulse, harvesting experience to advance your characters (you do develop the characters, the developmental system is sort of like a streamlined version of the Sphere Grid from Final Fantasy X) and parts to improve your weaponry.

Until you reach Pulse, the game is said to be pretty linear.

[Patrick]

My bf and his sister and I went Monday night to GameStop here and got it. I had it pre-ordered for him (the PS3 version and the Collector's Edition hardback guide). I have been watching him play it. This game is AMAZING. It basically plays out so far like a movie. The music, graphics, scenery, colors, etc. are out of this world. Just simply.....if you don't have this game, you are missing out on some wonderful game time.

[Just Jeans]

I wanted to get Heavy Rain first, but since that YouTube idiot spoiled the killer reveal for me, I'm going to pick up Final Fantasy XIII first. I've more-or-less got the money together, so I can't wait to pick it up. Been listening to the battle theme and My Hands for the last week.
ADDED:
Final Fantasy XIII Ships Five Million (http://www.edge-online.com/news/final-fantasy-xiii-ships-five-million)

Square Enix has announced that it’s shipped five million copies of Final Fantasy XIII worldwide.

The highly anticipated RPG released on PS3 only in Japan last December. It went on to become the country’s fifth bestselling game of 2009, shifting 1,698,256 copies.

It launched in the west for Xbox 360 and PS3 on March 9, with the first European and North American shipment topping the three million mark.

Worldwide shipments for the series have now topped 96 million, according to Square.

[Just Jeans]

Hopefully, I'm getting this tonight. I won't be playing it until I return home, though.
ADDED:
Face-Off: Final Fantasy XIII - PS3 vs 360 (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-final-fantasy-xiii-face-off?page=1)

It's unfortunate that the game doesn't quite measure up on the 360, but it usually happens one way or the other. Ghostbusters looks a lot better on the 360 than on the PS3.

[Violent VictiM]

Not liking the weapons upgrade system so far. Sure I can make numerous weapons elemental but that's a lot of swapping prior to battles.

[Just Jeans]

I've been using the same weapons since pretty much the beginning (I'm in Chapter 7). I'm focusing on updating one weapon per character until I reach Chapter 11 and can start farming materials on Pulse.

[Violent VictiM]

I've been doing quite a bit of farming in the linear chapters. All of my characters are maxed out in their Crystariums well before the boss battle, so I just fly through the bosses. The only times I have died are against Shiva (as I had no idea it was a totally defensive battle) and once with Sazch and Venielle when the group separates because they are super assy.

[Just Jeans]

You can't really farm per-se in the linear chapters. There are some spots where monsters will re-appear, but not nearly enough to farm. I keep my Crystarium maxed out, too, but considering I've seen clips in which the characters are fighting on Pulse with over 30,000 HP a piece, I imagine the grids -- and the weapon upgrades -- open up a lot once you start picking up side quests and going on monster hunts in Chapter 11.

Incidentally, there's a trophy for dealing out 100,000 damage in a single attack. That blows my mind. I remember a time when it was amazing good luck to land a blow that dealt 9,999 damage to an enemy.

[Violent VictiM]

Ah you can farm in the linear parts. You simply run through to a save point, save, re-load the game, and run back to the previous save point. Over, and over.

[Just Jeans]

I knew you could do it that way, but it's a waste of time. I'd rather just push through to Chapter 11 and start side-questing.

Besides, reloading every 30 seconds to a previous save point would be like living through horrible, war-torn Fallout 3 flashbacks. I got my fill of constantly reloading while gunning for a Platinum trophy while playing that. *shudders*

[Violent VictiM]

In the beginning of Chapter 4, the length of the linear line from beginning to end contained a good 16 battles, 3/4 of those roped me 80 CP each time. Now I don't know how it gets when you're in Pulse, but that's a lotta CP. The reloading wasn't so bad, had to do it every 15 minutes or so.

[Violent VictiM]

Just beat Odin in 2 minutes 4 seconds. I'm pretty proud of myself seeing as how they gave me an estimate of 20 minutes.

[MaDMaNMaRz]

How does this one compare to 10-12? I love all of the FF's, but I have to admit, I started losing interest when 10 came out. I've heard alot of great reviews for this. The biggest complaint i've heard so far is it's the most linear of the series. I've been thinking about picking this one up, but i'm still not sure yet.

[Violent VictiM]

I forgot that I beat this during my hiatus from the board.

Marz, if you can get it for REALLY cheap.. do it. But the game was just not good to me. The story barely roped me in, and that's the strong points to me of FF games; no other series has ever given me the stories that FF games have. Even when the 8/16 bit versions.

[On a Pale Horse]

For you FF geeks, here a Phoenix Down cocktail at a local bar

http://geekadelphia.com/2011/03/23/national-mechanics-serves-final-fantasy-cocktail-phoenix-down-gains-25-hp/

[MaDMaNMaRz]

I forgot that I beat this during my hiatus from the board.

Marz, if you can get it for REALLY cheap.. do it. But the game was just not good to me. The story barely roped me in, and that's the strong points to me of FF games; no other series has ever given me the stories that FF games have. Even when the 8/16 bit versions.

I checked on eBay, and there are auctions for it that are really cheap, so I might consider it at some point. Or, in a way, maybe it'd be better renting it first. I've heard other people say that the story isn't so great, and that really is the best part of the FF series.

[Deathscythe]

How long did it take you guys to beat this game?

[Just Jeans]

I'm about 120 hours in and still haven't beaten it. I've finished the main story once, but I'm now working on my characters in the re-boot. I've maxed their stats, but am working to max their ultimate weapons so I can kill all of the marks on Pulse.

Meanwhile, I put $5 down to reserve Final Fantasy XIII-2.