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FinalFantasy XIII

PREVIEW

Final Fantasy XIII

The new tale of the crystal starts here

Words: PlayStation World UK

When developer SquareSoft was struggling to make an impression on the world back in 1987 while bills mounted up and the world was in the grip of Mario fever, it looked like there was little option but to wave the white flag. Legend has it, they were on the brink of closing and sending everyone home. Then they released one final game - prophetically called Final Fantasy - and held their breath. The game proved to be a smash success and the rest, as they say, is history. Some 20 years later, the Final Fantasy factory is still pumping out the hits and if Final Fantasy XIII is anything to go by, Square Enix is still a visionary developer to be reckoned with.

Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 is essentially one part of the ‘Fabula Nova Crystallis’ project, which will contain at least six games bearing the Final Fantasy XIII name. Final Fantasy XIII will be the main anchor for the project, but expect the name to be bolstered by additional FFXIII-based titles on PSP and mobile, at the very least.

As for the game itself, it’s based around two worlds - Cocoon and Pulse. Cocoon is a floating utopia defended by advanced technology while Pulse lies below it, serving as the place where those cast out of Cocoon are sent.

The Cocoon's government is using crystals with the power to change Man’s destiny to force those on Pulse to work against their will. In turn, the citizens of Pulse are rebelling. Their force is led by the only confirmed character so far, a feisty woman who goes by the codename of ‘Lightning.’ Apparently, the player won’t know if he’s on Lightning’s side or not until a certain point in the game. One new feature to help develop the story will be a ‘split-screen’ of sorts, showing different characters in different locations on screen at the same time.

Gameplay wise, the real-time battle system introduced for Final Fantasy XII will be kept on, but the pace will be kicked up a few notches. Yet again, you’ll be able to see your enemies on screen, so the dreaded random encounters of previous games won’t be returning.

Square Enix hasn’t revealed anything else yet and given that there isn’t even a confirmed release date, that’s no surprise. Square Enix’s John Yamamoto is said to be aiming for a simultaneous worldwide release, so keep your fingers crossed.

The story, as per usual, sounds totally bonkers, but that's what we've come to expect from the Square Enix crew over the years, so be ready for plenty of head scratching moments once the game eventually hits shelves. And we wouldn't be surprised at all if someone out there announces a brand new Final Fantasy movie off the back of this one.

Jan 22, 2008

VIDEO TEASER

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Why Final Fantasy XIII will be the best yet

The latest epic adventure from Square-Enix

Words: PlayStation World UK

Taking place in the dual locations of Pulse (a scummy underworld) and Cocoon (a heavily regulated Utopia), Final Fantasy XIII features a trademark bewildering plot of political intrigue and warring factions, characters of steely determination and sudden mood swings, and a vast scope which will suck dozens of hours from your life. Here are the reasons why it will be an instant classic:

1) Battle Mode
FFXIII will retain the fast-paced, real-time battle system seen in FFXII, relying on command inputs to decide a scrap.

2) Moves List
Battle commands are selected from this rolling menu, and they're then stacked up in a queue.

3) ATB Points
Commands will cost ATB points, as in FFXII, but now you'll be able to execute orders as the bar refills.

4) Mystery Girl
Lightning is the codename of this mysterious girl on a mission to destroy the hovering city of Cocoon.

5) New Engine
The game is powered by the White Engine, Square-Enix's all-singing new game engine which will power new cutscene-like real-time visuals and awesome effects.

6) Watch the Meter
This appears to be the Overclock meter, which is filled as you fight. Once full, the selected character enters a trance-like state of heightened focus.

7) Worlds Apart
FFXIII is split between two worlds - Pulse and Cocoon. The latter is an idealised government state defended by machines; the former is where those who don't fit in are banished.

8) Defence Force
Lightning has been chosen to breach Cocoon's considerable defenses, but it ain't gonna be easy.

9) Morphing Rangers
Call on these creatures to morph into a helpful machine (like a bike).

10) Rock Hard
Lightning's been chosen by Pulse's mysterious Crystal, a powerful life form with the ability to change destiny. Cocoon has its own Crystal to oversee and protect the city.

11) Weight Gain
Lightning can control gravity. She has a gun-sword hybrid, too.

12) Online Worlds?
Expect an online element to make it into FFXIII, featuring large-scale battles and new, online-only enemies.

Latest Screenshots

PS3 - final fantasy versus xiii - screenshot

GAMINGLADDERS.EU

Final Fantasy XIII

The new tale of the crystal starts here

Why Final Fantasy XIII will be the best yet

The latest epic adventure from Square-Enix