Square Enix President Downplays Final Fantasy XIII “Newness”, Still Predicts Record Sales

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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.

“We would like to hope so. When we say that it is going to be the best selling title ever, the hurdle/bar is really high because Final Fantasy VII sold 10 million units.

… it’s not [that] there are new elements that are included into the Final Fantasy XIII, there are elements that are included that is expected out of the Final Fantasy title itself, for example a beautiful story, it being emotional and moving and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy. Those are included, but there is not a lot of newness to it.”

Not a lot of newness? Interesting response. In a day and age when others in his position are screaming from the mountain tops that there game will outsell everything known to man, Wada takes a less dramatic approach. Whether he meant exactly what the translator said or some element was lost during the literal translation, it’s important to note that Wada did contrast the game to that of Western RPG’s, so it may have been more of a comparison thing.

In closing, Final Fantasy XIII will include some advancements. It will feature high def graphics, combat system refinements, and a new weapon modifier feature, but the fact of the matter is  a series with a lengthy proven track record of success, such as Final Fantasy, doesn’t need “a lot of newness”.

My opinion is that the game will sell like 5 cent lemonade on record high hot summer day. Considering it’s one of the main reasons I bought my PS3, I’d personally run through several brick walls to own it on release day.

[Thanks Final Fantasy Union]

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  • http://www.cartosmagicmaps.com hidden object pc games

    Interesting that Yoichi Wada would say that. Though thinking about it, FF series is really about its story and the experience of playing through the process (to me at least).
    If there’s anything too drastically new, it might not be ‘FF’ anymore. And of course, it will be good that FF13 can be the best selling title ever, but we are looking at 10 million units mark..think the pressure might be running high for them too. So instead of giving too much high hopes for the gamers, Yoichi Wada might be thinking of expressing it as realistically as possible I think.
    Whether the sales can meet the mark or if gamers like it as a FF title or not, for now, just let nature take its course. =)

  • Chewy

    Why isn't Wada more in the media? He's the culprit of the SE spiral of death. He's to blame. BLAME WADA!!!