It appears that Microsoft isn’t the only console maker with deep pockets. While Sega can’t remember who works for them and has made it clear that they have no intentions of reviving the Dreamcast console, it seems that the company hasn’t forgotten the pain that Sony caused them when its PlayStation first hit the market.

Sega kept shut for years, waiting for the right moment to strike. Seeing Sony in what appeared to be a moment of weakness after the Microsoft/Final Fantasy XIII payout, Sega made the call to go in for the kill. The company now has a Square Enix port of their own — FF Versus XIII.

First look at this amazing game after the break.

The loading screen features classic Sega Master System split second response — you won’t have to sit there all day while Mr. Mustache smokes a cigar.

Gameplay mechanics will have you saying Mega Man what? We believe that the screen above is real in-game footage and not CGI, but we have yet to receive confirmation from Sega or Square Enix.

This cinematic presentation in the Sega Master System port of FFXIII Versus leaves me wanting to see more. Unfortunately the game is still in the early stages of development (hard to believe) and will not be touched again until Square finishes the PS3 version.

Source: extreme boredom (via: validating my most anticipated game of the Fall)

The boys over at finalfantasy-xiii.net unearthed a Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailer they believe to be leaked from Jump Festa 2007. I have never seen this trailer before, and it appears to be the real deal, however it looks like 100% CG footage with little to no actual gameplay. Video quality is decent, so it was likely shot with an HD camera and scaled down for web use.

Finalfantasy-xiii.net claims they are unsure of the source (who shot it). The video is currently being hosted by a Photobucket user, and I am fairly sure it won’t be around for long. Have at it after the jump.

Source: finalfantasy-xiii.net

We reported just two days ago that a Famitsu article was translated revealing among other things a statement made by FF Versus XIII director Tetsuya Nomura in which he claims that resources were reallocated from Final Fantasy Versus and asked to instead assist in the completion of Final Fantasy XIII.

This translation along with further comments made in the article lead many to believe the game would be delayed even further. However, the following response was issued by Square Enix regarding the matter:

“Reports that development for Final Fantasy Versus XIII is on hold are false … The truth of the situation is that when free, some staff from the Versus team have been helping with the XIII team on development of Final Fantasy XIII. Development for both titles is continuing as originally scheduled.”

It appears now that the game is still very much on schedule — the same schedule that has had us in the dark for a very long time now. Hopefully some light will be shed during this years E3.

Source: eurogamer.net

A recent issue of Famitsu reports that the wait looks set to continue for quite awhile.

At E3 2006 Square Enix surprised fans and gamers by announcing Final Fantasy XIII hot on the heels of Final Fantasy XII’s release. What’s more, it wasn’t just Final Fantasy XIII that was on the way, but also Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Final Fantasy Agito XIII.

While various trailers have surfaced and Agito was revealed as a mobile title, we’ve heard little more about the projects. Now, Famitsu has revealed that the majority of the Final Fantasy Versus XIII team has been pulled off the title and reassigned to Final Fantasy XIII itself. Agito XIII is also said to still be in early production and story development.

Such a move does not bode well for the possibility of seeing the game any time soon, let alone its spin-offs.

In the case of Final Fantasy it’s a given that more games are on the way. That’s not always the case, but is there really any benefit (for game developers anyway) to such early announcements? Square certainly should have known it was unnecessary with Final Fantasy. At least wait until there’s something to show.

While the end of 2009 is the earliest Final Fantasy XIII proper is expected to make an appearance, that’s still a long way off. Live in the now, enjoy what’s out there and for the sanity of everyone just forget about Square Enix’s megaseries for the time being.

You’ll be happier for it.

Source: Game|Life