The leaks just keep coming today. Japanese mag, Shonen jump, had two pages surface on the web which showcase a gigantic blue monster, a dinosaur looking beast, and a more familiar Final Fantasy enemy — the Cactuar, who apparently has a significant other this time around. High res scan below.

[Thanks finalfantasy-xiii.net]

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]

Square Enix announced the North American and European release date for Final Fantasy XIII utilizing the script that surfaced on the web a few weeks ago. While the release won’t be in time for Christmas, March 9, 2010 is still close enough to put a smile on my face. The latest installment will feature a track by R&B singer-songwriter, and winner of British TV series The X Factor, Leona Lewis, titled “My Hands”.

The five minute narrated video below features developer segments and a thirty second never before seen look at some Final Fantasy XIII in-game footage. PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 won’t be left with this alone though as Square Enix promises to deliver even more periodic updates on the 13th of every month in line with their “Lucky 13″ campaign.

FACE YOUR DESTINY ON MARCH 9, 2010 – FINAL FANTASY XIII LAUNCHES IN NORTH AMERICA
Multi-Platinum Singer Songwriter Leona Lewis Offers Brand New Song “My Hands” As Game’s Theme Song

LOS ANGELES (November 13, 2009) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America announced today the highly anticipated street date for FINAL FANTASY® XIII. This latest project in the multi-platinum FINAL FANTASY series promises to be intensely compelling and will be available for both the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on March 9, 2010.

FINAL FANTASY XIII marks the dawning of a new era for the celebrated franchise, bringing the series to multiple hi-definition consoles simultaneously for the first time in its history. Expanding upon the rich tradition of the series, Producer Kitase Yoshinori (FINAL FANTASY VII, X, X-2), Director Motomu Toriyama (FINAL FANTASY VII, X, X-2), character designer Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V, VI, VII, VIII, X) and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo (FINAL FANASY X, XII) combine their creative vision to deliver the latest masterpiece in the FINAL FANTASY universe. Additionally, Masashi Hamauzu (FINAL FANTASY X, DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-) presents a sweeping soundtrack while movie director Takeshi Nozue (FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN) and his team of artists adorn the game with seamless cinematic sequences of unparalleled caliber.

“We know that our fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installation of the franchise – FINAL FANTASY XIII will exceed all expectations,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. “Coming simultaneously to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for the first time, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be available to all players who are looking for the most immersive gaming experience of 2010.”

Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Leona Lewis has come on board with Square Enix to provide the theme song for FINAL FANTASY XIII. The song is entitled “My Hands,” and is featured on her highly-anticipated second album ECHO (J Records/Syco Music) set for release on November 17th. Leona Lewis took the music world by storm with her 2008 6x platinum debut album Spirit which features her chart topping, biggest selling single of 2008 “Bleeding Love,” and mega-hit “Better In Time.”
“When Square Enix approached Leona about including her song, “My Hands,” in FINAL FANTASY XIII, she was honored to be partnered with such an iconic and groundbreaking video game series,” said Tom Corson, EVP/GM, RCA Music Group. “Leona is a natural fit with the game’s powerful themes and strong female protagonist. We’re delighted to be part of this effort, bringing great musical artistry to
FINAL FANTASY XIII which is a riveting and dynamic gaming experience.”

Introducing new worlds, memorable characters and extraordinary stories with each new installment, the FINAL FANTASY series has continued to reinvent itself over the last two decades and has shipped over 85 million copies worldwide. The series is defined by a constant evolution, offering nothing less than the finest creative vision, graphical quality and gameplay system of its generation with every installment, and FINAL FANTASY XIII will be no exception to its legacy.

Story
Cocoon — a utopia in the sky.
Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.

Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.

Their tranquility was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.

The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse — the feared and detested lowerworld — awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.

Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.

They become l’Cie — chosen of the fal’Cie.

Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.

A prayer for redemption.

A wish to protect the world.
A promise to challenge destiny.

After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

Features

Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards – The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, FINAL FANTASY XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.

Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system – The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.

Adapt to the Ever-Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms – A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game’s six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.

Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System – Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.

Delve into an Emotional Experience – An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?

Square Enix seems to full of surprises lately, as the publisher unveiled a new Final Fantasy XIII weapon system in the latest issue of Japanese Mag, Shonen Jump.

You will of course still seek new weapons as you did in the past, however the new weapon modifier system will utilize  materials you obtain from killing enemies, looting boxes, etc, as enhancements increasing your current weapons power. Over one hundred of these modifiers exist in game, allowing for multiple application combinations.

Those of us who enjoy variety will be happy to know that the modifier system also changes the look of an item, meaning you won’t be forced to look at the same weapon graphic until you pick up a new one. The magazine lists two examples on its pages. The first of which is Snow’s “magical coat” weapon. Adding modifiers increases its power and changes its color/pattern design. Lightning’s Blaze Edge sword, a more contemporary weapon choice, turns into a completely different looking weapon model called Slash Carbine.

The Final Fantasy homer in me can’t wait to play this. Speaking of which, don’t forget the special Final Fantasy XIII announcement Square Enix has planned for the US and Europe tomorrow. It just might reveal the date in which we’ll be able to get our grubby mitts on the game. High res page scan below, for those of you that like to stare at gigantic Japanese text.

[Thanks Andriasang]

Final Fantasy MMO fanatics can officially begin blocking off entire months from their calendar in order to grind one of two newly introduced classes — the Gladiator and Pugilist.

The Gladiator is a sword and shields close range combat specialist capable of following a well timed decapitating sword swipe with the words “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!” While the Pugilist’s mix of hand-to-hand claw combat and ranged expertise reminds me more of a mix between Street Fighter’s Vega and Lord of the Ring’s Legolas Greenleaf.

The reveal of both characters was accompanied by a slew of images containing high res shots of both classes and several new weapon models to drool over while you calculate statistical upgrade numbers in your head.

Final Fantasy XIV Image Gallery – Click Here To View

Who needs to be bit by some silly radio-active spider to zip through the air? Peter Parker that’s who! And you want to know who doesn’t? Just Cause 2 protagonist Rico Rodriguez … and Batman (both cool).

Whether you were a fan of the original Just Cause game, or someone who passed it up, you’re going to want to check out the developer video below highlighting the new grappling hook mechanics and all the cool shit you can do with it in-game.

The sequel is being developed by Avalanche Studios and published by Square Enix. Expect to see it on store shelves sometime in 2010.

In a recent interview, Square Enix Global Presidentm, Yoichi Wada, revealed that the US and European version of the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIII was receiving some “final touches”, adding that the “last stage of development has gone very smoothly…”

The the fact that he said “has gone” as apposed to “is going” gives me the impression that development is complete. With a mysterious announcement, for both Europe and the US, coming this Friday, we may be looking at getting Final Fantasy XIII in our grubby RPG loving hands much sooner than expected. All I want for Christmas is …

[Thanks GI]

Square-Enix posted a message/anagram on their North America website earlier today:

A puzzle for FINAL FANTASY XIII fans!

Solve this anagram to find out what lies ahead: A Henchmen Inventor Tent Unto. Check back Monday for the answer!

Well, there’s no need to wait until Monday, as hintonmj and Squirrel Emperor, two finalfantasy-xiii.net forum users, figured it out in just under an hour. The hidden message unscrambles to read “Announcement Nov Thirteenth”.

Could this be the North America release date we’ve all been waiting for? My cardboard Buster Sword sure hopes so. Stay tuned.

The wrap up of a recent Square-Enix Financial meeting featured CEO Yoici Wadam assuring smooth development of the Western release, adding that there was a possibility the game could release globally before the end of the fiscal year.

The Japanese fiscal year runs from April 1st to March 31st, so if development continues as smoothly as Wadda anticipates it will, there’s a good chance we may see Final Fantasy XIII in the United States sometime before the end of March. Keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks Siliconera

New Final Fantasy XIII screens are in and the game just keeps looking better and better. The latest batch give us a glimpse at how the attack system will work, as it appears that certain in terms of button combinations will unleash different moves.

In addition, we get to see an in-battle summon and a heap of English based character dialog. Check out the screens below.

Final Fantasy XIII Image Gallery – Click Here To View

I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s so close I can taste it, but with a Spring 2010 release date announced, I can certainly start day dreaming about playing it soon. The new FFXIII screens available after the jump showcase English text and reintroduce Oerba Yun Fang, first seen at Tokyo Game Show.

In a fit of laughter, Final Fantasy director, Motomu Toriyama, and producer, Yoshinori Kitase, revealed that the latest installment of the series (XIII) would have a main storyline that lasted around 50 hours long. This bit of information was unearthed during a Q&A session by Spanish gaming site Meristation.

As  someone who loves the FF RPG series, this means that I will have more time to play and less time to do other bothersome things like bathe and sleep.

Some PS3 Final Fantasy players (like myself) were shocked the day that the latest title was announced for the 360, in fact I almost ran up to the stage and started screaming at the conference, but once the shock faded, concerns started to come into play.

The biggest concern most PS3 owners had surrounded the potential “middle ground” that may have to be reached in order to have the game port successfully onto the 360 console. Namingly, the lack of disc space when comparing a Blu-ray discs to the traditional format.

Well, in one statement, FFXIII Producer, Yoshinori Kitase, put that fear to bed. 

“The team is targeting to create an equal experience on both the 360 and the PS3 … right now we’re working on the PS3 version first, and once we’ve completed that we’ll really know how much game there will be to fit onto the Xbox 360 discs.

So we don’t know how many discs it’ll be housed on for 360, but there won’t be a chance that we’ll compromise anything because, oh it didn’t fit in the 360 discs so we’ll have to take it out of the PS3 version, or vice versa.”

Seems pretty clear and straight forward to me. While the end result may mean a multiple of discs for 360 owners, which has already been the case with other 360 MMOs, it appears that the integrity and creative vision of the game will not be tweaked in any way to accommodate lesser disc space. Hooray!

Source: VideoGamer

Now that Final Fantasy XIV has been announced, let’s go back seven Final Fantasy games and let it be known that Final Fantasy VII is now available for the PS3 through the PlayStation Store for $9.99 in the PS1 classics section. Weighing in at about 1.3 gigs, FFVII is one of my favorite games of all time and the chance to get a fresh digital copy of the game is fabulous news. Go download this game now homies!

Square Enix loves their big honking blades and I love them for loving them. Anywho, press release junkies got wind of Square’s newly announced title Nier earlier today, and now you can get a glimpse at the game’s first trailer via their official website.

The trailer itself features more of that washed out dark ink splattery look that we saw a few months ago in the SF4 trailer. My interest is perked, but then again I am a Square whore so you may want to check the clip out yourself after the jump.

Impressed? If you want to see more images of the game and other random cool stuff, head on over to the official site.

Chrono Trigger: Crimson Echoes was a fan-made ROM modification for the widely-acclaimed SNES RPG Chrono Trigger. I say “was” because Square Enix have sent the fans a Cease-and-Desist letter, letting them know that if the project is released, there will be a lawsuit. The mod “featured ~35 hours of game play, 10 multiple endings, and 23 chapters, much like the original Chrono Trigger; it was around 98% complete.” As ZeaLitY says, the game was made only out of the goodness of fan’s hearts and certainly not for profit. The video above is the trailer for the game, made this year.

I must say that I feel this is a bad show on the part of Square Enix. This was a fan-made mod, with no intent for profit, and people had spent countless hours of their lives in the process of making this game. What harm can a mod like this do? Surely it can only provide free advertisement for their game. My consolations to the fans who put all this work into the game only to have it completely trashed.

GameZine reports that the early demo, released with Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children on Blu-Ray, has a special message at the end: “Coming Winter 2009″. The game will release at some point in 2010 for Western fans, but in the meantime it might comfort some to know that the Japanese version will be ready for release this year, at least on the PS3. Final Fantasy fans who can read Japanese will be interested in this as well, no doubt.

Japanese blog Marshallalloc reports that Square-Enix has let loose a new Final Fantasy XIII trailer during the company’s Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children premier. Not much else has been confirmed as of yet, though finalfantasy-xiii.net believes it to be along the lines of the Jump Festa trailer shown in December of last year.

Source: marshallalloc via: finalfantasy-xiii.net

Famitsu reports that on April 10th (today) you can enjoy Final Fantasy VII on the PS3 for a small download fee.

It will run you about $15 US, but it is the Final Fantasy VII International edition and is downloadable through the PlayStation Store, which is pretty cool. So for those of you that haven’t played it yet, you might need to get a Playstation Network Japan account. At least you won’t need to change discs.

Source:  Famitsu

Square Enix has launched the official website for their upcoming Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers for the Nintendo Wii. As of now, the website features the trailer released with the Japanese version of Echoes of Time and wallpaper from the game. There are two grayed out unclickables titled “It’s Gonna Be A Long Night” and “Public Spectacle”, with the words “Mor eVisits, More Movies” flashing above them.

So that means you need to visit the site more to unlock those two trailers. Well, get to work.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS

Famitsu have got their hands on some brand new screenshots showing us mainly the Active Time Battle system in Final Fantasy XIII. We get a first look at the ‘Battle Results‘ screen as well, which gives you your stats, TP bonus, and rank. The rank is out of five stars.

Right now, the battle system’s looking pretty great. As much as I’m looking forward to Final Fantasy XIII though, I can’t help but wanting to hear more about Versus XIII instead. It just seems so much more Final Fantasy VIIish. Hit the jump to see the screens.

Source: Famitsu

According to an upcoming issue of Official Playstation Magazine, Square Enix is poised to reveal a brand new action game sometime in April. Provided that this reveal doesn’t come on April 1st, you can probably bet on it being a Final Fantasy game. There’s a screenshot in the magazine as well, but as it hasn’t been released, we don’t actually have it. According to Final Fantasy Union-

The screen shows a man with long white hair dressed in black. He has a blue scarf around his waist and is said to carry a giant sword. Sephiroth perhaps? Probably not, as then it would have been quite obvious what the game was connected to.

They also mention that the system of choice (PS3, PSP, PSN, dare I say- mylo?) is still up in the air, and probably will stay that way until the announcement comes. Stay tuned to Ripten for more information on this game, whenever it’s announced.

Source: Kombo

Square Enix is bringing more Final Fantasy to the Wii, a lot more. Originally announced in Nintendo’s GDC keynote, but just announced via press release, Square Enix will be releasing Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, and the original Final Fantasy on the Wii through the Wii Store.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years continues the story of the game released in 1991 on Super Famicom, Final Fantasy IV.This was released as a downloadable cell phone title in Japan in late 2008 with over three million downloads.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life As a Dark Lord is a sequel to My Life as a King which has players stopping adventureres from making it to the Dark Crystal at the top of the towwer.

Final Fantasy will be released on the virtual console as a Famicom classic.

All three games were given a 2009 release with no specific release window.

Square Enix’s much anticipated game for 2009, Final Fantasy XIII, is finally leaking a bit more information, and I can help pass that info on to you.

Basically, what is being reported is that the main female character’s full name is Dia Walruva. Some of the other characters from a recently released video include names such as Snow and Lightning. This seems to be a big deal in Japan — I was unaware how important it was to get the right names for characters in RPG games since I always change them anyway.

The other and maybe more important information for the readers is about the battle system. According to Famitsu, the battle system is near seamless to just wandering in the world. When you see mobs on screen, those are the mobs that are there, and when you decide to attack or what have you, you go straight into the battle screen with no notice of transition.

The captions under other photos describe combo moves such as fighting and then directly doing magic back to back for more damage. Also, there appears to be what people feel is an “amount” or some word for the number of uses of magic you have until you either have to recharge them or what have you, as opposes to a mana or MP value. Lastly, they seem to be intrigued by the words “Chain” and “Bonus” appearing in the last screen shot. Chain is pretty straight forward, but it is unsure what you need to do to acquire the bonus.

Look for this game on PS3 (and supposedly Xbox 360) in 2009.

Source:  Famitsu

Want a glimpse at two of the sickest Final Fantasy trailers you’ve ever seen? Well, if you love Final Fantasy as much as I do, the answer is most definitively yes. Hit the jump for a look at two FF trailers from the recent Square Enix DKΣ3713 event.

Yes, I’m a sucker for kick ass cinematics — sue me. What did you think of the two vids?

The Last Remnant, a game previously doomed to the bargain bin before it was even released, has received a near perfect score from prestigious Japanese gaming mag Weekly Famitsu. The game got a 10/10/9/9 and a shiny Platinum Award. One review remarked:

Players might be confused at first because you’re unable to select specific commands in battle, but once you learn how to form a Union and play around with the options of Formations and their arrangements, the game gets really fun.

What the hell? Since when is this game supposed to be near perfect? I’ll admit to judging this game without even playing it – I mean, come on, it sounded kinda interesting but overall it never looked like you know, Platinum Award material. Even Amazon thought so – they were pricing the game at a $20 discount before it even came out. Now just today, it’s back to $56.99. Guess they read Famitsu too.

Source: NeoGAF

Several new FFXIII screens surfaced on Famitsu’s website today and I’ve got them, along with a Google translation of the copy from the page, included for you after the jump.

[ Begin Google Translation ]

Two of the government sacred world of swirling speculation inclusion

Crystal will be guided by a society based on the colony, “Cocoon” and the spread of primitive nature “pulse”. Two of the world’s stage and RPG’s FFXIII. Lightning (no translate) RASHIKI blond heroine of the men, but this time the name “Snow” turned out to be. In the FF series, VII, after the hero of many of the weather has been named. Therefore, his position is in this film is important to be inferred.

The album will be an important keyword, “Farsi” and “RUSHI”. Farsi is a special existence beyond knowledge, and Cocoon is built. RUSHI chosen by the Farsi and was given the mission of the neck. The mission, from Farsi to the video, such as RUSHI “vision” will be conveyed, because it’s not clear what, (no translate) by means of a controversial interpretation.

Snow was chosen as the RUSHI one of Farsi. (no translate) bulk of rugged, and things always think positive. Without dashing back in, take care of one side of good. However, without considering the consequences that a lot of action, the Lightning is probably a little clause (no translate) SHIKU. In addition, the mission RUSHI and elsewhere in the body engraved badge. Snow in the pattern of the left arm, but the signs? He stamped on the scene got some strength.

RUSHI = given to their mission, to protect the world Snow said. Cocoon governed by the Holy Office, to protect from whom? In addition to the proposal, the Lightning does not seem to be enthusiastic.

In serious situations, where the girl’s twin tail (no translate). Feel less anxious, a laid-back personality? The vision for the mission, (no translate) sometimes anxious to see the expression ….

Lightning look sad. I have failed or are guilt-cranking. “Trust” was submitted to me and everyone who was supposed to be, she is heavy, heavy eyes.

This is a movie scene. Was accused bound twin tail clothes, a girl with a kind of coffin will be escorted scene. Holy Office has directed the military to the blond woman in front of the screen. In the footage, her bespectacled face, and fell back to the sword and a low-cut dress has been confirmed.

[ End Google Translation ]

Source: Famitsu

Just last week, we reported that the Japanese magazine, Shonen Jump, had uncovered the identity of that blonde haired boy from the Square Enix FFXIII trailer we’ve all seen about a million times now. His name — “Snow”.

Some of the older gamers out there may be thinking of this guy, and as shown in the image above, they aren’t the same — but they might as well be. Anyway, the latest Famitsu scans of the game, available after the jump, reveal Snow’s last name to be “Villiers”. Not sure how I feel about that just yet, but I guess it’s better than “Cone” or “Ball”. Hit the jump.

The latest issue of Shonen Jump in Japan finally revealed the mysterious blonde character who has appeared in trailers and screenshots for Final Fantasy XIII. His name is Snow, and the new render shown in this issue does make him look a bit psycho, but that’s always welcome in video games.

Anybody notice the pattern of weather named characters in Final Fantasy XIII? Okay, sure there is only two named so far, but they are Lightning (the girl) and Snow (just revealed). What an odd mix.