Producers: Final Fantasy XIII will 'resurrect' Japanese game industry

I don't. I think if a game is bad, you're gonna know it. You might be in denial for a bit, sure... but it won't be long before no amount of bias – be it in the form of nostalgia, fanboyism, favoritism, etc – is going to prevent most folks from recognizing that a game is bad.

I'm sick of these comments that because a game is similar to a predecessor that its bad. If it doesnt re-invent the wheel that its terrible. I dont rate my enjoyment based on how revolutionary a game is, i rate it on how much fun i had playing it, and if it kept me entertained, and im quite sure that im going to enjoy FFXIII. Hell my only wish is that they would ditch this mecha-shyt.

And since when are Linear Storylines a bad thing? Most FPS/RPG/basically anything story driven are linear for a reason: to Tell the DAMN STORY!

I can only pray that Japanese developors do not emulate bioware and bethesda because thats not why i play Jrpgs. I dont need my Jrpgs to be similar to massively boring effect 2.

(though bethesda is you wanna drop the mmo concept and give us elderscrolls 5......mmm yes plz ^^)

It sounds like the code word for 'change' in JRPG's is to become more like western devs.

I hear a lot of 'they should make games like Bioware'... However, I don't think that's the answer, either.

First, they'll most likely get crushed by the competition. But, I think people are looking for innovation to the gameplay of RPG's.

I just happen to think that doesn't involve adding more elements of a FPS to it for it to change.

"I hear a lot of 'they should make games like Bioware'..."

So basically, a lot of boring, wordy dialog and easy combat that basically plays itself?

Bioware has surpassed every JRPG developer out there.

I doubt this game will resurrect the Japanese game industry. People are buying it for the brand name, and then they will forget about it.

"People are buying it for the brand name, and then they will forget about it... until the next Final Fantasy."

Fixed.

@ Elranzer

"Boring wordy dialog" ? Needs more trannies and 1 minute endings after 60 hours of story for you to care eh? Though I am now picturing Commander Sheperd using biotic powers that require 10 minute cutscenes to slow the game down, a non-sense plot, and arbitrary mini games like varen racing or floating space sphere ball. To each their own.

Wiizer, I'm sorry if I seem combative here, but you seem to be really insistent on picking a fight. You keep insinuating that I'm fighting for Bioware, but I haven't mentioned them once. You're acting like I'm demanding that Japanese games become more western, but I haven't done that either.

All that I am saying is that the average western gamer will probably only react to more western-style games. The Japanese game industry can survive without catering to that, but they seem very dead-set on recapturing the west. And right now, the west wants to shoot things, by and large. This may sound a bit cynical, but the sales seem to agree. And, once again, I'm sure FFXIII will sell great over here, it's just not going to change perceptions as they seem to think it will. Plenty of great Japanese games have been launched overseas in the past few years, and many of them seem more tailored to the west than those that came before.

In Bayonetta we've gotten a top tier action game that many argue surpasses God of War. In Street Fighter IV we've gotten one of the most refined fighting games ever. Even with ample successes, western viewpoint still holds that Japanese games are somehow inferior. I find it unlikely that a single game will change that, especially if that game simply refines the formula that the western consumer has started to turn their back on.

Now, to be very clear here, let's summarize.

I DON'T want Japan to stop making games like Final Fantasy.

I DO want their marketing staff and executives to stop acting like their product will be the second coming. It's a refined example of what they do best, but it's not going to change the world. For a similar western example, God of War III will be a polished, shining example of violent western action games. It's not going to change the gaming landscape.

Yeah, I agree with this. It's taken this game far too long to be released. I read an article that XIII actually started development on the PS2, but then the whole PS3 thing happened.

People seem to say FFXIII is like FFX, which makes me happy at the prospect.

I think they'd rather release XIV...

Lords of Shadow is being made by a western team. Kojima is apparently just overseeing it, to my understanding.

You are right, but as someone said on early posts...These that you have mentioned will create an increased sales spike but in terms of overall demand, that has faded. All i can foresee or hear about is revitalizing old titles or making sequels to them. Again, nothing wrong with that, but Non-Japanese devs are the ones releasing the "hot titles" and setting the pace. I personally dont care who/what makes our games.
Good game is good game eh?

Monster Hunter Tri has a good chance of really making a splash in the Western markets, depending on how Nintendo promotes it. Ditto for FFXIII (though they seem to be going further opposite to the Western RPG devs in XIII)

It could be a highly productive year for them.

Ok we got it the second time. Jesus christ.

I find this a bit amusing. Sure the Wii is getting most sales. Why though?
1. It is the cheapest.
2. Most people who are parents today grew up with Nintendo.
The DS is by far the best handheld, I will agree with that. But the Wii has a huge problem. Most of the library it has is shovelware. And of the small percent that isn't, half is trash. I fail to see how it is the future of gaming and the PS3/Xbox 360/PC are the gaming industry's past.

Leave it this way. For now third parties are making more money on the HD platforms, but that's because it's an environment that they have cultivated. In the long-run, that general market is not going to grow much (won't necessarily shrink, but it won't grow).

Khan

If you had your way the only consoles would be Wii & DS and everyone would have to bow before them everyday. You always find new and creative ways to shill (not in a bad way) for Nintendo. They should consider employing your services.

That is exactly what I am saying man.

I completely agree.

I also personally think that,
"Oh that game is linear? Then it sucks"
is nearsighted way of thinking.