Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC Collection announced for Japan, coming in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-collection-announced-for-japan-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-collection-announced-for-japan-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-collection-announced-for-japan-coming/#comments A DLC-stuffed version of Final Fantasy XIII-2 is headed for Japanese retail shelves on July 18. Square Enix released a ton of additional content for the JRPG sequel, and the 'Digital Contents Collection,' going for around $50, offers most of it.

The bundle features the Snow, Lightning, and Sazh episodes, as well as three weapons, seven costumes, and six Coliseum opponents. Gematsu has the full list. Also, the DLC from the Collection is coming in its own bundle to PSN and XBLM.

Square Enix is also re-releasing the game in the country under the 'Ultimate Hits' label. That version arrives in stores on the same day, but also on PSN and XBLM two days prior.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 DLC Collection announced for Japan, coming in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfinal-fantasy-xiii-2japanmicrosoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxMon, 13 May 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 has Lightning deals on DLC this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/final-fantasy-13-2-has-lightning-deals-on-dlc-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/final-fantasy-13-2-has-lightning-deals-on-dlc-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/final-fantasy-13-2-has-lightning-deals-on-dlc-this-week/#comments Final Fantasy 132 DLC on sale this week, Lightning dealsSquare Enix is slapping some discounts on the plethora of Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC, with all twenty-plus items on sale on the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network. True, most of the premium downloadables feature weapons and outfits (though what outfits they are), but there are discounted options for those who focus on the 'content' side of downloadable content.

'Lightning: Requiem of the Goddess' is 50 percent off at 200 MSP/$2.49 on XBLM and PSN. Within is an episode which sees you play out Lightning's story in a battle with Caius, before unlocking the heroine of Final Fantasy XIII as a party member. Also going at half-off is 'Sazh: Heads or Tails' for the same price, and Snow: Perpetual Battlefield at 160 MSP/$1.99. Both unlock the named heroes for use in the sequel.

The sale doesn't end for another week, so there's plenty of time for you to... what's that? You just want to see Serah in N7 armor? Well, fine, you go do that.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 has Lightning deals on DLC this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3PSNsquare-enixXBLMxboxWed, 26 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy 25th anniversary celebration includes FFXIII 'developments' talk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/final-fantasy-25th-anniversary-celebration-includes-ffxiii-deve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/final-fantasy-25th-anniversary-celebration-includes-ffxiii-deve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/final-fantasy-25th-anniversary-celebration-includes-ffxiii-deve/#comments Final Fantasy 25th anniversary celebration includes FFXIII 'developments' talkSquare Enix's "Fabula Nova Crystallis" world - the occasionally bizarre and often beautiful universe of several Final Fantasy XIII titles - is scheduled for a big exposé as part of Square's 25th anniversary celebration for the Final Fantasy series. A stage presentation on September 1 in Tokyo's Shibuya district titled, "Final Fantasy XIII Lightnight Saga: New Developments Presentation" apparently features "details on the future of the FFXIII project" (via Andriasang's translation).

Beyond Final Fantasy XIII and XIII-2, the Fabula Nova Crystallis series extends to Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Final Fantasy Agito XIII (renamed Final Fantasy Type-0). Of the planned "trilogy" of games, the only one yet to see release is Final Fantasy Versus XIII. In fact, nothing has been heard of the title in quite some time - it was a no show both at last year's Tokyo Game Show and this year's E3 Expo. A demo of the next-gen technology supporting Versus, the Luminous Engine, was given at E3, but Versus wasn't part of the presentation.

Kotaku's reporting that the game may be in flux or cancelled, though Square Enix reps refused to comment on the status of the title. With any luck, we'll find out more this September.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy 25th anniversary celebration includes FFXIII 'developments' talk originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fabula-nova-crystallisfinal-fantasy-agito-xiiifinal-fantasy-type-0final-fantasy-versus-xiiifinal-fantasy-xiiiFinal-Fantasy-XIII-2japanluminous-engineshibuyasquare-enixFri, 20 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What Square Enix learned from Final Fantasy 13's large-scale development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/what-square-enix-learned-from-ffxiiis-large-scale-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/what-square-enix-learned-from-ffxiiis-large-scale-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/what-square-enix-learned-from-ffxiiis-large-scale-development/#comments What Square Enix learned from the largescale development of FFXIIISquare Enix had 180 artists, 30 programmers and 36 designers working on Final Fantasy 13, and that many people on board made its development complicated, director Motomu Toriyama told Gamasutra.

"With a large-scale development team, we didn't use our time well," Toriyama said. "How do you communicate to everyone in the department what the drive of the game is?"

Toriyama and his team tried to keep the game as secret as possible within the massive workforce, which led to playtesting happening "way too late in the process," he said. Square intended to fix those issues with Final Fantasy 13-2, and implemented production-based milestones as opposed to story-based ones it used at the beginning of FF13's development. Still, more needs to change.

"We are also thinking that we will not do large-scale internal development any longer," Toriyama said. "We have a lot of great creators in Square Enix, but for larger-scale development we will be doing more distributed and outsourced development to reach our targets on time."

JoystiqWhat Square Enix learned from Final Fantasy 13's large-scale development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FFXIIIFinal-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-13Final-Fantasy-XIIIFinal-Fantasy-XIII-2microsoftmotomu-toriyamaplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxWed, 27 Jun 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lightning's story finally hits Final Fantasy XIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lightnings-story-finally-hits-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lightnings-story-finally-hits-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lightnings-story-finally-hits-final-fantasy-xiii-2/#comments ImageIt seems to come up in every announcement of other FFXIII-2 DLC - and it's about the person on the game's box - so we're glad to finally see "Lightning's Story: Requiem of the Goddess" arrive today in North America.

In this episode, you play out a battle between Lightning and Caius, and get the opportunity to unlock Lightning for use in the main game ... which Square recommends you finish before playing the DLC. It's a bit of a catch-22. Also out today is "Snow's Story: Perpetual Battlefield," a Coliseum battle with Snow that also unlocks him.

These two episodes mark the end of Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC, but Square is ending on a high note by releasing them alongside a set of 16 new costumes for Mog.

JoystiqLightning's story finally hits Final Fantasy XIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2lightnings-story-requiem-of-the-goddessmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datexboxTue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Someone got Ezio in my Final Fantasy XIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/someone-got-ezio-in-my-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/someone-got-ezio-in-my-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/someone-got-ezio-in-my-final-fantasy-xiii-2/#comments
Image
Ezio Auditore da Firenze is a man's man -- he's rugged, ripped, mysterious and he looks menacing even in a dress-like robe. Ubisoft worked hard to make Ezio project such a style in the Assassin's Creed titles, and is so confident in its wardrobe choices that it's let Square Enix throw Ezio's classic hood and straps on Noel in Final Fantasy XIII-2. Surely the layered, butchy furs and armor will remain as masculine with a smooth-skinned, pouty man underneath. Surely.

The Ezio outfit is available now on Xbox Live for $3 (240 MS Points), and tomorrow on PSN. See for yourself how Ezio's clothes look on Noel, minus the hidden blades and plus a few glowing swords, in the above video and screens below.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Ezio DLC)

JoystiqSomeone got Ezio in my Final Fantasy XIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-CreedCrossOverEziofinal-fantasy-xiii-2NoelTue, 10 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC adds Ezios and UFOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-adds-ezios-and-ufos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-adds-ezios-and-ufos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-adds-ezios-and-ufos/#comments ImageCrossover content returns to Final Fantasy XIII-2 in Japan, with the Ezio costume for Noel finally making its appearance on April 10. It's not Prada, but it'll fit. Coming along with Ezio's togs is Gilgamesh, a coliseum fighter who, like others, can be recruited.

The other downloadable coliseum battle announced for Japan is Koyo-Koyo, which is an adorable group of aliens in a flying saucer. You kill them.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 DLC adds Ezios and UFOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceziofinal-fantasy-xiii-2japanmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 05 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Final Fantasy wears Prada]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/the-final-fantasy-wears-prada/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/the-final-fantasy-wears-prada/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/the-final-fantasy-wears-prada/#comments ImageSquare Enix revealed this morning that the latest issue of male fashion mag Arena Homme+ features the cast of Final Fantasy XIII-2 in... Prada's 2012 Spring/Summer men's collection.

The issue goes on sale April 12 and features Lightning, Noel, Snow, Sazh and Hope in Prada, which is certainly an upgrade from wearing all those clothes with extraneous buckles. (Note: Buckles are for belts, not hats, shoes or sleeve liners.)

"I've always been interested by the power of video games and their place in society, and the amount of work that's gone into this project blows my mind. We're incredibly pleased with the result," Max Pearmain, Editor of Arena Homme+, said of the collaboration.

This isn't the first time designer fashion and video games have collided, but this one is most clearly intentional -- unlike Dance Central's Lanvin ad and the whole Pyramid Head model thing.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Prada 2012 Men's Spring/Summer Collection)

JoystiqThe Final Fantasy wears Prada originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena-hommearena-homme+bizarreclothingcrosspromotionfinal-fantasy-xiii-2max-pearmainPradaSquare-EnixWed, 04 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 offers Mass Effect costume DLC in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/final-fantasy-xiii-2-offers-mass-effect-costume-dlc-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/final-fantasy-xiii-2-offers-mass-effect-costume-dlc-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/final-fantasy-xiii-2-offers-mass-effect-costume-dlc-in-japan/#comments In addition to the Assassin's Creed crossover DLC, Final Fantasy XIII-2 will soon host some Mass Effect costumes. Starting March 27 in Japan, players will be able to outfit Serah and Noel in completely inappropriate N7 armor for 300 yen or 240 Microsoft Points. It is, at least, inappropriate in a different way from bikinis.

Though Square Enix would never release numbers (so we'll never know), we'd be surprised if this DLC took off in Japan. After all, Mass Effect 3 sold 8,142 copies there in its debut week.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 offers Mass Effect costume DLC in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2mass-effect-3microsoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fight Jihl Nabaat in latest Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/fight-jihl-nabaat-in-latest-final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/fight-jihl-nabaat-in-latest-final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/fight-jihl-nabaat-in-latest-final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc/#comments We're used to seeing names in Final Fantasy XIII and its sequel that don't quite qualify as "words" -- things like "fal'Cie" and "Gran Pulse" -- so we don't blink at the announcement of FFXIII-2 DLC featuring the character "Jihl Nabaat."

The FFXIII enemy will be available as a new coliseum opponent this week. Like other coliseum DLC, it will be possible to recruit her into your party after defeating her in battle. The DLC will be released next week on Xbox 360 and PS3 for 240 Microsoft Points/£1.59, which should come to $3 in North America. And Square Enix also announced future DLC called "Lightning's Story: Requiem of the Goddess" coming "soon."

JoystiqFight Jihl Nabaat in latest Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2jihl-nabaatmicrosoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxSun, 11 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy concert at Boston Symphony Hall on March 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/final-fantasy-concert-at-boston-symphony-hall-on-march-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/final-fantasy-concert-at-boston-symphony-hall-on-march-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/final-fantasy-concert-at-boston-symphony-hall-on-march-10/#comments "Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy" will be performed at Boston's Symphony Hall on March 10. The concert features compositions by Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu, covering the past 25 years of the series.

The concert will be conducted by Grammy Award-winning artist Arnie Roth leading Boston's Video Game Orchestra (VGO) and Choir Força. Final Fantasy composer Masashi Hamauzu will be in attendance.

Tickets are still available, with the standard price running $43.50-$76.00 and VIP tickets for $126.00. The acoustics are pretty spectacular in the space and we understand tickets are selling quickly, so get your personal assistant Moogle to order tickets immediately if you're interested.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy concert at Boston Symphony Hall on March 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Distant-Worlds-Music-From-Final-Fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiii-2vgovideo-game-orchestraWed, 29 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New DLC brings afros and bikinis to Final Fantasy XIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/new-dlc-brings-afros-and-bikinis-to-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/new-dlc-brings-afros-and-bikinis-to-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/new-dlc-brings-afros-and-bikinis-to-final-fantasy-xiii-2/#comments Final Fantasy XIII-2 players will have a little more afro in their lives come February 28, when Square Enix releases its latest episodic DLC event, "Sazh: Heads or Tails?" Players take on the role of Sazh Katzroy in an adventure that takes place concurrently with FFXIII-2's main story. Once completed, players will be able to add Sazh into their party, as is the way with these things.

The 400 MSP/$4.99 episode also includes two new card games for Serendipity: Chronobind and Serendipity Poker. Noel's "Spacetime Guardian" outfit and Serah's "Beachware" regalia will also be available that day, bundled together for 240 MSP/$2.99 and a silent confession to yourself that it's okay to play dress-up with your JRPG people.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Sazh: Heads or Tails?)

JoystiqNew DLC brings afros and bikinis to Final Fantasy XIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeachwareChronobindDLCfinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3Sazh-Heads-or-TailsSazh-KatzorySerendipity-PokerSpacetime-Guardiansquare-enixxboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Do Japanese RPGs need good stories?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/do-japanese-rpgs-need-a-good-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/do-japanese-rpgs-need-a-good-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/do-japanese-rpgs-need-a-good-story/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs have to offer.

I'm going to sum up all of the cliches about Final Fantasy XIII in one sentence: "The battle system is pretty good, but the story is laughable." Gamasutra's Christian Nutt even went so far as to compare the direction of the series to the Star Wars prequels. I wish I could disagree.

For all that though, I'm willing to stick out Final Fantasy XIII-2's jaunt through time and space, banal anime archetypes and all. Whenever one of the cutscenes pop up, I just go and check my email. Either that, or I pick up a book. It's mostly the battles that keep me going. I'm also a big fan of putting hats on monsters, and Final Fantasy XIII-2 has that in spades.

The dirty secret is that I've always been more fascinated by RPG battle systems than the story within the game. In many ways, a character's mechanical growth is a story in and of itself. When the game begins, your character is a scrub with a wooden sword and a few potions. By the end, they can call down comets from the heavens and instigate supernovas. That's what I call a character arc.

Continue reading Do Japanese RPGs need good stories?

JoystiqDo Japanese RPGs need good stories? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columndsfinal-fantasy-xiii-2jrpgmicrosoftnintendooriginalplaystationps3xboxWed, 15 Feb 2012 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Reckoning rules UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/reckoning-rules-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/reckoning-rules-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/reckoning-rules-uk-sales-chart/#comments Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning kicks off life atop the UK charts, which is not a bad place to begin a fateless destiny. This is the first new intellectual property to reach the top spot since Dead Island (another surprise hit) back in week 37 of last year, according to Chart-Track. But, wait, here's where it gets crazy: you have to go back to the year 2000 (the first Pokemon game) to find an original RPG winning the week.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 slipped one spot into second, with Darkness 2 premiering in third. The top of the charts are actually stacked with "core" titles this week, with Mario & Sonic London at the 2012 Olympic Games being the closest "family" title. Certainly not a "family" game is Catherine, which debuted in the 20 spot. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Reckoning rules UK sales chart

JoystiqReckoning rules UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12Final-Fantasy-XIII-2kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmetal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-darkness-2UKxboxMon, 13 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Call down Lightning in Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/psa-call-down-lightning-in-final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/psa-call-down-lightning-in-final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/psa-call-down-lightning-in-final-fantasy-xiii-2-dlc-today/#comments Just a reminder for those whose minds have been addled by "Crazy Chocobo:" the first FFXIII-2 DLC, a Coliseum battle with Lightning and Master Sergeant Amodar, is available now on Xbox Live, and will be on PSN when that updates this afternoon.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (2/7/12)

JoystiqPSA: Call down Lightning in Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3psasquare-enixxboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/#comments Three new titles entered Chart-Track's UK sales top ten last week, led by Final Fantasy XIII-2. Sneaking the silver was the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, which includes MGS2: Sons of Liberty (2002), MGS3: Snake Eater (2005) and MGS: Peacewalker (2010). Rounding out the top three is Battlefield 3, up two spots, as FIFA 12 slides from first to fourth.

Another new addition to the top ten, SoulCalibur 5, premieres in fifth. Chart-Track notes that the prior SoulCalibur debuted in the top spot back in August of 2008.

The solid debut last week of 3DS action horror title Resident Evil: Revelations finds the game retreating from sixth to 19 on the latest chart. Wander past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-3Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12final-fantasy-xiii-2metal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3soulcalibur-5UKwiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FFXIII-2 Lightning DLC strikes Feb. 7, more DLC plans outlined]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ffxiii-2-lightning-dlc-dated-for-japan-more-dlc-plans-outlined/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ffxiii-2-lightning-dlc-dated-for-japan-more-dlc-plans-outlined/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ffxiii-2-lightning-dlc-dated-for-japan-more-dlc-plans-outlined/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII-2 comes out today in North America, but it's already benefiting from simultaneous DLC releases with Japan. Due on Feb. 7, upcoming DLC lets players fight FFXIII protagonist Lightning, accompanied by Lt. Amoda. If you defeat her, she can join your party.

Siliconera reports that future DLC following this Lightning battle will include a costume pack and new story content (which Square Enix says will "enhance the experience and complement the narrative of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 with storyline branches for key characters in the story," with another coliseum battle coming in mid-March. That wacky Ezio costume will be in there somewhere, as well.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Lightning and Master Sergeant Amodar DLC)

JoystiqFFXIII-2 Lightning DLC strikes Feb. 7, more DLC plans outlined originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2japanmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 review: Fixing the past]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/final-fantasy-xiii-2-review-fixing-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/final-fantasy-xiii-2-review-fixing-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/final-fantasy-xiii-2-review-fixing-the-past/#comments There was once a time when "Final Fantasy" meant greatness, when seeing Square's brand on a game box meant you were about to play something special. That time has long since passed. In today's gaming landscape, Final Fantasy is more punchline than powerhouse, more quantity than quality. After the mediocre Final Fantasy XIII and the sheer disaster that was Final Fantasy XIV, many fans have lost faith in the RPG titan.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is the publisher's attempt to mend this relationship. At times, it feels like the development team just went down a laundry list and added everything that fans believed Final Fantasy XIII lacked. Non-linear dungeons? Check. Sidequests? Check. NPCs and towns? Check, check. In other words, the whole game seems like one big apology.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (12/1/11)

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII-2 review: Fixing the past

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 review: Fixing the past originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxSat, 28 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FFXIII's Lightning being added to XIII-2 in DLC, trailer highlights game variety]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/ffxiiis-lightning-being-added-to-xiii-2-in-dlc-trailer-highlig/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/ffxiiis-lightning-being-added-to-xiii-2-in-dlc-trailer-highlig/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/ffxiiis-lightning-being-added-to-xiii-2-in-dlc-trailer-highlig/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII-2 will reportedly include Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII as DLC. According to Famitsu (via Andriasang), Lightning will be a coliseum character that, once defeated, can become a party member.

Square Enix apparently also stated that it will have "secret story episodes" for Lightning, with more characters from FFXIII potentially having similar story DLC.

The publisher also sent out a trailer covering a variety of gameplay found in Final Fantasy XIII-2, such as puzzles, quizzes and gambling on Chocobo races. Never owe a Moogle money. It always ends badly. Always.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (12/15/11)

JoystiqFFXIII's Lightning being added to XIII-2 in DLC, trailer highlights game variety originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 20:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Why silly JRPG dialogue may not be a problem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/why-silly-jrpg-dialogue-may-not-be-a-problem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/why-silly-jrpg-dialogue-may-not-be-a-problem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/why-silly-jrpg-dialogue-may-not-be-a-problem/#commentsThis is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that.
I've been playing a lot of Final Fantasy XIII-2 lately. I can't post my full thoughts until the embargo's up (January 30), but there's one question I've been pondering ever since I popped in the disc: What's up with this dialogue?

Thanks to a lot of silly jargon and awkward phrasing, a large chunk of Final Fantasy XIII-2's conversations elevate it into the "wouldn't want anyone to watch me playing this" category, alongside titles like Star Ocean: The Last Hope and any Tales game.

"Become an arrow through time and speed your way to Serah," one of the game's characters says in the game's intro sequence. Other bits of dialogue are similarly awkward, mixing metaphors, dropping strange proper nouns and completely confusing whoever's playing (read: me).

(Another choice line: "If the paradox is eliminated, spacetime will return to normal.")

Of course, it'd be unfair to only pick on the latest Final Fantasy for this issue. Japanese role playing games -- even moreso than other game genres -- are not known for their fluid, witty dialogue. JRPG scripts are more infamous for mistranslations ("This guy are sick.") than smart or clever bits of writing.

But does it matter? Can a JRPG still be awesome even if its dialogue sucks?

Continue reading Why silly JRPG dialogue may not be a problem

JoystiqWhy silly JRPG dialogue may not be a problem originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnfinal-fantasy-xiii-2jrpgmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 20 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Explore menus and giant crystals in this Final Fantasy XIII-2 Time Travel trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/explore-menus-and-giant-crystals-in-this-final-fantasy-xiii-2-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/explore-menus-and-giant-crystals-in-this-final-fantasy-xiii-2-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/explore-menus-and-giant-crystals-in-this-final-fantasy-xiii-2-ti/#comments
We're pretty dubious of any time-travel methods that don't involve police boxes from the 1960s, but Final Fantasy XIII-2's horcrux Historia Crux and time gates look like a fairly stable, albeit significantly less British, way to traverse the annals of history.

JoystiqExplore menus and giant crystals in this Final Fantasy XIII-2 Time Travel trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FFXIII-2final-fantasy-xiii-2historia-cruxmicrosoftplaystationps3square-enixtardistime-traveltrailerxboxWed, 18 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Final Fantasy XIII-2 demo strikes Xbox Live and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psa-final-fantasy-xiii-2-demo-strikes-xbox-live-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psa-final-fantasy-xiii-2-demo-strikes-xbox-live-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psa-final-fantasy-xiii-2-demo-strikes-xbox-live-and-psn/#comments
Just in case you forgot to check your calendar, we thought we'd let you know that a Final Fantasy XIII-2 demo is now available on both Xbox Live and PSN. The demo sounds like the same one we played at TGS, allowing players to explore the Bresha Ruins and face off against the mighty Atlas.

Continue reading PSA: Final Fantasy XIII-2 demo strikes Xbox Live and PSN

JoystiqPSA: Final Fantasy XIII-2 demo strikes Xbox Live and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demofinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsquare-enixxboxxbox-liveWed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Try out Final Fantasy XIII-2 next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/try-out-final-fantasy-xiii-2-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/try-out-final-fantasy-xiii-2-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/try-out-final-fantasy-xiii-2-next-week/#comments So you think you can ride this chocobo? You can find out for yourself next week, when Square Enix will release a demo for Final Fantasy XIII-2. According to the Square Enix Members blog, the demo will be available worldwide on Xbox Live Arcade, and on the European PSN January 11, with a North American PSN release on January 10.

We don't actually know if you'll be able to ride a chocobo in the demo. We do know that Final Fantasy will face some competition for our trying-stuff-out time, from Asura's Wrath.

JoystiqTry out Final Fantasy XIII-2 next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demofinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3psnsquare-enixxblaxboxFri, 06 Jan 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Final Fantasy XIII-2's moogle, kupo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/meet-final-fantasy-xiii-2s-moogle-kupo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/meet-final-fantasy-xiii-2s-moogle-kupo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/meet-final-fantasy-xiii-2s-moogle-kupo/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII-2 isn't all about chocobos and improvements to the first XIII's formula, you silly kupo. There's also a serious focus on your personal Moogle and his repeated use of the word "kupo," kupo, as evidenced by this latest trailer. Also: kupo.

JoystiqMeet Final Fantasy XIII-2's moogle, kupo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2kupomicrosoftmoogleplaystationps3square-enixxboxFri, 06 Jan 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FFXIII-2 first week sales roughly a third of FFXIII's first week sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/ffxiii-2-first-week-sales-roughly-a-third-of-ffxiiis-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/ffxiii-2-first-week-sales-roughly-a-third-of-ffxiiis-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/ffxiii-2-first-week-sales-roughly-a-third-of-ffxiiis-first-week/#comments Final Fantasy XIII-2, the latest sequel-sequel from the androgyny JRPG veterans at Square Enix, has closed its first week of sales in the land of the rising sun, with somewhat mixed results. The PS3 version of the title has sold 524,000 units according to Andriasang's translation of Media Create's extremely Japanese sales data, making it the number 1 selling title for the period. This is in stark contrast to the 360 version of the game, which entered the charts at number 48 with a comparatively minuscule 10,000 units sold.

Having the number 1 game in Japan is definitely nothing to be ashamed of, but the accomplishment seems somewhat less impressive when compared to Final Fantasy XIII's combined first-week sales of 1,502,000 copies, nearly three times XIII-2's combined 525,000. Media Create attributes the drop in sales to a drop in interest among Japanese female gamers: 22.2 percent of women surveyed were interested in XIII-2, down nearly ten points from XIII's 31.3 percent Japanese female interest rate.

It's also possible that the interest decline among Japanese women was negligible at best, considering that the game was the best selling release in the country.

JoystiqFFXIII-2 first week sales roughly a third of FFXIII's first week sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enixFFXIIIFFXIII-2final-fantasy-xiii-2first-weekjapanjapanesemicrosoftplaystationps3salessquaresquare-enixxboxMon, 26 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Ocean developers worked some magic on Final Fantasy XIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/star-ocean-developers-worked-some-magic-on-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/star-ocean-developers-worked-some-magic-on-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/star-ocean-developers-worked-some-magic-on-final-fantasy-xiii-2/#comments Did that almost reasonable 24-month turnaround time between Final Fantasy XIII and the just-released-in-Japan Final Fantasy XIII-2 rock your understanding of reality? Who could blame you? The development time of the last "direct" sequel was also pretty short -- two years between Final Fantasy X and X-2 -- but it was five years between Final Fantasy XII and XIII. Did Square-Enix make some dark sacrifice to summon the new game so quickly?

You'll probably need to talk with Tri-Ace about that. According to Tri-Ace programmer Yuichiro Kitao (courtesy of Twitter), the Star Ocean/Valkyrie Profile developer assisted with design, programming, and art on the all-too-rare Final Fantasy sequel. Animal sacrifice may have also been involved, but that's not the kind of thing you talk about on Twitter. That's okay, Square-Enix; even Santa had the elves for help with that Christmas(ish) miracle.

JoystiqStar Ocean developers worked some magic on Final Fantasy XIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3Square-Enixtri-ACExboxMon, 26 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 trailer makes you wanna catch 'em all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-makes-you-wanna-catch-em-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-makes-you-wanna-catch-em-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-makes-you-wanna-catch-em-all/#comments
The latest Final Fantasy XIII-2 trailer unleashes the power of Pokemon, showing how players can capture monsters for use in future battles. In thinking about it, we could have given this post the headline "When Chocobos attack!" for massive traffic.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII-2 trailer makes you wanna catch 'em all

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 trailer makes you wanna catch 'em all originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxThu, 15 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA['PlayStation Game Music' service streams PS3 music from phones in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/playstation-game-music-service-streams-ps3-music-from-phones-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/playstation-game-music-service-streams-ps3-music-from-phones-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/playstation-game-music-service-streams-ps3-music-from-phones-i/#comments This is so cool. Well, maybe "cool" isn't the right way to describe a service that lets you stream Final Fantasy music from anywhere, but we like the idea. In Japan, Sony just started a "PlayStation Game Music" service that allows subscribers to several mobile services to play music from first- and third-party PlayStation games.

The official (again, Japan-only) launch is accompanied by music from Final Fantasy XIII-2, and the Monster Hunter, Dynasty Warriors, and Yakuza series. It would be dangerous for us to walk around Tokyo to the music from Yakuza -- we'd be liable to start throwing bicycle wheels at anyone we saw in a suit. And it's always dangerous for us to hear the FFXIII-2 Chocobo theme.

Along with those, the service will also stream PS3 system sound effects. That "cool" label is looking really hasty now.

Joystiq'PlayStation Game Music' service streams PS3 music from phones in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2japanmonster-huntermusicplaystationplaystation-game-musicps3pspsonyyakuzaWed, 14 Dec 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[FFXIII-2 will have 'New Game Plus' mode, offers bonuses for FFXIII save file]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/ffxiii-2-will-have-new-game-plus-mode-offers-bonuses-for-ffxi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/ffxiii-2-will-have-new-game-plus-mode-offers-bonuses-for-ffxi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/ffxiii-2-will-have-new-game-plus-mode-offers-bonuses-for-ffxi/#comments Final Fantasy XIII-2 is launching in Japan next week and the game makers are wrapping up their last round of interviews. Dengeki PlayStation (via Andriasang) encountered producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Motomu Toriyama, who talked a bit more about the episodic nature of the game and perks for those who have played the previous game.

If you've got a save file from Final Fantasy XIII handy, you'll net some bonuses: special monster decorations and a higher success rate at the game's special gambling area. Each episode will be at most three hours, it was revealed, and an auto-saving system will be added for the sequel, though it won't replace being able to save at any time. That would just be silly.

And if you make your way through the whole game and want to take another go, there will be a New Game Plus mode that adds exclusive unlockable items and monster decorations. Monsters really are more festive in Gran Pulse and Cocoon than we remember.

JoystiqFFXIII-2 will have 'New Game Plus' mode, offers bonuses for FFXIII save file originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxWed, 07 Dec 2011 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[How to fix Final Fantasy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/how-to-fix-final-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/how-to-fix-final-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/how-to-fix-final-fantasy/#commentsThis is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that.
Let's be real: Final Fantasy is broken.

Sure, Square Enix's influential JRPG series might still be popular, its most recent single-player entry shipping 6.2 million units worldwide. And it might still be spawning more sequels, spin-offs and remakes than a Hollywood producer.

But it can do so much better. I mean, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 moved 6.5 million copies in twenty-four hours.

How do we get that much milk out of the Final Fantasy cash cow? What's the magical formula for appealing to American tastes? How can we fix a series that some say has been treading water for over a decade now?

Here are a few ideas.

Continue reading How to fix Final Fantasy

JoystiqHow to fix Final Fantasy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 trailer shows off combat system improvements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-shows-off-combat-system-improvement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-shows-off-combat-system-improvement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-shows-off-combat-system-improvement/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII-2 won't just append an additional number and some monster-collecting mechanics to the (thirteenth) original, you know. Check out the trailer above to see the "Enhanced" combat system in action. (Read: Quick-Time Events!)

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (12/1/11)

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 trailer shows off combat system improvements originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiiifinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3rpgsquaresquare-enixxboxThu, 01 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ezio's costume coming to Final Fantasy XIII-2 as DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ezios-costume-coming-to-final-fantasy-xiii-2-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ezios-costume-coming-to-final-fantasy-xiii-2-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ezios-costume-coming-to-final-fantasy-xiii-2-as-dlc/#commentsNot content to sequester himself to his own game and Soulcalibur V's stage of history, Ezio Auditore is making an appearance in Final Fantasy XIII-2 ... or at least his outfit is.

Ezio's Assassin's Creed Revelations get-up will be offered as a DLC outfit for Noel -- Noel Kreiss. "Release details for this downloadable content will be announced at a later date," the press release notes.

If you're concerned about Ezio's Italian finery looking too incongruous in the world of FFXIII-2 ... you haven't looked at the other characters in FFXIII-2 in a while. Congruity is a limited resource in Final Fantasy.

Continue reading Ezio's costume coming to Final Fantasy XIII-2 as DLC

JoystiqEzio's costume coming to Final Fantasy XIII-2 as DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsdlcezio-auditore-da-firenzefinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3square-enixubisoftxboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 01:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 trailer brings meteors to a sword fight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-brings-meteors-to-a-sword-fight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-brings-meteors-to-a-sword-fight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/final-fantasy-xiii-2-trailer-brings-meteors-to-a-sword-fight/#comments

If some guy started lifting chunks of the ground and showering us with shooting stars, our available actions would be limited to RUN and HIDE. But Lightning just hops on those flying rocks to reach her opponent. That's a true tactical mind.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 trailer brings meteors to a sword fight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxThu, 24 Nov 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europeans get their own transforming weapon for Final Fantasy XIII-2 pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/europeans-get-their-own-transforming-weapon-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/europeans-get-their-own-transforming-weapon-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/europeans-get-their-own-transforming-weapon-for-final-fantasy-xi/#comments What is it with Square Enix and transforming weaponry? Gun swords and bow swords and now a spear sword? What's next, a gun that shoots swords? Actually, that doesn't sound half bad, but we digress.

Not to be mistaken with GameStop's PowerUp Rewards member-exclusive transforming Genji Bow, the above weapon will be available to those who pre-order Final Fantasy XIII-2 from select European retailers, Square Enix reveals. It's the Muramasa, a combination dual-blade and spear weapon for Noel that increases chain bonuses in battle.

JoystiqEuropeans get their own transforming weapon for Final Fantasy XIII-2 pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2muramasapre-order-bonusrpgsquare-enixTue, 22 Nov 2011 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop throws in FFXIII-2 'Genji Bow' for PowerUp Rewards members]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/gamestop-throws-in-ffxiii-2-genji-bow-for-powerup-rewards-memb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/gamestop-throws-in-ffxiii-2-genji-bow-for-powerup-rewards-memb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/gamestop-throws-in-ffxiii-2-genji-bow-for-powerup-rewards-memb/#comments If you pre-order Final Fantasy XIII-2 from GameStop, you'll get an exclusive costume for Serah. If you pre-order the game and you're a PowerUp Rewards member, you'll get her "Genji Bow" weapon as well. It's retroactive, so if you meet both of those conditions and pick up the game before February 2, the bow is yours.

There's no word on whether you'll be able to switch this weapon from bow to sword form in real time, or what magnitude of damage it will do to giant enemy crabs. Square Enix did, however, say it allows players to attack more frequently.

Continue reading GameStop throws in FFXIII-2 'Genji Bow' for PowerUp Rewards members

JoystiqGameStop throws in FFXIII-2 'Genji Bow' for PowerUp Rewards members originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2gamestopmicrosoftplaystationpowerup-rewardspre-orderps3xboxMon, 21 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kitase: Square 'learnt a lesson' with FF XIII, franchise needs more frequent releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/kitase-square-learnt-a-lesson-with-ff-xiii-franchise-needs-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/kitase-square-learnt-a-lesson-with-ff-xiii-franchise-needs-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/kitase-square-learnt-a-lesson-with-ff-xiii-franchise-needs-m/#comments Twang Apart from numerous re-releases and spin-offs, the Final Fantasy series isn't exactly known for its frequency. The most recent title, Final Fantasy XIII, was released in Japan in 2009 - four years into the lifespan of the current generation of consoles. Speaking to GameReactor, Final Fantasy producer Yoshinori Kitase expressed his belief that Square-Enix needs to speed up development times to keep the series successful.

Kitase pointed to annual western franchises like Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty and Battlefield, saying that the one to two year development cycle would be "the best way to keep [Final Fantasy] fans interested and attracted to the franchise." He elaborated that Square "learnt a lesson" from the long development of Final Fantasy XIII, and that subsequently, Final Fantasy XIII-2 has taken around one and a half years to complete.

It's worth pointing out that XIII-2 reuses many of XIII's assets and, indeed, some of its characters, which probably helped speed things up considerably. Of course, there are other ways to shorten development time ... opening a new studio, perhaps?

JoystiqKitase: Square 'learnt a lesson' with FF XIII, franchise needs more frequent releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 21 Nov 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 Collector's Edition includes IV-disc soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/final-fantasy-xiii-2-collectors-edition-includes-iv-disc-soundt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/final-fantasy-xiii-2-collectors-edition-includes-iv-disc-soundt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/final-fantasy-xiii-2-collectors-edition-includes-iv-disc-soundt/#comments While we don't get the lovely Final Fantasy XIII-2 PlayStation 3 system in North America, we will get a different, but also lovely, box in which to store the game. The publisher unveiled the $79.99 Collector's Edition today, featuring exclusive cover art by longtime series artist Yoshitaka Amano.

Within the box is the game on Xbox 360 or PS3, a four-disc soundtrack, and a book of exclusive concept art. It'll be available in "limited quantities" at GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon on January 31.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 Collector's Edition

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII-2 Collector's Edition includes IV-disc soundtrack

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 Collector's Edition includes IV-disc soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editionfinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxThu, 10 Nov 2011 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Get caught in FFXIII-2's dark embrace via NYCC trailer and screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/get-caught-in-ffxiii-2s-dark-embrace-via-nycc-trailer-and-scree/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/get-caught-in-ffxiii-2s-dark-embrace-via-nycc-trailer-and-scree/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/get-caught-in-ffxiii-2s-dark-embrace-via-nycc-trailer-and-scree/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII 2 may not arrive in the US until early next year, but that doesn't mean you can't immerse yourself in its timey-wimey mythos ahead of time. Debuted at the ongoing New York Comic Con, the above trailer and below screenshots offer a fairly in-depth, potentially spoilersy look at Square Enix's latest romp through Cocoon.

We're not sure if something can still be considered a "trailer" when it lasts longer than most Adult Swim cartoons, but an extraordinarily long cinematic experience should feel like a warm, tender hug to anyone interested in a Final Fantasy sequel-sequel.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (NYCC 2011)

JoystiqGet caught in FFXIII-2's dark embrace via NYCC trailer and screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftnyccnycc-2011playstationps3Square-EnixxboxSat, 15 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 has a boss pre-order bonus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-a-boss-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-a-boss-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-a-boss-pre-order-bonus/#comments Well, only Amazon's is literally boss, but other retailers have stuff too. If you pre-order Final Fantasy XIII-2 from Amazon.com, you'll get the "Omega Boss Battle," an exclusive "coliseum battle" that adds Omega to your party after completion.

Best Buy is bundling a hardcover book with pre-orders, containing "Final Fantasy XIII -Episode i-," a novella connecting the stories of FFXIII and XIII-2. And GameStop offers ... a new costume for Serah! That last one is maybe a bit less impressive in comparison with the new playable content and the hardcover book. Final Fantasy XIII-2 will be released in North America on January 31.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII-2 has a boss pre-order bonus

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 has a boss pre-order bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buydlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2gamestopmicrosoftplaystationpre-order-bonusps3square-enixxboxMon, 03 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2: Paradigm slightly shifted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/final-fantasy-xiii-2-paradigm-slightly-shifted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/final-fantasy-xiii-2-paradigm-slightly-shifted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/final-fantasy-xiii-2-paradigm-slightly-shifted/#comments Someone tell Ah-nold. Let's get something out of the way: I haven't played Final Fantasy XIII. Not one minute. That said, I'm fairly confident in saying that Final Fantasy XIII-2 doesn't dramatically alter the foundation laid down by XIII. I'm also very confident in saying that grasping the complexities of XIII-2's combat system during my brief play session at TGS was daunting, to say the least.

Thankfully, there are only a few new wrinkles for XIII vets to absorb. Namely, there's more to explore, more ways to fight and more ... uh, time rifts to discover.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII-2: Paradigm slightly shifted

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2: Paradigm slightly shifted originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3square-enixtgs-2011xboxThu, 22 Sep 2011 23:15:00 EST