Gemaga Scan with Developers interview

[Kitmitsu]

Finally we have some new news thanks to a scan from Gemaga magazine. No new images but the scan did contained an interview with Toriyama and Nomura which the people over at FF13 Vids have summarised for us. Remember it's a poor translation so some information isn't completly confirmed.

Gemaga Magazine Scan (http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/image.php?image=media/scans/gemaga/01.jpg)

Final Fantasy XIII

The FFXIII battle system is a completly new type of system designed to be fast paced. The new system is being developed by Toshiro Tsuchida, the battle director of FFX. There are no random encounters in the game but a field full of enemies similar to FFXII. The monsters also change according to the situation or environment. According to Tsuchida the FFXII License board had too much freedom and in FFXIII he sets out to design a system giving characters abilities based on their personalities. The summons are also supposed to work as partners (like the two Shiva sisters) so we could see more summons with brothers or sisters.

Final Fantasy Versus XIII

Nomura said that he doesn't want to begin work on Kingdom Hearts 3 until he has finished Versus so he can concentrate on one at a time. This also may be the last FF spin off game Nomura makes so he can work on other titles. The game itself is supposed to play like a more realistic version of Kingdom hearts with some elements of a Third Person Shooter similar to Dirge of Cerberus.

Final Fantasy Agito XIII

Currently the script for Agito is being written which is supposed to be an amazing story. The game will be released in a similar way to Before Crisis in an episodic format with one episode being released a month. It has to be released like this because of the huge scale of the game.

Source: FF13 Vids (http://66.249.93.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://ff13vids.jugem.jp/&prev=/search%3Fq%3DFF7AC%2BReunion%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D)

[KeanBurke]

how can FF Versus XIII be a third person shooter? From the trailer dont see it being a third person shooter, I hope not.

[Kitmitsu]

I've just edited that part :P Sorry I was in a rush to post it and didnt have enough time to read the poor translation. However Jeux-France have done a slighlty better translation and what they mean is it's going to be a more realistic version of Kingdom Hearts with some aspects of Dirge of Cerberus.

[Xion]

great news thx tons ^_^

[winslo2260]

Awesome update! Thanks for the info. I like how the FFXIII battle system is shaping up.

[Desi]

Interview here: Live journal (http://maiki.livejournal.com/458521.html)

XIII seems to go back to the FFIV/IX characters system. I cry.

Well airship flying is back in Versus, now if they can keep worlds with scale I'll be happy. If not, I'm killing people.

[Xion]

Versus sounds more interesting than XIII to me still...i just want the damn trailers allready!!

[Kitmitsu]

Interview here: Live journal (http://maiki.livejournal.com/458521.html)

XIII seems to go back to the FFIV/IX characters system. I cry.

Well airship flying is back in Versus, now if they can keep worlds with scale I'll be happy. If not, I'm killing people.

Just posted that after checking my bookmarks :P Sorry didnt check the forums first. Anyway heres the news post:


Maiki, the Live Journal member who brought us the fanart of the Blonde Haired guy before the image was released has translated the interview in the Gemaga scan we posted today. This translation should be much more reliable and gives us a lot more information I couldn't pick out beforehand. It also should correct a few small mistakes. Everyone worship her. I've added the translated FFXIII interview to the interview section.

Gemaga Translated Interview (http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/crystallis/interviews.php) (bottom of the page)

This time, the game isn't centred around a party of people joining together to save the world.

Blonde Haired guy hasn't been defined as an enemy or an ally yet to Lightning. He also is supposed to have a funny way of fighting .

There may be a job system in FFXIII but it hasn't been confirmed. They do say they're finding ways to make the game more enjoyable though.

Summons in FFXIII will have a strong partnership with the characters in the game and won't necessarily be used in pairs like Shiva is.

Unlike FFXII, it's possible to get the upperhand on enemies in the field before attacking. Enemies will also have other traits outside of battle other than attacking.

The White Engine is also a great platform to be working on according to Kitase and it will be used for future titles as well.

Here's some extra information for Versus:

The gameplay will be a more realistic version of Kingdom Hearts with third person shooter elements similar to Dirge of Cerberus. This works by changing the players point of view depending on what weapon they have equipped.

Nomura was questioned whether there would be an Air Ship in this installment and he confirmed there definitely will be.

The Kingdom Hearts main programmer looked at the Versus concept and asked "Is this Kingdom Hearts 3?"

Source: Maiki - Live Journal (http://maiki.livejournal.com/458521.html)

[Lifrasthir]

Actually I think that magazine scan did provide a couple of new screenshots. [Very little though, with type over them.] Unless if I'm just old information. The magazine scan shows one of the classrooms[?] in Agito, correct?

[Desi]

This time, the game isn't centred around a party of people joining together to save the world. Thank god, WE'RE MOVING UP

Blonde Haired guy hasn't been defined as an enemy or an ally yet to Lightning. He also is supposed to have a funny way of fighting .For some reason when I see him I think Magerate(sp) from Shadow Hearts and her gun acrobatics

There may be a job system in FFXIII but it hasn't been confirmed. They do say they're finding ways to make the game more enjoyable though.Oh man I hope so. Don't pull a FFIV/IX, pull a I/V/Tactics.

Summons in FFXIII will have a strong partnership with the characters in the game and won't necessarily be used in pairs like Shiva is.Only thing I get out of this is: Characters can only summon certain summons like Locke look alike is the only one in the party can can summon Shiva. Or maybe they are pulling out that horrible FFVIII GF relationship system again

Unlike FFXII, it's possible to get the upperhand on enemies in the field before attacking. Enemies will also have other traits outside of battle other than attacking.HEY i got many upperhand in XI and XII. Hopefully though they mean something like Xenosaga where you could knock over a electric box to stun the enemies for a while and that would carry on into the fight.

The White Engine is also a great platform to be working on according to Kitase and it will be used for future titles as well.Now people can stop saying the engine is dead

Here's some extra information for Versus:

The gameplay will be a more realistic version of Kingdom Hearts with third person shooter elements similar to Dirge of Cerberus. This works by changing the players point of view depending on what weapon they have equipped.They didn't have to bring up Dirge...but I get the jist

Nomura was questioned whether there would be an Air Ship in this installment and he confirmed there definitely will be.And we get to fly them again, oh goodie! I can go back to my scare terrorist ways(attempt to fly ships into towns)

The Kingdom Hearts main programmer looked at the Versus concept and asked "Is this Kingdom Hearts 3?"Good thing or is it?

Source: Maiki - Live Journal (http://maiki.livejournal.com/458521.html)
Back on the battlesystem thing. They aren't random but I pray that they take place on the same map(see Chrono Trigger) and not still instanced(see Chrono Cross).

[Kitmitsu]

Nah sorry we've had those pictures before in this scan: >_<

http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/image.php?image=media/scans/famitsu/23.jpg

[Lifrasthir]

Nah sorry we've had those pictures before in this scan: >_<

http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/image.php?image=media/scans/famitsu/23.jpg

Ah. See? I told you I was full of old information. Either that or I need to get new glasses. lol.

[Desi]

*crosses fingers* I want all to be able to use all my party members in a fight. FF1-5 style not have them jump in and out like 10 and 12 style. So yes, 5 characters all in the battle at the sametime. Let me dream.

[Wind]

This is startin to look alot like Harry Potter now >.>...

[Desi]

This is startin to look alot like Harry Potter now >.>...
right? Seriously man where do you get that idea?

[Neal]

Wtf Harry Potter?

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/medialib/screens/screenshot_48381_thumb300.jpg

http://finalfantasyversusxiii.net/screenshots/ffvxiiiscreenshot2.jpg

I see the connection. :cunning:

[Wind]

not between versus but between agito.

School of magic and stuff. (Not that im a fan of HP)

[yukichi]

wow!! i had the same feeling Wind!!!

im a HP fan...but i really dont like the idea of having something similar on a FF game XD~

[Desi]

Square Enix Party 2007 event announced - May 12-13th.
little more
Square Enix announced they will host the Square Enix Party 2007 in Japan on May 12 - 13 in Tokyo, at the Makuharai Fair. Square Enix will display current and upcoming game software in video and playable forms.
Site: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/party07/

Here is some funny comment made by a poster named TheJollyCorner. Remember this is just fiction, what you are about to read is not real.


May 13th, 2007: Square-Enix entertains a packed house and showcases the new (surprise) playable demo of Final Fantasy XIII to the lucky show-goers of the Square-Enix Party 2007 shortly after the brand-new 4 minute cinematic trailer.

"It was... phenomenal!" one attendant announced. "Real-time is just like CG... and it's fun!"

The trailer, packed with new character reveals, amazing new locations, and jaw-dropping visuals, was followed by a roar of applause by the audience. This was nothing compared to the exuberant response to the PLAYSTATION 3 playable demo, which almost incited riots among the showroom floor.

"It's the most important display since Final Fantasy VII!", Shujikuri Times editor Matsuhiro Oshi, longtime video game commentator and analyst, commented with a large smile. "Everyone should see and play this, right now!"

Square-Enix president Yoichi Wada was excited to announce that the 4-minute trailer would be available to download sometime in late November of 2007, with the playable demo available in the PLAYSTATION 3's online store sometime in March of 2008.
"Unfortunately we just can't show the general public this material any sooner... but wait for it, please. We hope the playable demo next March will excite fans of the Final Fantasy series and prepare them for the late 2010 release date."

[Passion]

Just posted that after checking my bookmarks :P Sorry didnt check the forums first. Anyway heres the news post:


Maiki, the Live Journal member who brought us the fanart of the Blonde Haired guy before the image was released has translated the interview in the Gemaga scan we posted today. This translation should be much more reliable and gives us a lot more information I couldn't pick out beforehand. It also should correct a few small mistakes. Everyone worship her. I've added the translated FFXIII interview to the interview section.

Gemaga Translated Interview (http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/crystallis/interviews.php) (bottom of the page)

This time, the game isn't centred around a party of people joining together to save the world.

Blonde Haired guy hasn't been defined as an enemy or an ally yet to Lightning. He also is supposed to have a funny way of fighting .

There may be a job system in FFXIII but it hasn't been confirmed. They do say they're finding ways to make the game more enjoyable though.

Summons in FFXIII will have a strong partnership with the characters in the game and won't necessarily be used in pairs like Shiva is.

Unlike FFXII, it's possible to get the upperhand on enemies in the field before attacking. Enemies will also have other traits outside of battle other than attacking.

The White Engine is also a great platform to be working on according to Kitase and it will be used for future titles as well.

Here's some extra information for Versus:

The gameplay will be a more realistic version of Kingdom Hearts with third person shooter elements similar to Dirge of Cerberus. This works by changing the players point of view depending on what weapon they have equipped.

Nomura was questioned whether there would be an Air Ship in this installment and he confirmed there definitely will be.

The Kingdom Hearts main programmer looked at the Versus concept and asked "Is this Kingdom Hearts 3?"

Source: Maiki - Live Journal (http://maiki.livejournal.com/458521.html)

Thanks for that; rather interesting information there espeically about Mr 33cm.
Good to hear all the summons wont have pairs, not that I am denouncing the idea. Just glad to hear ALL summons wont have it.

[Rade]

Hey, just thought I'd mention that IGN have posted their own translation of the interview, although only the parts about the FFXIII battle system. There's actually quite a bit more info about the whole thing then we originally thought.

The article's too long to quote here so I'll just post a link:

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/769/769653p1.html

[Momo]

Thanks!

[Kitmitsu]

Thanks Rade :) I've made a new news post with all the new details including the Agito ones. I wonder why they haven't made a Versus summary yet :/

[Flint]

Actually, IGN have done a Versus summary (dated March 2). Here's the link:

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/769/769776p1.html

There's some new info about the setting of the game, the royal family that feature in the storyline and how the crystals bring prosperity and advanced technology to the nation protecting them.

[Rade]

No problem guys ^_^

So according to that Versus summary, Nomura likens the main character's family to the modern-day mafia... so could this mean he really is a bad guy? Or maybe they just have a similar kind of system to the Mafia? Even if his family were bad, that may not mean that the main character is bad - he could be like the black sheep of the family. He does seem pretty depressed sitting on his throne, maybe it was something he never really wanted but it's been forced upon him?

[Flint]

I kind of like the idea that the main character could be a bad guy. I think it fits in with the idea of this being 'Versus XIII'. So, assuming FFXIII will feature the usual hero good-guy type characters, Versus could be the opposite, showing a story told from the perspective of a bad guy character.

The mafia concept is interesting, too. Maybe the royal family gained control of the crystals through extortion, violence, blackmail etc (the usual mafia stuff). Perhaps this family is as much a threat to the people as the 'outsider' nations they're fighting against?

[Rade]

I guess it would also explain the Shakespeare quote at the beginning of the trailer:

'There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.'

I think this means that, to a person on one side of a war, the other sides actions may seem bad and their own actions good, but the other side think exactly the same thing. So even though the royal family may be like a mafia, to the family themselves their actions are for the good of something. Maybe over the course of the game both sides will begin to realise each other's reasonings for doing what they do.

[Flint]

Yep, I agree with your theorizing there, Rade. The idea of 'good' and 'evil' is dependant entirely on the perspective from which the story is presented - we assume the red eyed main character in Versus to be a good guy because we are playing as him, but if we were controlling a character on the other side of the conflict, then ol' red eyes would be the bad guy. Neither side may actually be either good or bad as such, it's just each considers themselves to be the 'good guys' and the enemy to be the 'bad guys'.