18 Jan, 2011
Well that has to be the shortest ‘tenterhooks’ period on record. We reported just the other day that controversial rumours had emerged that Square Enix intend to expand the Final Fantasy XIII universe with a direct sequel, the first since 2004′s Final Fantasy X-2.
Square Enix have sent out a press release this morning confirming Final Fantasy XIII-2 IS in production for release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 later this year. Eurogamer have reported that the sequel will be developed by the same team, headed up by director Motomu Toriyama, while according to RPGSite, FFXIII’s female lead Lightning will reprise her role alongside an unnamed new character.
The press release states that “Production on FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is underway, and builds upon the best aspects of FINAL FANTASY XIII. In particular, a brand new story and evolved battle system promise to stand out markedly against the standard for high-quality content established by the previous title.” An official website – showing off a marvellous new logo – has since gone live.
But that’s not all! Also reported by Eurogamer today, we have new details of the forthcoming second and third entries in the Fabula Nova Crystallis series. Final Fantasy Agito XIII – due for a dual-UMD PSP release in Japan this summer – has been renamed Final Fantasy Type-0, while Square Enix director Tetsuya Nomura has put paid to rumours surrounding the future of Final Fantasy Versus XIII by confirming it will remain exclusive to the PlayStation 3.
Furthermore, two more characters join series favourites Tifa Lockhart and Laguna Loire on the roster of the upcoming sequel to action RPG fighter hybrid Dissidia: Final Fantasy – Prishe, the Elvaan star of FFXI expansion Chains of Promathia and, rather more interestingly, FFV villain Gilgamesh. I think we can all agree, a good day to be a Final Fantasy fan!
Final Fantasy XIII-2 is currently due for a worldwide Winter 2011 release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Dissidia Duodecim: Final Fantasy is out exclusively for PSP on March 3rd in Japan, with a European release following on the 25th. A North American release date has not yet been confirmed.
What are your thoughts on today’s announcement? FFX-2 was the subject of a huge amount of fan criticism for destroying the credibility of the FFX universe. Similarly, could FFXIII-2 reverse the largely negative public perception of FFXIII? Have a comment? You know what to do.
Uugh.. We’ll see I guess…
Yay!!!!! Gilgamesh!!! XD
The only thing anyone seemed to be doing when I saw them play FFX-2 was engage in the usual turn based fighting, and playing dress up!
I’d have thought they’d be focussing on how bring the series forward after all that lark in the 2010.
I really enjoyed FFX-2. It was really bright and colourful and fun and didn’t take itself seriously at all. However I know that a lot of people that really loved FFX absolutely hated X-2, so – vice versa – I don’t see why the people that hated FFXIII couldn’t end up really enjoying XIII-2. I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and I’m looking forward to playing it.
I predict lots of tits and arses, a J-Pop inspired soundtrack, awful writing and a love interest for Lightning.
No doubt it will make Square Enix a squillion more quid.
I’d buy it. xD
“FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is underway, and builds upon the best aspects of FINAL FANTASY XIII”.
Ok, so Fang and Lightning are going to be in it. Because those were the only good aspects of this game.
I didn’t like Fang and Lightning at all… The only thing from the game I liked was Sazh (or however you spell his name) and that’s saying a lot…
I am intrigued by what they are going to do with this. I hope they take notice of what was missing from the original. I’m loving her armour and feathers lol. I see you Andrew with all this news lol