Final Fantasy XIII
Kitase-san tells us about his fantasies
Final Fantasy XIII moves the J-RPG ever closer to Western tastes, but don't assume that trend will continue indefinitely, producer Yoshinori Kitase told us during a preview session with spring 2010 release Final Fantasy XIII. Indeed, the veteran game maker seems to believe that the most important thing Japanese developers can do is to make the most of the latest console hardware; something some have perhaps been guilty of overlooking in the past. The latest installment in the Final Fantasy series has no such worries, in fact, based on the in-game action we were shown, this latest Square Enix offering pushes things forward admirably.
We're promised a more action-orientated affair than past outings in the celebrated series, another nod to Western tastes, Kitase and his team moving to ensure a greater degree of accessibility. This posturing has already gone down well in Japan, where gamers have already had a taste of the RPG via a demo released in March. That said, things have evolved since this taster, too.
No demo will be released in the West (probably), but we did learn today that the publisher are targeting a debut in spring of 2010 on both the Xbox 360 and PS3 (albeit only outside of Japan). Blending the focus on characterization that obsesses Japanese gamers, with the heroic individualism of Western fans, Square Enix have mustered an "evolved active time battle system". We were shown the system in action during one early portion of the game - which boasted some suitably grandiose and lavishly slick detailing that certainly suggests a game engine in fine fetter.
You'll be able to see enemies approaching in the game world before the title switches into battle mode, and we take on a wonderfully animated Garuda Interceptor, while also being shown the summoning system - which will see party members cunningly replaced as needed. As witnessed on the Interceptor, the animation really can be a sight to behold, some of the foes moving quite exquisitely in places.
Some of the ruins we were shown were also impressive, Kitase-san and director Toriyama-san (also helping show off the game) clearly having noted with interest the innovations of RPGs from developers like BioWare and Blizzard. A lot of thought has clearly gone into looking at how battles play out in general, different ground and aerial-based combat modes being initiated automatically and adding yet more depth. Players will also enter combat-intensive Gestalt battles - another action packed segment clearly aimed at shaking up J-RPGs further.
While there has clearly been a nod to new Final Fantasy players with XIII, the game also promises to project a turn-based 'feed' during combat, which should appease more hardcore fans, interested in a strategic approach.
Kitase-san is also at pains to assure us that both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game will be near identical, the team working to create balance across both formats despite the technical differences at play. We also get a glimpse of some trademark Square Enix cut-scenes which show off some typically vivid characterisation, not to mention production values that would make George Lucas blush.
The game engine is clearly a big part of what will make Final Fantasy XIII stand or fall, and the importance of this is evident in the fact that Square Enix will be using much of the same technology for the PS3 exclusive Final Fantasy XIV: Online. Apparently, this next installment, due next year, won't have any narrative or character cross-overs with this game - but it will boast a similar look prompted by the code purring under the hood.
With our preview of Final Fantasy XIII drawing to a close, it's apparent that Square Enix are going all out to ensure the IP maintains it's position as one of the benchmarks of the RPG genre. Stunningly detailed visuals, a deep and well thought out combat system, coupled with unusual characters, series' staple Chocobos and another epic plotline - it's hard to imagine anything but good things here. We're eager to see more.
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