Final Fantasy.... VIII-2

[Particle Man]

http://blog.games.yahoo.com/blog/334...-2-coming-2012

Apparently unfazed by the disastrous reception of Final Fantasy XIV (Buy | Search), publisher Square Enix is once again looking to its extensive back catalog for the next in the much-loved series.

But this time it's Final Fantasy XIII (Buy | Search) that's in the frame for a follow-up, and in one of those naming decisions that'll make perfect sense to fans and none at all to anyone else, it'll be called Final Fantasy XIII-2. It'll launch in Japan this year, while Western gamers will have to wait until next winter.




Although little is known about the game beyond its trailer and a solitary screenshot, Square Enix promised in a statement it'll sport a new story, an "evolved" battle system, and the return of numerous familiar characters from the original game.

Depending on exactly how you count them, there are somewhere in the region of 30 major titles in the Final Fantasy series, making it one of gaming's most prolific franchises. Known for its intricate plots, strong characterizations, and sumptuous presentation, the series has been on a downward trend for some years.

Final Fantasies IV, VII, and IX are still remembered as some of the best games of all time, but following the 2004 departure of series' creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, they've struggled to attain the same recognition they enjoyed in previous decades, although sales remain broadly strong.

Its most recent installment, subscription-based massively multiplayer online world Final Fantasy XIV, was a disaster. Excoriated by critics for its poor interface, bad economy, and unfinished game mechanics, it scored an average review mark below 50%. Numerous prominent publications scored down in the 30-40% region -- a rare feat for a major release.

Square Enix has repeatedly apologized for its quality, handing out free subscription extensions to unfortunate players. Around 600,000 players bought Final Fantasy XIV, and we suspect as many as two or three of them are still playing it.

[Particle Man]

Crap, Meant to put XIII-2 in the title. Can a mod please edit?

[Rangerscott]

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/vide...-Top-5-of-2010

[Dave]

Can we dress lightning up in slutty outfits like in x2?

[Apoc]

I hope its better than XIII. That game was just horrible. Disgusting might even be a better word. Worst RPG i've played this generation, period. The characters were unlikeable, the story sucked, and you literally spend 35 hours running down straight halways and fighting the same enemies over and over.

I love FF, and I absolutely hated this game.

Theres already a VII-2 btw. Its called Crisis Core. Its pretty good too.

[Particle Man]

Originally Posted by Apoc

I hope its better than XIII. That game was just horrible. Disgusting might even be a better word. Worst RPG i've played this generation, period. The characters were unlikeable, the story sucked, and you literally spend 35 hours running down straight halways and fighting the same enemies over and over.

I love FF, and I absolutely hated this game.

Theres already a VII-2 btw. Its called Crisis Core. Its pretty good too.

Yeah I have Crisis Core and liked it a lot. I didn't bother with XIII. Your review seems pretty common.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Apoc

I hope its better than XIII. That game was just horrible. Disgusting might even be a better word. Worst RPG i've played this generation, period. The characters were unlikeable, the story sucked, and you literally spend 35 hours running down straight halways and fighting the same enemies over and over.

I love FF, and I absolutely hated this game.

Theres already a VII-2 btw. Its called Crisis Core. Its pretty good too.

Sounds like an rpg lol

[Apoc]

Originally Posted by Dave

Sounds like an rpg lol

You obviously havent played many rpg's then.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Apoc

You obviously havent played many rpg's then.

I've played tons. You spend 80% of the game grinding yourself into godmode and then blaze a firey swath through what story is there. From battletech to phantasy star portable. Not. A whole lot changes

[Apoc]

Originally Posted by Dave

I've played tons. You spend 80% of the game grinding yourself into godmode and then blaze a firey swath through what story is there. From battletech to phantasy star portable. Not. A whole lot changes

I was thinking more along the lines of Oblivion, Mass Effect, Dragon Age Origins, Fallout 3/New Vegas.

The old JRPG forula your talking about is pretty much dead nowadays, thankfully. Square Enix is about the last major RPG designer that is still stuck in the 1990's.