Final Fantasy XIII-2 information and hype thread!

[Goli]

<div align='center'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Ko1cd.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div>
<b><div align='center'>-<!--fonto:Verdana--><span style="font-family:Verdana"><!--/fonto--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro-->INFORMATION AND HYPE THREAD<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc-->-</div></b>
<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;"><b><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro--><div align='center'>News</div><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--></b></div><!--h-->
08.04.2011 <a href="http://i.imgur.com/wmMP9.jpg" target="_blank">New screenshot released</a>
07.18.2011 <a href="http://release.square-enix.com/na/2011/07/18_01.html" target="_blank">FFXIII-2 NA release date confirmed to being January 2012</a>
07.13.2011 <a href="http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/07/14/ffxiii_2_staff/" target="_blank">FFXIII-2 staffers revealed, novelist not in charge of scenario.</a>
06.22.2011 <a href="http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/22/ffxiii_2_kamikokuryo_interview/" target="_blank">Famitsu interview on Andriasang via Sokuhou@Hokanko.</a>
06.17.2011 <a href="http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/17/ffxiii_2_screens/" target="_blank">New screenshots via official site and Famitsu, developer interview via Impress Watch, all on Andriasang. </a>
06.16.2011 <a href="http://www.gamingunion.net/news/nojima-not-directly-involved-with-final-fantasy-xiii-2--5449.html" target="_blank">Previous scenario writer not involved in FFXIII-2, replaced by novelist.</a>
06.14.2011 <a href="http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/14/ffxiii_2_interview/" target="_blank">Dengeki PlayStation snips and stuff on Andriasang via Sokuhou@Hokanko.</a>
06.13.2011 <a href="http://www.siliconera.com/2011/06/13/heres-why-serah-is-the-main-character-in-final-fantasy-xiii-2/" target="_blank">Why Serah is the main character of Final Fantasy XIII-2.</a>
06.13.2011 <a href="http://ps3.rpgsite.net/previews/286-e3-2011-final-fantasy-xiii2-impressions" target="_blank">RPGSite detailed demo impressions.</a>
06.12.2011 <a href="http://games.fok.nl/special/447833/1/1/100/e3-2011-interview-final-fantasy-xiii-2.html" target="_blank">Changes to the game, improvements and new game + interview (Dutch)</a>
06.11.2011 <a href="http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/12/ffxiii_jump/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Final Fantasy XIII-2 is 70% complete.</a>
06.09.2011 <a href="http://ps3.rpgsite.net/interviews/282-e3-2011-final-fantasy-xiii2-developer-interview" target="_blank">RPG site developer interview.</a>
06.09.2011 <a href="http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/09/ffxiii_2_team_interview/" target="_blank">Andriasang translated developer interview via Famitsu.</a>
<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;"><b><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro--><div align='center'>What is it?</div><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--></b></div><!--h-->
<!--coloro:#800080--><span style="color:#800080"><!--/coloro--><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto-->A sequel set after the events of Final Fantasy XIII. Final Fantasy XIII-2 tells the story of Serah's struggle to find her sister Lightning, whom many believe dead. Together with Noel they go on a search for her...<!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;"><b><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro--><div align='center'>Who's developing it?</div><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--></b></div><!--h-->
<!--coloro:#800080--><span style="color:#800080"><!--/coloro--><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto-->The game is being developed largely by the same team that developed Final Fantasy XIII, including Motomu Toriyama as director, Tetsuya Nomura as character designer, Isamu Kamukuryo as art director and Yoshinori Kitase as Producer. It is also rumoured that Masashi Hamauzu will be reprising his music composing role in this installment. Many of these key staffers where also in charge of other Final Fantasy games like Final Fantasy VIII or X, for example.<!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;"><b><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro--><div align='center'>When is it coming out?</div><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--></b></div><!--h-->
<!--coloro:#800080--><span style="color:#800080"><!--/coloro--><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto-->The game will be coming out this winter. This December in Japan, early 2012 in the west.<!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;"><b><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro--><div align='center'>Why is it being developed?</div><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--></b></div><!--h-->
<!--coloro:#800080--><span style="color:#800080"><!--/coloro--><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto-->Final Fantasy XIII's long and troubled development led to the creation of unused assets a game's worth, that coupled with the creator's desire to give Lightning a happy ending led to this. Developers have already confirmed that they are taking into account many of the criticisms fans have made about Final Fantasy XIII.<!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;"><b><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro--><div align='center'>How is it gonna be better than Final Fantasy XIII?</div><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--></b></div><!--h-->
<!--coloro:#800080--><span style="color:#800080"><!--/coloro--><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto-->From what has been show so far it is safe to say the game will have talkable NPCs, rideable Chocobos, Moogles, towns and areas that are not just a single corridor. New to the game is also a monster catching (?) element, as well as mysterious "rifts", and decision making. Returning are the game's battle system, including roles and crystarium, also new are in-battle QTEs. This time you also obtain Gil from battles!<!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;"><b><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro--><div align='center'>Where can I see it?</div><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--></b></div><!--h-->
<!--coloro:#800080--><span style="color:#800080"><!--/coloro--><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto-->Here of course!<!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->

Spoiler: Screenshots & other images

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/wmMP9.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/WuKjW.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
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<img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/9zmwcn.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/UaZME.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://www.abload.de/img/bz9mp2f7lmvd.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/uIndF.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Spoiler: Scans

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/GFFxb.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Spoiler: Videos

Reveal teaser
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu0yrAppIdo[/youtube]
E3 trailer teaser
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad26B0TshGg[/youtube]
E3 2011 trailer
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-75BdU8U-w[/youtube]
E3 Direct Feed Open Floor Demo:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-H56H9ayPg[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h9rt0bU-C0[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLF_qTwd77E[/youtube]

<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;"><b><!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF00FF--><span style="color:#FF00FF"><!--/coloro--><div align='center'>Links and other information</div><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--></b></div><!--h-->
<!--fontoalatino Linotype--><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><!--/fonto--><a href="http://www.finalfantasy13-2game.com/" target="_blank">Official Site</a>
<a href="http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/ff13-2/" target="_blank">Official Site (Japanese)</a>
<a href="http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/" target="_blank">Fabula Nova Crystallis Hub Site (Japanese)</a>
<a href="http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=432761" target="_blank">NeoGAF</a>
<a href="http://www.rpgsite.net/" target="_blank">RPG Site</a><!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc-->

Spoiler

[titleR Dump]

<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->LOS ANGELES (January 18, 2011) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is a sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII, which released in North America in March 2010 and has shipped 6 million units worldwide.



"Why does mankind defy its fate?"


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.


Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. The series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of over 97 million units worldwide (as of September 2010).


Product overview

Title: FINAL FANTASY XIII-2
Platform: PlayStation®3, Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
Release date: Available Next Winter
MSRP: TBD
Copyright: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All rights reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA
Website: <a href="http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2" target="_blank">http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2</a>


Story summary from the previous title, FINAL FANTASY XIII
Cocoon – a utopia in the sky.
Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum's rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.

Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal'Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.

Their tranquillity was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal'Cie.

The moment that fal'Cie from Pulse – the feared and detested lowerworld – awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.

Fal'Cie curse humans, turning them into magic–wielding servants.

They become l'Cie – chosen of the fal'Cie.

Those branded with the mark of a l'Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.

A prayer for redemption.

A wish to protect the world.

A promise to challenge destiny.
After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. For more information about FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, please visit the official website at: <a href="http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2" target="_blank">http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2</a>.


About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 97 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 54 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at <a href="http://www.square-enix.com/na/" target="_blank">http://www.square-enix.com/na/</a>.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->FINAL FANTASY XIII-2
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system
Genre: RPG
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: This Winter (NA)

Story Overview:
Set a few years after Lightning and the others saved Cocoon, some survivors have decided to start over by rebuilding on Gran Pulse. Lightning, however, is nowhere to be found and thought dead by many, but Serah believes otherwise. When her town is suddenly overrun by monsters, a mysterious man named Noel appears to save her. Together, the two set off to find Lightning...

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is the follow-up to the 2010 hit title, FINAL FANTASY XIII, and the latest installment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series, which has shipped over 97 million units worldwide. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 features an all-star production staff including producer Yoshinori Kitase, director Motomu Toriyama, character designer Tetsuya Nomura and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

<!--sizeo:7--><span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--fonto:Impact--><span style="font-family:Impact"><!--/fonto-->OR<!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->
tl;dr Everything you hated from FFXIII appears to be fixed. SE IS BACK, BITCHES.
Actually, they can't be back because they never left <3.
_{Also, thanks to prowler_ for bumping this thread and not letting it rot and be ignored <3}

 

[prowler]

[youtube]http://youtu.be/82UWu0anRjA[/youtube]

GOTY.

 

[Paarish]

that's... alot of pink

EDIT: Lightning vs Bahamut looks epic!

 

[naglaro00]

No Nobuo, no like

 

[Goli]

No Nobuo, no like

But Masashii Hamauzu is awesome.
And it's not like Nobuo was in FFXIII either.
Actually he hasn't really done most compositions since FFX.
Also, I hadn't really updated this because I thought nobody had replied but now that there are replies, I will.
In the last few days there have been a bunch of intervies at some of the devs present at E3, the most important ones are the Famitsu (with a bunch of it translated in Andriasang) and RPGSite ones. Basically they ones again re-confirm choices, monster recruiting, towns, chocobos and all that, but also, multiple endings.
(It's strange how they keep saying it's a first for the series since FFX-2 had multiple endings. It's like they're retconing it ): )

 

[katimus_prime]

Ohhh, but this looks shiny. Admittedly I was a little bit let down that FFXIII itself kinda put you in a box and led you on a completely straight and narrow path, but its world seemed really interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing more of it! :3

 

[prowler]

Some direct feeds here.

Soundtrack reminds me of Persona, the first video that is (watching it now)

 

[Goli]

Some direct feeds here.

Soundtrack reminds me of Persona, the first video that is (watching it now)

I was secretly hoping the had the victory theme return but oh well, I still like the XIII one. Also, I'm really liking the battle theme, though it can't quite match Blinded by Light

 

[Leo Cantus]

[youtube]http://youtu.be/82UWu0anRjA[/youtube]

GOTY.

That looks so epic. I liked XIII, but it looks like there making some good improvements, such as adding towns. And apparently there's going to be different endings too, sounds interesting.

 

[Goli]

Some site I had never heard of posted their interview with the developers at E3, but it does mention new stuff, first of all Masashi Hamauzu isn't composing everything, there are others involved (pleaseyokoshimomurapleaseyokoshimomurapleaseyokoshimomura), the Crystarium is back for normal characters but with changes they can't specify at this point, monster stats can be upgraded with accessories, you can save anywhere, the game takes about 40 hours to complete but there's more stuff to do after you beat it for the first time, they have something better than new game + planned, and that there shouldn't be much differences between the 360 and PS3 versions since the 360 version has been in development from the start.
http://games.fok.nl/special/447833/1/1/100...asy-xiii-2.html
This is all going by Google Translate by the way (yes PG, i know ): ).

 

[Paarish]

Thanks Goli!

fingers crossed for Yoko Shimomura and Nobuo Uematsu for composing

 

[Blaze163]

I'm curious about this one because FF13 had a lot of potential but it had a lot of issues too. Too linear, too confusing a plot, not interactive enough, and the characters were underdeveloped. Hell, Lightning's big character development moment was so badly handled it was shocking. She outright says 'I just realised something. Well, that changes everything. I'll act totally different now.' I'm not the best writer in the universe (although I'd like to consider myself in the top twenty

) but in my literary projects I always make sure I handle character development with care.

I'll track this one and see how it goes. If they can solve the issues while keeping the positive points, then this could be something incredible. Or it could be a spunk flavoured lollipop. It can go either way, really.

 

[VentusVanitas]

The Bahamut battle looks SOOOOOOOOOOO good.

I'm really hyped for this, imma have one more go at beat Alexander in FFXIII.

 

[prowler]

Toriyama and Kitase Discuss Final Fantasy XIII-2Newcomer character Noel knows little about Cocoon and Gran Pulse, Toriyama noted, saying that he wanted to have Noel in a similar position to a newcomer player to FFXIII -- that is, someone who doesn't know about the world and story.
----
During battle, Toriyama said to think of Noel as fighting in the front and Serah supporting from behind. Noel's job image is hunter. He hunts monsters in Gran Pulse.
----
The E3 demo was like a digest version of two chapters with most of the story sequences cut out. When playing the game, you'll see how Noel and Serah meet.
----
The game's new monster raising component, which lets you gather and bring monsters into your battle party, will give the game greater strategy, Toriyama said. There are Defender monsters, Attacker monsters and so-forth. There's also a growth element to the monsters.
----
Other points mentioned in the interview include:
Your party members will move around town and get into conversations
When it rains, people in town will gather under covered areas.
The weather will have some effect on battle.
There will be search/exploration element involving Moogles.
The save system will in general be auto save.[/p]

 

[Gundam Eclipse]

Oh god i want a PS3 so bad @_@

This looks fucking amazing.

 

[Paarish]

~snip~

I sense an amnesia story

 

[Goli]

~snip~

I sense an amnesia story

Why?
Also, I'm so glad they're having a full fledged climate system, FFXII kinda had one in some areas, and FFXIII did too, but only in a single area (The Sunleth Waterscape). It felt like such a waste so it's nice to see them fleshing it out

. Oh and WHY MUST SNOW BE BACK? Since the game has other dimensions and time periods and crazy Toriyama stuff they might as well have killed him or something ):.

 

[Paarish]

~snip~

I sense an amnesia story

Why?

Because majority of the time, when a character is clueless, they've had some kind of memory loss. Either that or they're from another planet. But what are the odds of that?

EDIT: oh wait... I just remembered FFX

 

[SinHarvest24]

Fucking Epic, is the battle with Bahamut. Didn't get any time to play XIII yet hopefully i'll get some time off later this year.

 

[Goli]

The official site has been updated with new screenshots:

That one in particular is so pretty omg. It's New Bodhum by the way.

In this other one you can see Cocoon.
The crystalized lava looks so pretty
Plus, Famitsu has new screenshots, though most are old, they're just "new" because they're in Japanese, save for this one which IS new:

It shows Noel using Area Blast which I think was named Blitz in the English version.
Also, Impress Watch has yet another dev interview where they mention Noel being a more orthodox lead... Which could be good or bad depending on their definition of orthodox.