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Only 4 days after the official launch of Final Fantasy XIII in Japan, SquareEnix broke the Japanese PS3 sales record with 1,501,964 units sold according to Media Create. This is more than twice as many copies as the previous record holder, Metal Gear Solid 4 (MGS4), sold until today.
The release also boosted the sales of PS3s in Japan by 215.75%.
It seems like SquareEnix gave themselves a nice present for Christmas, as well as one for one and a half million Japanese people. Unfortunately everyone in Europe and America have to wait until the 9th of March for the release of the localized versions. Pre-ordering is highly recommended to anyone who wants the game within weeks after the release date.
The release also boosted the sales of PS3s in Japan by 215.75%.
It seems like SquareEnix gave themselves a nice present for Christmas, as well as one for one and a half million Japanese people. Unfortunately everyone in Europe and America have to wait until the 9th of March for the release of the localized versions. Pre-ordering is highly recommended to anyone who wants the game within weeks after the release date.
Source: joystiq
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep also appears in the last issue of the Shônen Jump, where a brand new world is shown: Disney Town. We will find here a really special Pete, Minnie, and also Huey, Dewey, and Louie. A multitude of mini-games will also be available in this world.
Kingdom hearts birth by sleep will be released in japan the 9th January, with its PSP collector.
Kingdom hearts birth by sleep will be released in japan the 9th January, with its PSP collector.
Source: finalfantasy.cc
UFFSite has images of the final European Final Fantasy XIII Boxart in all it's forms - 360 and PS3, Front and Back, Standard and Collector's Editions - and now you can take a gander.
They're not the greatest quality in the world - UFFSite will upload some better ones as soon as they can can get their hands on them. Check 'em out below, and click to make them bigger.
FF13 is out a month tomorrow in the US and Europe - and we highly advise you get your preorders in! Amazon has the Xbox 360 version here and the Playstation 3 version here. There's a Limited Edition Strategy Guide for collectors, too.
They're not the greatest quality in the world - UFFSite will upload some better ones as soon as they can can get their hands on them. Check 'em out below, and click to make them bigger.
FF13 is out a month tomorrow in the US and Europe - and we highly advise you get your preorders in! Amazon has the Xbox 360 version here and the Playstation 3 version here. There's a Limited Edition Strategy Guide for collectors, too.
Source: finalfantasyforums
Even though we reckon it will happen one day in the future (where there's money to be made...) there still seems to be no progress on a remake of Final Fantasy VII. And that's because of the visuals, believe it or not.
In an interview with Ultimania magazine, producer Yoshinori Kitase says that the reason there are no towns in Final Fantasy XIII is because they're tricky to create in HD.
Roughly translated quotes pulled from the mag have FFXIII devs saying, "It is a result of considering HD graphics will be the mainstream. Considering the amount of work to make graphics that deserve HD, it is hard to make towns in the conventional style.
"In the limited period of development time, to convey the the great story that deserves the name of Final Fantasy, and to convey the battles that entertain players enough, we condensed each element.
"It is very hard to make games on PlayStation 3 in the same style as the games in that era had. Making graphics will take enormous time."
In an interview with Ultimania magazine, producer Yoshinori Kitase says that the reason there are no towns in Final Fantasy XIII is because they're tricky to create in HD.
Roughly translated quotes pulled from the mag have FFXIII devs saying, "It is a result of considering HD graphics will be the mainstream. Considering the amount of work to make graphics that deserve HD, it is hard to make towns in the conventional style.
"In the limited period of development time, to convey the the great story that deserves the name of Final Fantasy, and to convey the battles that entertain players enough, we condensed each element.
"It is very hard to make games on PlayStation 3 in the same style as the games in that era had. Making graphics will take enormous time."
Source: CVG
Final Fantasy VIII was re-released this past autumn on the PlayStation Network in the US. Starting today, European/PAL gamers with a PS3 and/or PSP can get in on it as well.
Square-Enix seems to be working its way through its back catalogue at both ends, giving the iPhone the older games while reserving the higher profile Final Fantasy titles for itself. Final Fantasy VII has now slashed its way onto the PlayStation Network, so if you’re feeling nostalgic – or heaven forbid you missed it the first time round – you can play through the game all over again, which sees swashbuckling Squall Lionheart going up against an evil, time bending sorceress, with some stunning cut scenes thrown into the mix.
Final Fantasy VIII will run you €9.99 (~$14) - a tiny bit much for an 11 year-old game, we think, but such is life.
Square-Enix seems to be working its way through its back catalogue at both ends, giving the iPhone the older games while reserving the higher profile Final Fantasy titles for itself. Final Fantasy VII has now slashed its way onto the PlayStation Network, so if you’re feeling nostalgic – or heaven forbid you missed it the first time round – you can play through the game all over again, which sees swashbuckling Squall Lionheart going up against an evil, time bending sorceress, with some stunning cut scenes thrown into the mix.
Final Fantasy VIII will run you €9.99 (~$14) - a tiny bit much for an 11 year-old game, we think, but such is life.
Source: kotaku
In a keynote at the Montreal International Game Summit, Yoichi Wada, CEO and President of Square Enix, spoke to the possibility of Final Fantasy 'intellectual property (IP) being exhausted, specifically Final Fantasy XIII's compilation Fabula Nova Crystallis, and how Square Enix keep the Final Fantasy series as a whole from becoming exhausted.
"Too much IP use is not good." Wada stated, "Having memorable characters and back story is crucial to having a powerful IP."
Wada followed up with a statement referring to Mickey Mouse and how his character has not become exhausted, and people still see the character everywhere after over sixty years.
"As long as there is a world with enough content and story, players will feel comfortable being in the same world for extended periods of time." Wada emphasized the importance of having a very well written back story for the world of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series.
Wada stressed that because of the worlds of Final Fantasy, the series as a whole hasn't become exhausted yet, and still won't into the future of the series.
With the amount of focus Wada had placed on back story and given how long the game has been in development, it's probably safe to say the world of Final Fantasy XIII will be pretty immense.
"Too much IP use is not good." Wada stated, "Having memorable characters and back story is crucial to having a powerful IP."
Wada followed up with a statement referring to Mickey Mouse and how his character has not become exhausted, and people still see the character everywhere after over sixty years.
"As long as there is a world with enough content and story, players will feel comfortable being in the same world for extended periods of time." Wada emphasized the importance of having a very well written back story for the world of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series.
Wada stressed that because of the worlds of Final Fantasy, the series as a whole hasn't become exhausted yet, and still won't into the future of the series.
With the amount of focus Wada had placed on back story and given how long the game has been in development, it's probably safe to say the world of Final Fantasy XIII will be pretty immense.
Source: FinalFantasyUnion
There's good news for Final Fantasy XIII collectors, as well as traditionalists who like their books on paper. A retail listing for the Final Fantasy XIII Episode Zero Promise novel recently popped up in Amazon.co.jp database. Yes, the Final Fantasy prologue is getting a print edition.
Final Fantasy XIII Episode Zero Promise serves as a prologue to the events of the main FFXIII game. For the past month, Square Enix has been gradually releasing chapters from the novel at the FFXIII official site. The official site is currently up to the fourth chapter of the third volume. Just three more chapters remain.
The print version of the book is hardcover and sells for ¥1,470 at Amazon. Pre-orders are now being accepted at the retailer.
This will probably be a great way to prepare for FFXIII's December 17 release.
The book won't arrive until December 24. This will probably be a great way to learn more about FFXIII following its December 17 release.
In other FFXIII product news, a retail listing for a product titled "Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Master Guide" recently popped up. Published by Jump publisher Shueisha, this book will arrive on December 17 and will sell for ¥1,155. The content of the book is unknown at present, but the retail listing does flag it as a strategy guide.
Final Fantasy XIII Episode Zero Promise serves as a prologue to the events of the main FFXIII game. For the past month, Square Enix has been gradually releasing chapters from the novel at the FFXIII official site. The official site is currently up to the fourth chapter of the third volume. Just three more chapters remain.
The print version of the book is hardcover and sells for ¥1,470 at Amazon. Pre-orders are now being accepted at the retailer.
This will probably be a great way to prepare for FFXIII's December 17 release.
The book won't arrive until December 24. This will probably be a great way to learn more about FFXIII following its December 17 release.
In other FFXIII product news, a retail listing for a product titled "Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Master Guide" recently popped up. Published by Jump publisher Shueisha, this book will arrive on December 17 and will sell for ¥1,155. The content of the book is unknown at present, but the retail listing does flag it as a strategy guide.
Source: andriasang
The Final Fantasy XIII 360 back cover confirms that downloadable content exists. Although this is the 360 box, it would lead one to believe that the PS3 will inevitably get a slice of some DLC action.
The back of the 360 version reveals a “game content download” caption on it. The cover can be seen below.
The producer of the RPG Yoshinori Kitase recently spoke about future plans for DLC:
We initially had doubts to add extra content to the western version but then it would have taken the international version more months of delay. We did prepare a DLC but it will arrive a little later in the west.
Final Fantasy XIII is slated for a Western blockbuster release on March 9, 2010. The RPG is already out in Japan. Stay tuned in to PlayStation LifeStyle as we’ll keep you up to date regarding the DLC.
The back of the 360 version reveals a “game content download” caption on it. The cover can be seen below.
The producer of the RPG Yoshinori Kitase recently spoke about future plans for DLC:
We initially had doubts to add extra content to the western version but then it would have taken the international version more months of delay. We did prepare a DLC but it will arrive a little later in the west.
Final Fantasy XIII is slated for a Western blockbuster release on March 9, 2010. The RPG is already out in Japan. Stay tuned in to PlayStation LifeStyle as we’ll keep you up to date regarding the DLC.
Source: playstationlifestyle
Final Fantasy XIII will be hittin' stores in America and Europe on March, 9th 2010 as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
As we now, the Japanese will have their debut earlier at the end of this year on Dezember, 17th 2009. The game will be released on both PlayStation 3 and XBOX 360.
Quote from the press release:
"FINAL FANTASY XIII promises to be a huge event in the 2010 gaming calendar,” said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. “This is truly a landmark title, arriving simultaneously for multiple platforms for the first time in the history of the series. We are also immensely proud to be able to bring the game to the European and PAL audience much earlier than was publically anticipated.”
For more information visit www.finalfantasy13game.com
As we now, the Japanese will have their debut earlier at the end of this year on Dezember, 17th 2009. The game will be released on both PlayStation 3 and XBOX 360.
Quote from the press release:
"FINAL FANTASY XIII promises to be a huge event in the 2010 gaming calendar,” said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. “This is truly a landmark title, arriving simultaneously for multiple platforms for the first time in the history of the series. We are also immensely proud to be able to bring the game to the European and PAL audience much earlier than was publically anticipated.”
For more information visit www.finalfantasy13game.com
Source: gamesindustry
Despite Square Enix shipping one million copies of Final Fantasy XIII to retailers for todays release, some big stores such as amazon.co.jp already sold out their stock within just a few hours. The Limited Edition PS3 Bundle also seems to sell extremely well, with already being sold out both on amazon.co.jp as well as the English online store play-asia.com. In Shibuya, Tokyo, over 300 fans lined up in front of the Tsutaya store for the official pre-release at 7am local time today, to be the first ones to buy it.
Square Enix officials say they hope to sell as much as two million copies of the game in Japan alone, making it the first PS3 game to sell more than one million copies in Japan and thus also the most successful
Remember, the North American and European release date is March 9, 2010. If you wish to get a copy on that day, make sure to pre-order it, since it's very likely that it will also sell out very quickly.
Square Enix officials say they hope to sell as much as two million copies of the game in Japan alone, making it the first PS3 game to sell more than one million copies in Japan and thus also the most successful
Remember, the North American and European release date is March 9, 2010. If you wish to get a copy on that day, make sure to pre-order it, since it's very likely that it will also sell out very quickly.
Source: MCV
This weeks Shônen Jump revealed the world's name of Final Fantasy XIII: Grand Pulse. Grand is the right word, judging by the screenshots shown in the magazine. Past trailers have shown massive beasts roaming the fields, but you haven't seen anything yet! Some of the creatures tower like mountains above Lighting and party.
It's unclear if the heroes will have to face off in battle against the larger beasts. This would, honestly, be a bit difficult to imagine (unless Hope were on hand with Alexander!). Screens do so Lightning in combat with a mid-sized wild behemoth that's said to be many times more powerful than the type of creatures you'll find in Cocoon.
You'll also find some familiar FFXIII enemies in the Pulse world. Jump offers a look at the cactus-like Sabotender, known in the West as Cactuar. While having the same design as past Sabotenders, the Pulse Sabotender is huge -- many times larger than a standard-sized Sabotender. It appears that the smaller kind also appears in the game, and possibly in the same battle!
While down in Pulse, you'll end up visiting Yashias Mountain. Once home to a great civilization, all you'll find here now are a city in ruins and home to Shigai dens. The Shigai, you'll recall, are the ghostly creatures into which the l'Cie transform when they fail to fulfill their objective.
Pulse is home to a mission system. Scattered around the land, you'll find special obelisks. Speak to these, and you'll be able to take on missions. The missions give you rewards for taking out particular enemies. There appears to be a full gameplay system surrounding this, as screens show a mission briefing screen and graded rankings.
The obelisks fit into the story. The l'Cie, after becoming a Shigai, eventually are crystalized into the obelisks. That's presumably unless you kill them in battle. As always, Jump reveals tend to gloss over the details. It just so happens that Famitsu is promising a huge 19 spread in its next issue. Expect more details on Pulse and the mission system then.
It's unclear if the heroes will have to face off in battle against the larger beasts. This would, honestly, be a bit difficult to imagine (unless Hope were on hand with Alexander!). Screens do so Lightning in combat with a mid-sized wild behemoth that's said to be many times more powerful than the type of creatures you'll find in Cocoon.
You'll also find some familiar FFXIII enemies in the Pulse world. Jump offers a look at the cactus-like Sabotender, known in the West as Cactuar. While having the same design as past Sabotenders, the Pulse Sabotender is huge -- many times larger than a standard-sized Sabotender. It appears that the smaller kind also appears in the game, and possibly in the same battle!
While down in Pulse, you'll end up visiting Yashias Mountain. Once home to a great civilization, all you'll find here now are a city in ruins and home to Shigai dens. The Shigai, you'll recall, are the ghostly creatures into which the l'Cie transform when they fail to fulfill their objective.
Pulse is home to a mission system. Scattered around the land, you'll find special obelisks. Speak to these, and you'll be able to take on missions. The missions give you rewards for taking out particular enemies. There appears to be a full gameplay system surrounding this, as screens show a mission briefing screen and graded rankings.
The obelisks fit into the story. The l'Cie, after becoming a Shigai, eventually are crystalized into the obelisks. That's presumably unless you kill them in battle. As always, Jump reveals tend to gloss over the details. It just so happens that Famitsu is promising a huge 19 spread in its next issue. Expect more details on Pulse and the mission system then.
Source: andriasang
Square Enix launched today the official beta application site. The beta test application is currently only for the Windows version of the game. The beta application for PlayStation 3 will launch later, probably some month after the Windows tests.
To apply visit this website and fill in the form properly. You need to be at least 18 years old, in possess of a Square Enix ID and be able to report bugs in Japanese, English, french or German. Shouldn't be that difficult.
Apple and enjoy
To apply visit this website and fill in the form properly. You need to be at least 18 years old, in possess of a Square Enix ID and be able to report bugs in Japanese, English, french or German. Shouldn't be that difficult.
Apple and enjoy
Source: SquareJunkies
The European Website of Final Fantasy XIV has been updated today.
The "Disciples" sections shows new classes and pictures. Its tricky to find: click on "Menu" and than "Gameplay".
The new "Lifestyle" section explains more about crafting and synthesizing. They take as an example a simple cooking. As a reward you'll get Gil, what else.
The "Bestiary" has been updated with some more descriptions.
The "Disciples" sections shows new classes and pictures. Its tricky to find: click on "Menu" and than "Gameplay".
The new "Lifestyle" section explains more about crafting and synthesizing. They take as an example a simple cooking. As a reward you'll get Gil, what else.
The "Bestiary" has been updated with some more descriptions.
Source: SquareJunkies
Were you disappointed by Square Enix's much-hyped Final Fantasy XIII international version announcement trailer? Aside from some admittedly shocking news of an early overseas release date, there wasn't too much in the way of new footage there.
But new footage is on the way, and soon! Square Enix gave the FFXIII official site an update today.
The page, accessible under the Trailer section, is counting down to, presumably, the fourth and final trailer. It hits on Wednesday, the 25th. This is probably due to the release of Thursday's Famitsu. Also at the site is a section on Hope's summon Alexander and two new field areas: Nautilus and The Sunleth Waterscape. The latter name is the official name for the Cocoon natural preservation area whose Japanese name I've latinized in a variety of totally incorrect ways.
All known Summons can also be found at our Gallery.
There's also a new Poster around the Internet (see below). And finally, there has been rumors about the possible save point (see picture 3), it's actually a weather control device from the fal'Cie.
But new footage is on the way, and soon! Square Enix gave the FFXIII official site an update today.
The page, accessible under the Trailer section, is counting down to, presumably, the fourth and final trailer. It hits on Wednesday, the 25th. This is probably due to the release of Thursday's Famitsu. Also at the site is a section on Hope's summon Alexander and two new field areas: Nautilus and The Sunleth Waterscape. The latter name is the official name for the Cocoon natural preservation area whose Japanese name I've latinized in a variety of totally incorrect ways.
All known Summons can also be found at our Gallery.
There's also a new Poster around the Internet (see below). And finally, there has been rumors about the possible save point (see picture 3), it's actually a weather control device from the fal'Cie.
Source: andriasang
Sony and Square Enix just announced for the 9th January 2010 the release of a special PSP-3000 Bundle for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, at the price of 22000 yens (245 $). The Bundle will include the game and a special themed PSP.
The official website has been updated for that occasion: You will discover the PSP under the "SPECIAL" section. The "WORLD" section (fly to "Enchanted Dominion" or "Land of Departure") has also been updated.
Visit website
The official website has been updated for that occasion: You will discover the PSP under the "SPECIAL" section. The "WORLD" section (fly to "Enchanted Dominion" or "Land of Departure") has also been updated.
Visit website
Source: SquareJunkies
The demo of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord is now available at Wii Shop Channel for free!
Step into the fashionable, yet deadly shoes of the Darklord, a malevolent miss charged with dispatching intruding do-gooders by strategically placing traps and monsters within the tower she calls home.
A perfect opportunity for Holiday shoppers who want to check out the latest entry in the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series! Newcomers who want to try a hand at world domination and fans alike can enjoy a slice of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord with this demo release.
Visit website
Step into the fashionable, yet deadly shoes of the Darklord, a malevolent miss charged with dispatching intruding do-gooders by strategically placing traps and monsters within the tower she calls home.
A perfect opportunity for Holiday shoppers who want to check out the latest entry in the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series! Newcomers who want to try a hand at world domination and fans alike can enjoy a slice of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord with this demo release.
Visit website
Source: Square Enix Press Release
The latest Shonen Jump features a spread about Final Fantasy XIII, complete with new visuals of monsters and environments. With the release date set for December 17th, it's almost surprising it's just one spread, but then again Shonen Jump isn't the only magazine in Japan.
On the right-hand side of the spread is an enormous dinosaur-like monster that literally towers over Lightning and company. The dino is likely the largest creature in Final Fantasy to-date, if not one of the largest. Nevertheless it's unclear if you can actually fight the monster, or run up to it in-game. There is also a large Cactuar, and what appears to be a behemoth, much like the supposed behemoth on the highway in the original Final Fantasy XIII trailers.
The left-hand side of the spread features a few new environment shots, as well as Lightning's party. The environments are mostly wide shots, showing off some deep valleys and high bridges and towers. In the center Lightning appears to be dashing towards a plant, but it's also unclear if the plant is actually some sort of enemy.
There are also New Information from the V Jump, showing some more giant creatures and more details about the Final Fantasy XIII PS3 Bundle. You'll also find some more Ads showcases from Japan.
On the right-hand side of the spread is an enormous dinosaur-like monster that literally towers over Lightning and company. The dino is likely the largest creature in Final Fantasy to-date, if not one of the largest. Nevertheless it's unclear if you can actually fight the monster, or run up to it in-game. There is also a large Cactuar, and what appears to be a behemoth, much like the supposed behemoth on the highway in the original Final Fantasy XIII trailers.
The left-hand side of the spread features a few new environment shots, as well as Lightning's party. The environments are mostly wide shots, showing off some deep valleys and high bridges and towers. In the center Lightning appears to be dashing towards a plant, but it's also unclear if the plant is actually some sort of enemy.
There are also New Information from the V Jump, showing some more giant creatures and more details about the Final Fantasy XIII PS3 Bundle. You'll also find some more Ads showcases from Japan.
Source: FinalFantasyUnion
Square Enix will be doing the cinematic cutscenes for the game Deus Ex 3 by Eidos Montreal. This will be the first concrete cooperation between Eidos and Square Enix since Square Enix bought Eidos in April this year. The Square Enix team seems to be so excited about this new challenge that they even want to do the cinematics for Thief 4 too.
The expertise of the Square Enix staff to create amazing looking CGI cinematics should certainly add some eye candy to those Eidos games. Deus Ex 3 is to be released some time in 2010.
The expertise of the Square Enix staff to create amazing looking CGI cinematics should certainly add some eye candy to those Eidos games. Deus Ex 3 is to be released some time in 2010.
Source: edge-online
Just two weeks behind our schedule we finally hit our official Beta release for SquareJunkies.com. So take a break from reading this and sign up for an account! Don't forget to read the rest, though.
Some of you might ask yourselves, what this site is about anyway. We are building this website, to provide fans of Squaresoft, which now is SquareEnix, with a platform to discuss their favorite games, get their latest news, read about upcoming game releases and browse in our database. It's a great place to talk with like-minded people using our forums or our superior messaging system, which allows you to have private discussions with your friends.
Since our site is still very new, we're also looking for SquareEnix enthusiasts who would like to become a part of our team as a forum moderator, a news poster or someone who keeps our database up to date. Since we aim to become multilingual, supporting at least English and German and ideally also Japanese, if you're fluent in any of those two it would be a huge plus for us, if you joined our team.
Please be aware, that since we are still in Beta, there might be some flaws on the site here and there, should you encounter any of those, please do report them in the feedback and support section of our forums. That's also the place to give us general feedback about the site, we'd love to hear it!
Please share this website with your friends, to help this website become the amazing website we wanted to create.
Your SquareJunkies.com Team
Some of you might ask yourselves, what this site is about anyway. We are building this website, to provide fans of Squaresoft, which now is SquareEnix, with a platform to discuss their favorite games, get their latest news, read about upcoming game releases and browse in our database. It's a great place to talk with like-minded people using our forums or our superior messaging system, which allows you to have private discussions with your friends.
Since our site is still very new, we're also looking for SquareEnix enthusiasts who would like to become a part of our team as a forum moderator, a news poster or someone who keeps our database up to date. Since we aim to become multilingual, supporting at least English and German and ideally also Japanese, if you're fluent in any of those two it would be a huge plus for us, if you joined our team.
Please be aware, that since we are still in Beta, there might be some flaws on the site here and there, should you encounter any of those, please do report them in the feedback and support section of our forums. That's also the place to give us general feedback about the site, we'd love to hear it!
Please share this website with your friends, to help this website become the amazing website we wanted to create.
Your SquareJunkies.com Team
Jonas 'ojii' Obrist - Technical Administration
Angelo 'FinalAngel' Dini - Concept & Design
Angelo 'FinalAngel' Dini - Concept & Design
Source: SquareJunkies
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