VGLeaks: FF Versus 13 = FF15 And Is PS4 Exclusive

Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
912
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I saw this when looking at the Durango stuff, and since I've been waiting on Versus XIII for awhile, I thought it might be worth speculating.

http://www.vgleaks.com/final-fantasy-xv-will-be-exclusive-on-ps4/

Square-Enix has had problems in the current gen, I suspect that the company couldn’t adapt Final Fantasy and other IPs to the HD era. Moreover, the first version of FF14 was a downfall, this game forced to stop the development of other games to focus in the rebuild of FF14. Really it’s like a new game.

Square-Enix announced Final Fantasy Versus XIII years ago and the game was lost in the limbo. Square decided to halt Versus PS3 development two years ago, but the RPG wasn’t cancelled, why? Two years ago, Square-Enix moved the game to PS4 and Sony got in the project.

Actually Sony is co-developing the game with Square-Enix, therefore, this game will be exclusive on PS4.

Square-Enix renamed Versus to FF15 in the middle of this process. Sony’s studios are helping SE with FF15 assets among other tasks.

We hinted this PS4 exclusive one month ago, but we couldn’t speak freely about this topic. Now, it’s all that we can say.

Thoughts? Is this what Square told us to wait until E3 for?
 
Oct 25, 2006
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Well, my only hope is that this game at least forces to break SE away from the turd that is the FF13 series.
 

ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
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That's pretty ballsy of SE considering how bad FF13 was. You'd think they'd want it on as many systems as possible to spread the terribad out.
 

Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
912
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That's pretty ballsy of SE considering how bad FF13 was. You'd think they'd want it on as many systems as possible to spread the terribad out.

The thing is that Versus XIII looks almost nothing like FF13. It only had the similar name because it's supposedly in the same Fabula Nova Crystallis universe.
 

dagamer34

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2005
2,591
0
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That's pretty ballsy of SE considering how bad FF13 was. You'd think they'd want it on as many systems as possible to spread the terribad out.

The game has pretty much been in development hell for the last few years considering it was announced 7 YEARS ago. The game was always going to be a console exclusive anyway, but it's no longer a system seller at this point. However, sticking the game on the PS4 would sell quite a number of PS4s, even if the game doesn't come out for another year.
 

Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
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The game has pretty much been in development hell for the last few years considering it was announced 7 YEARS ago. The game was always going to be a console exclusive anyway, but it's no longer a system seller at this point. However, sticking the game on the PS4 would sell quite a number of PS4s, even if the game doesn't come out for another year.

The article does state that the game's development switched to the PS4 about two years ago, which might allow the game to be released on the PS4 at launch ...or perhaps, to steal Nintendo's terminology, it could be a "launch window" game. :p
 

Cuda1447

Lifer
Jul 26, 2002
11,757
0
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The FF series hasn't been good in a LONG time. And that makes me sad. I used to really like those games.
 
Oct 20, 2005
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I saw this when looking at the Durango stuff, and since I've been waiting on Versus XIII for awhile, I thought it might be worth speculating.

http://www.vgleaks.com/final-fantasy-xv-will-be-exclusive-on-ps4/



Thoughts? Is this what Square told us to wait until E3 for?

Interesting. Been watching for VS. XIII for a few years now as well. I actually thought XIII was decent. Still have XIII-2 sitting on my shelf.

Vs. XIII looks totally different though, a lot darker. Either way, I can wait since there are a few JRPGs coming out or are out that I can fill the time w/.
 
Mar 11, 2004
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The article does state that the game's development switched to the PS4 about two years ago, which might allow the game to be released on the PS4 at launch ...or perhaps, to steal Nintendo's terminology, it could be a "launch window" game. :p

Yeah, plus they've got Sony helping and while not sure who on their side got involved they've got some very talented very helpful devs on their side. Its another reason why I think the PS4 might be the best console this next time as Microsoft seems to be rubbing developers (and everyone else really) the wrong way any more.

I don't really have much interest in this game, I never really cared all that much about FF (Tactics, then VI/III were really the only ones I played much at all), and the series has become pretty much a joke, but it'd be nice to see Square get back on track (I'd love a new Tactics). Sounds like they're struggling with technical issues these days, so maybe they should consider smaller games more in style of their old stuff. Not just remakes and re-releases/updates but actual new games.
 
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Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
912
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Man, what happened to the final fantasy series? I rember when i used to get so excited waiting for whatever was next.

Honestly, I think it just comes down to an issue with the story, the characters or both. Whenever I see people try to segment JRPGs from WRPGs, it always comes down to how JRPGs are more about telling a story (you're the silent observer) versus living a story (you're the main person). So, if the story or the characters aren't that interesting or are simply a turn-off, then the game just isn't very appealing. My favorite example of this is Mistwalker's first XBOX 360 RPG, Blue Dragon. That game had a star-studded team filled with a veritable who's who of JRPG development, but the story was boring and the characters are mostly forgettable. I'm probably the only person that will admit that he got turned off of Ni no Kuni the more he played. The characters are just so boring and two dimensional. I've seen this a lot more in anime, but other times... characters are just not that heroic. Who wants to deal with a wussy character or one that's just too dramatic? Look at Final Fantasy X, you had Yuna as a relatively strong-willed character and Tidus was a whiny little putz.

EDIT:

Yeah, plus they've got Sony helping and while not sure who on their side got involved they've got some very talented very helpful devs on their side. Its another reason why I think the PS4 might be the best console this next time as Microsoft seems to be rubbing developers (and everyone else really) the wrong way any more.

I'm curious if the point of Sony working closely with Square is to help pull in more American gamers. The Japanese market is somewhat of a tough nut for Microsoft to crack, so Sony doesn't have too much to worry about there. However, they'd love to gain ground in the United States. Although, I wonder if there are better games to do that with than Final Fantasy?
 
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Sulaco

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2003
3,825
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I think part of the problem has been the recent domination and usurpation of the JRPG genre by the Western RPG in the general marketplace. Bethesda RPGs like Elder Scrolls and Fall Out, and other open-world/open-choice WRPGs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, etc, have shifted a great deal of the market towards the WRPG style.
With recent FFs being about as linear as humanly imaginable, both in dialogue, character choices, and exploration, I think it's to be expected.

That, and the fact that the recent FFs have been LESS than inspiring, and XIII was simply atrocious as far as actual gameplay is concerned.

What SE thought it was doing in removing battle tactics, any semblance of exploration, and character customization is baffling to me, essentially dumbing it down, since the market has clearly shown at least in the case of WRPGs, games with open ended exploration and customization sell great.
 

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
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The main character in one of the most loved RPGs of all time doesnt say a word for the entire game... Doesn't get any more one dimensional than that.





And that game is...













Chrono Trigger!
 
Mar 11, 2004
23,285
5,724
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Honestly, I think it just comes down to an issue with the story, the characters or both. Whenever I see people try to segment JRPGs from WRPGs, it always comes down to how JRPGs are more about telling a story (you're the silent observer) versus living a story (you're the main person). So, if the story or the characters aren't that interesting or are simply a turn-off, then the game just isn't very appealing. My favorite example of this is Mistwalker's first XBOX 360 RPG, Blue Dragon. That game had a star-studded team filled with a veritable who's who of JRPG development, but the story was boring and the characters are mostly forgettable. I'm probably the only person that will admit that he got turned off of Ni no Kuni the more he played. The characters are just so boring and two dimensional. I've seen this a lot more in anime, but other times... characters are just not that heroic. Who wants to deal with a wussy character or one that's just too dramatic? Look at Final Fantasy X, you had Yuna as a relatively strong-willed character and Tidus was a whiny little putz.

EDIT:



I'm curious if the point of Sony working closely with Square is to help pull in more American gamers. The Japanese market is somewhat of a tough nut for Microsoft to crack, so Sony doesn't have too much to worry about there. However, they'd love to gain ground in the United States. Although, I wonder if there are better games to do that with than Final Fantasy?

I think FF still carries quite a bit of cachet, its just the last few ones have not been that good. FF was a big draw of the original Playstation and even X was a decent draw for the PS2.

I think it was likely a mutual benefit kind of deal. Square needed help, and Sony could use a big name game for at or near the launch of their new system (well hopefully another big name game).

I think its a low risk high reward for Sony, as I'm sure they'd love for Square to become big again, and it could win them some favor from SquareEnix.
 

dighn

Lifer
Aug 12, 2001
22,820
4
81
I think part of the problem has been the recent domination and usurpation of the JRPG genre by the Western RPG in the general marketplace. Bethesda RPGs like Elder Scrolls and Fall Out, and other open-world/open-choice WRPGs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, etc, have shifted a great deal of the market towards the WRPG style.
With recent FFs being about as linear as humanly imaginable, both in dialogue, character choices, and exploration, I think it's to be expected.

That, and the fact that the recent FFs have been LESS than inspiring, and XIII was simply atrocious as far as actual gameplay is concerned.

What SE thought it was doing in removing battle tactics, any semblance of exploration, and character customization is baffling to me, essentially dumbing it down, since the market has clearly shown at least in the case of WRPGs, games with open ended exploration and customization sell great.

Linear does not automatically mean inferior; for the choices you give up, you get more powerful storytelling (potentially). The problem is that the stories and characters are just bad and not compelling, negating that advantage.
 

Sulaco

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2003
3,825
44
91
Linear does not automatically mean inferior; for the choices you give up, you get more powerful storytelling (potentially). The problem is that the stories and characters are just bad and not compelling, negating that advantage.

I didn't mean linearity in regards to story telling or plot progression. That has always been more linear than western counterparts, but is not in and of itself a drawback.

I'm talking about linearity in movement and exploration. To me, that's inexcusable. Since the 16 bit days, I've been able to hop in my airship/land speeder/chocobo/etc and explore any part of the world I could reach, and visit any town, and talk to anybody. Even do sidequests.
Sure, the story wouldn't advance, but at least I wasn't funneled down a long, narrow corridor to have my battles fought for me.
 

alcoholbob

Diamond Member
May 24, 2005
6,317
366
126
Hopefully the people who pre-ordered ages ago don't end up finding a PS4 game at their doorstep...rage ensues.
 

ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
14,946
1,077
126
Dumb question, but I see on amazon they have some new expansion for pre-order for FF11 for PC?? Is this really new? I thought FF11 was over?
 
Oct 25, 2006
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Dumb question, but I see on amazon they have some new expansion for pre-order for FF11 for PC?? Is this really new? I thought FF11 was over?

Its been well supported ever since it came out. Currently, its mostly a casualfest, with the massive amounts of ways of getting exp, but it was still an amazingly well supported game.
 

clok1966

Golden Member
Jul 6, 2004
1,395
13
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The FF series hasn't been good in a LONG time. And that makes me sad. I used to really like those games.

pretty hard to make a game with more cut scenes then game-play, 12 year old kids that WHINE NON STOP into something people want to play. not to mention .. 13-15 in the series.. I know we all love to eat the same crap over an over.. but sometimes its time to change it up, give us somebody else to learn about..

JRPG where a breath of fresh air in the 80's and early 90's over the number crunching beat the bad guy with limited story we had.. but 16 year old hero's, underage girls with boobs bigger then Dolly Parton and even bigger eyes, swords nobody could lift without help, some half cat/wiz/child thing to bring a EWOK cute into the game.. is just 100% wore out..

JRPG art style has not changed in 40 years.. big boobs, big swords, big eyes, hard to tell if male or female men.. spikey hair.. Not to mention.. every party is .. Male spiky hear lead, Big guy, slightly stupid but heart of gold, female lead,and most likley 2 young kids (12-14 ish?) who whine NON STOP, some comedy relief character and some furry thing..


in the end.. I will buy it.. if the HALO kids can buy that same game over.. i guess i can by my JRPG's over an over too.
 

Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
912
126
pretty hard to make a game with more cut scenes then game-play

Are we talking Final Fantasy or Metal Gear Solid? :p

JRPG art style has not changed in 40 years.. big boobs, big swords, big eyes, hard to tell if male or female men.. spikey hair.. Not to mention.. every party is .. Male spiky hear lead, Big guy, slightly stupid but heart of gold, female lead,and most likley 2 young kids (12-14 ish?) who whine NON STOP, some comedy relief character and some furry thing..

JRPG art tends to be very similar to anime art. Although, I think that there's been a bit of a push away from the top-heavy heroines. :p I also can't stand whiny main characters. I want my heroes to be heroes not wusses! I've also seen Hollywood fail to grasp that at times (i.e. the Green Lantern movie).
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
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Are we talking Final Fantasy or Metal Gear Solid? :p
Final Fantasy started it! Metal Gear Solid didn't have that many cutscenes, and IIRC it was all in engine. FF7 however...

JRPG art tends to be very similar to anime art. Although, I think that there's been a bit of a push away from the top-heavy heroines. :p I also can't stand whiny main characters. I want my heroes to be heroes not wusses! I've also seen Hollywood fail to grasp that at times (i.e. the Green Lantern movie).

The problem is they take these stereotypical character roles to the extreme. I hate kids in pretty much anything. They are kids. They don't belong in any quest group unless the goal is to make it to Chuck E Cheese's. Also, the comic relief characters are just awful. They aren't funny and are just clownish. Anime has much better examples: see Kuwabara in YuYu Hakusho, prefect blend of comic relief and qualities you want in a character. Sadly, before Lost Odyssey I hadn't played a good JRPG since Wild Arms 2 and that game had its big shortcomings.