Press start to continue: FF13 – breakthrough or bust?
For everyone who’s new to “Press start to continue”. This is a short article designed to spark some imaginative and intelligent video game discussion. Read through the article, pick out what you like and what you don’t like, do some research, than click on the “Start” link below and speak your mind. We’re all gamers here and we all want to know what you have to say. Fan boy’s beware, be prepared to defend your honor. So let the games begin.
Ever since 2006 Final Fantasy fans have been patiently awaiting every shred of news from Square Enix about their new masterpiece, Final Fantasy 13. Well, its 2009 now and we still hang on Square Enix’s every word. only minor details are being released, but allot can be said already about the new Final Fantasy.
Lets just stick with the topic at hand though. Will this game be a breakthrough, or will it be a bust? First, lets take a look at the breakthrough’s.
First and foremost, the graphics. beautiful, stunning, fantastic, awe-inspiring. The graphics for FF13 is said to be top notch. It’s not really too far fetched of an idea, considering any Final Fantasy game has at least attempted to be graphically superior to most other games of its era for its console. Take a look back at Final Fantasy X, for its early PS2 era, it was on top of its game as far as graphics. FF13 is supposedly pushing the PS3’s processing power pretty hard, so we should expect some great results.
Next up, the gameplay. new, inventive, extraordinary. Supposedly, the turn based RPG system is out. A new form of Advent Children action system, compared to an amped up hack and slash game, is the alleged new style of Final Fantasy. This is not something new for Final Fantasy. “Every time we release a new game we try to make its own game design. We don’t try to make it close to the previous one. So we are trying to make a new design.” says Kitase of Square Enix.
Finally, what is this going to lead to for Square Enix? Advanced graphics, wonderful new gameplay, what does this mean the next step will be for Square Enix’s prodigal child, Final Fantasy. All signs are a go for pushing the boundaries of video games. Thumbs up Square Enix.
Now lets take a look at how FF13 could end up being a bust.
Why release it on the 360? The Final Fantasy series has been a Sony Exclusive as far back as FF7. According to Hashimoto of Square Enix, they want to spread Final Fantasy to a larger fan base. While this is a noble ideal, the work that is required to port the game to 360, as well as release it on PS3, till drag out the development and make the fans wait even longer. Not to mention there are a ton of FF fanboys and PS3 fanboys who are getting really hot headed about having to share their JRPG baby with the “evil” XBOX 360
How the gameplay could deplete the audience. This new style of gameplay in an RPG is supposed to be revolutionary. Supposed to be. Square Enix has been pushing thier Final Fantasy games more and more towards the MMORPG style of play. FF12 basically is designed with an MMORPG feel, but look at how well it sold compared to say FF7. Of course there are still people who play the Final Fantasy MMO, FF11, but when the general public hears MMO, they immediately think World of Warcraft, not Final Fantasy. This new “action MMO” gameplay style could be the downfall of this new Final Fantasy.
More than one FF13? Every Final Fantasy game is one you have to dedicate a good chuck of your spare time to if you ever want to complete it. This is pretty much common fact about any Final Fantasy. FF13 is taking a bold move releasing two separate versions of FF13; FF13, and FF13 – versus. While taking place in similar universes, these two games seem to have little to nothing to do with one another, but are somehow connected. It’s like day and night, literally. Now isn’t it bad enough that an average gamer will spend 70+ hours on a single FF game? But they’re releasing two games? Of course the diehard fans are going to have a wet dream about the extensive content, but what about the less enthused audiences?
So, there you have it. The good and the bad of Final Fantasy 13 in a nutshell. So scroll down, and you know what to do.
Source: Gamezone, Gamingvice, Youtube
- Edited by Rusty
I really like the Final Fantasy Series. Thank you for all the info. I am so anxious for this game.