Final Fantasy XIII NA Site Opens, New Trailer
The countdown to the North American and European sites for Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIII have just ended, and the result is a new, never before seen trailer, exclusively created for the web sites.
In this trailer, we are given the first official look at the voice acting for the characters (still Japanese with subtitles), along with actual gameplay footage; Having a closer resemblance to Final Fantasy X-2’s fast-paced battles, with a lot more emphasis on combos and aerial juggling, the new battle system will no doubt be as entertaining to play as it is to watch.
In addition, new story elements (and unpronounceable terms) can be uncovered throughout the trailer, including the first look at some never before seen characters who join Lightning’s party, although it’s unknown yet if they will be permanent party members or temporary ones. Unfortunately, an official release date is still shrouded in mystery, as the final message in the trailer lists it as “In Production”.
The NA website hosts the smallest window for its trailer (a full screen option is available, but with a decrease in quality), while the EU homepage has a much bigger display. Unsurprisingly, Japan’s homepage hosts the largest and overall best looking version of the trailer (without subs) available, although it’s been hinted by Square Enix that the trailer may become a downloadable video on PlayStation 3’s PSN store, perhaps included with tomorrow’s weekly update.
Regardless, let’s all hope that this is just the beginning of an upcoming surge of new information (and hopefully a release date that puts it at 2009). After all, everybody knows that Lightning strikes twice.
Source: NA Final Fantasy XIII Site
I think it’s already been confirmed that XIII will NOT be released in the U.S. and Europe in ‘09… so don’t get your hopes up. Fall/winter ‘09 looks like a definite Japanese release though.
I’ve learned that with Square Enix, it’s NEVER set in stone unless the date is written down and displayed for everyone to see. And even then, it’s still highly debatable (simultaneous worldwide release for Advent Children? Awesome!).
I can’t wait to play this. Heck, I can’t wait to see and hear more about FFXIII. I just hope it can live up to the anticipation.