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Best of the Rest: Susan's picks of 2014
ATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris. Framed Framed is so elegant and simple that it needs not a single word to teach you how to play. If you understand the basic function of the panels in a comic book and are able to poke things with your finger, you will swiftly understand the basics of how to make things happen in this brilliant mobile game. Arrange the panels one way, and your spy makes a daring escape from the police; position them another way, and he emerges from the wrong door right into the hands of the law. From the very first level, which uses just two panels to illustrate how switching the order of the comic can change the outcome of its events, Framed builds on its simplicity, adding more panels, directionality and timing to create more complex puzzles in its stylish spy-vs-spy thriller. Each page of the comic is a puzzle complete unto itself, making Framed perfectly designed for short bursts of inspiration, or restricted play time. It's one of those games that's so damn clever, you wish you'd thought it up yourself.
Best of the Rest: Anthony's picks of 2014
ATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Unlike a surprising number of vocal individuals on the Internet, I happened to like Final Fantasy XIII. Its world of cruel, mercurial gods and long, fashionable coats worked for me despite some miserable pacing and some truly unlikable characters. (Why would anyone try to save Serah or help Snow? They're insufferable.) I didn't love it, though. I honestly thought that I'd finally grown out of Final Fantasy's style of drama. And then came Lightning Returns, the best game to come out of Square's internal Japanese studios since 2006. Everything about Lightning Returns clicked for me. The weird costume design was leveraged to make a speedy, delectable battle system that rarely emphasizes level grinding over skill and strategy. Manipulating the passage of time while sticking to the game's ceaselessly diminishing clock before the world literally ends never feels cumbersome or stressful as in other time management games, it only adds to the driven feeling that fuels the story. And what a story. Lightning Returns trades mewling melodrama for a tale about a post-death world. When everyone lives forever, when nothing changes, what matters? The wooden Lightning of past games instead becomes a powerful point-of-view character for the player, an anchor for our questions about this fantasy world works and what's at stake. Square hasn't made a game this powerful or weird in years, and part of me wishes this was the only Final Fantasy XIII in existence.
Final Fantasy 13 trilogy heading to PC starting next month
PC versions of the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy were confirmed by Square Enix today, with the first game due to launch on October 9. Hints that the series was destined for PC surfaced earlier this week when Steam logos were spotted on Square Enix's official site for the games. Final Fantasy 13 will cost $16, and will be available through Square Enix's online store and Steam. Prices for the other two games in the series have not been announced. Those pre-ordering the game through Steam will receive a 10 percent discount ($14.39). Steam users will also have access to a set of unlockable Steam Trading Cards. The trilogy began in 2010 with Final Fantasy 13 followed by its sequels, Final Fantasy 13-2 in 2012 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 in February. Square Enix said it shipped over 11 million copies of the games in the trilogy worldwide to date. [Image: Square Enix]
Final Fantasy 13's new portal page has a Steam logo
In suspiciously timed news, Square Enix launched a new portal page for the Final Fantasy 13 saga that conspicuously features the Steam logo. The site, launched today, features the Steam image next to logos for already confirmed platforms. FF13, FF13-2 and Lightning Returns all initially released on Xbox 360 and PS3, and the trio are also coming to Japan's Dive In mobile streaming app, as announced last week. So is Lightning about to strike thrice one more time? Square Enix's not announced any PC ports of the JRPG trilogy so take all this with a pinch of salt. That said, the publisher does seem to have a few things up its sleeve for the Tokyo Game Show, which begins tomorrow. Also, earlier this year, Final Fantasy producer Yoshinori Kitase told Eurogamer he was "definitely interested" in pursuing PC versions for future games, and he also touched on why the FF13 saga didn't come to PC in the first place.
Square Enix back to school sale is counterproductive to studying
Like the inevitable return of Final Fantasy 10's Sin, the first day of school is descending upon students, threatening all known joy and their tireless quest to save the world take a break from the books. You're not even safe until your first class either, because Square Enix has a pop quiz for you: What better way to prepare for the textbooks you'll never read than stocking up on adventures and time-intensive RPGs? The publisher's online store is offering discounts for reasons to procrastinate on homework, with potential savings increasing depending on how many games are purchased. Buying one game is matched with a 20 percent discount, two games earns 30 percent, and three or more reward shoppers with 50 percent off. Not everything in the store is fair game – the related press release lists "pre-orders, new releases, merchandise and soundtracks" as exceptions – but it does include Drakengard 3, Final Fantasy X/X2 HD Remaster, Thief and Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. Older selections are applicable as well, including Just Cause 2 and Final Fantasy 12, but it all depends on you beating other shoppers to the punch before supplies run out. Square Enix's sale is a decent chance to save on games you might have missed, but remember: You can't limit break your way through a stumbling GPA. [Image: Square Enix]
Amazon Gold Box Event discounts South Park, Lightning Returns, more
Brobdingnagian online retailer Amazon has kicked off another all-day Gold Box Event, bringing discounts to games like South Park: The Stick of Truth, Thief, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 and the Android-powered Ouya console. South Park: The Stick of Truth is today's Deal of the Day . Normally priced at $60, during the Event, South Park has been discounted by 28 percent to $43. Appropriately, the PlayStation 3 incarnation of Lightning Returns is one of the site's timed Lightning Deals. It goes on sale at 10AM PST, at which time its price will fall by 33 percent. Thief on PS4 is another Lightning Deal. It goes on sale at 2PM PST, though Amazon has yet to reveal the game's momentary new price. Rounding out this sales extravaganza is the Ouya, which serves as today's Bonus Deal. Instead of the console's standard $100 price tag, the device has been slapped with a 30 percent discount, reducing the cost of ownership to $70. For more details on this sale and the other non-gaming items up for cheap purchase, pay a visit to Amazon's Gold Box page. [Image: Square Enix]
Lightning Returns, bearing prizes for fan art competition winners
Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy series character designer Tetsuya Nomura has chosen three grand prize finalists for a fan art competition. The competition was organized by Square Enix and DeviantArt to celebrate the recent release of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13, and was the first time Nomura, who designed Final Fantasy 13 heroine Lightning, has acted has a judge. The winners, in no particular order, are Marga Donaire, Nicolas Barge and Randis Albion - or KarmaLizzard, ArisT0te and randis, as they're respectively known on DeviantArt. The three winners will receive an original sketch from Nomura, $1,000, a keychain, a shirt, a custom Xbox 360 and controller, and the complete Final Fantasy 13 trilogy. Each winner will also be the header image at the top of DeviantArt for a day. More than 4,000 creations were entered in the competition, which garnered more than 1.5 million views. We've included a smaller resolution of Donaire's piece, "Wilhelmina" at the top of this article, but you can see the full-resolution image, along with the other two winners, by checking out the gallery below. You can also check out the official DeviantArt contest page to see the rest of the entries. [Image: Marga Donaire]
Lightning Returns with Japanese voice overs and Moogle costume DLC
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 received a few new pieces of downloadable content today, one of which is the previously-revealed Japanese voice pack. Announced in November 2013, the voice pack costs $3.99 (£3.19/3.99 euros) and adds lip-syncing adjustments to match the game's Japanese voice overs. Additionally, players can pick up three new sets of costumes and equipment, each set available for $3.99 (£3.19/3.99 euros). The three pieces of DLC – dubbed Ultimate Savior, Moogle Lover and Divine Wear – include a weapon, shield, adornment and garb. Players can buy all three in the premium collection pack for $9.99 (£7.99/9.99 euros), and can also pick up five new Lightning Returns themes on PS3 for $1.99 (£1.19/1.49 euros) and avatar items on Xbox 360 for $3.99 (£3.19/3.99 euros). [Image: Square Enix]
Square Enix producer Kitase on Lightning Returns reviews, HD remasters, and that FF7 tech demo
Lightning Returns brought an end to what's been - relative to the series' high standards and typically universal acclaim - a divisive trilogy of games. While we enjoyed the final fantasy in Lightning's saga, other reviewers were happy enough to say so long to the rosy-haired heroine. When I spoke with series producer Yoshinori Kitase days after the game launched, I asked if he'd had a chance to read the reviews, and what he thought of them. "Yes I have scanned through more or less all the reviews, as well as user feedback available on the Internet," Kitase said, through a translator "I wasn't really shocked. There are negative reviews and positive reviews, it's a real mixture. When I started making this game I took on very new challenges, so in a way I had anticipated that there would be mixed opinions, so this is more or less what we had anticipated." Kitase, a Square Enix veteran of some 24 years, also argued the game might leave some with a negative impression at first, but as you play it the whole way through, your mind might change. For a second I wondered if we'd gone back in time to 2010, and Kitase was talking about the ever-so-slow introduction that put some players off Final Fantasy 13. "In a normal process where we make numbered Final Fantasy games, it takes at least two or three years, [and it's] quite a long turnaround," Kitase pointed out, referring to the much shorter cycle that saw three FF13 games released in just under four years. "In the space of three years, lots of things can [change] quite dramatically," he added. "The market situation, user trends, users' preferences, everything can change. So we've always taken feedback both from media and users on board, and when we want to reflect those views on the next project, in the space of three years, the situation might be completely different. The changes we've affected or implemented as a result of this feedback may not mean very much in three years' time, because of the long cycle."
Lego Movie Videogame is the new UK No. 1, Lightning Returns in third
We expected Lightning Returns to take Final Fantasy back to the top in this week's UK charts, but we hadn't counted on a blockbuster start for the Lego Movie Videogame. The film debuted across the country last week, after stacking up a $69 million opening weekend in North America. Enough of that yellow fever spread from big screens to smaller screens in the UK, with 15,000 more copies sold than a discounted Call of Duty: Ghosts in second place. Last week's chart leader, FIFA 14, turfed off down to fourth. That means the final game in Lightning's saga failed to take top spot, having to settle for an apt third place. For the record, there is some symmetry here: Final Fantasy 13-2 arrived in second place back in 2012, while Final Fantasy 13 itself debuted as a No. 1 game in 2010.
Joystiq Weekly: Titanfall, The Last of Us DLC and Mario Kart 8 rivals
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. Did you see that the Koopalings are going to be new characters targets in Mario Kart 8? The Koopalings, the brats responsible for loads of deaths dealt to Mario and Luigi with lava, twirling hoops and rings of death from magic wands? Yup, we've got new rivals. You're annoying, Baby Mario, but you haven't stopped us from moving on to the next world of a Mario game before. Watch your back, Koopalings. There's something about family-friendly, inclusive Nintendo games that bring our most competitive spirit. Have you ever calmly congratulated a friend after their star thievery earned them the title of Party Champion in Mario Party 2? Have you nodded in admiration of your opponent's strategy in Mario Kart Wii, right after they steal your victory with a red shell a few feet away from the finish line? We have a feeling your dialogue might have been more ... "spirited" than civil. We're not judging though - heck, we just threatened a bunch of baby turtles one graf above this! Of course, a lot more happened this week beyond the Koopalings opening themselves up for a world of hurt. This week brought NPD data for January, a review of The Last of Us' "Left Behind" DLC and video previews for Titanfall and Evolve! There's lots more beyond that after the break though, so jump the break and dive into the biggest stories of the week!
Final Fantasy 13's Lightning may return again
Lightning Returns director Motomu Toriyama recently told Siliconera that while the pink-haired heroine's saga has come to a close with the third installment of the Final Fantasy XIII games, Lightning herself may show up as a "guest character" in future Final Fantasy games. "For Lightning, her story ends here in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, as this game is meant as a finale to this series. But we know that Lightning is an extremely popular character, even when compared to other Final Fantasy characters," Toriyama said. "So there is a possibility that Lightning would appear in other future Final Fantasy titles, not as a protagonist, but as a guest character." Lightning wouldn't be alone if this were to happen - heroes from past Final Fantasy titles have appeared in games like Final Fantasy Tactics, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, Dissidia Final Fantasy and the Kingdom Hearts series. At least keeping her role limited to "guest character" will (hopefully) save us all from "Lightning Returns 2: Electric Boogaloo." [Image: Square-Enix]
Last of Us DLC, Lightning Returns, TxK join EU PlayStation Store
Yesterday the North American PlayStation Store was updated with a host of new software. Today it's Europe's turn. The highlights of this update include the addition of Jeff Minter's retro-shooter TxK, unexpectedly great roleplaying epic Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 and Left Behind, the final singleplayer DLC release for award-winning zombie apocalypse drama The Last of Us. In addition, European Vita owners now have access to Toukiden and Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc. The former is a riff on Capcom's Monster Hunter formula that pits players against oversized beasts drawn from Japanese mythology, while the latter is an anime-inspired visual novel that melds courtroom tension with teenagers murdering one another. It's less grim than it sounds. In less modern news, this update also brings with it the PSN digital release of Atlus' excellent PlayStation 2 roleplaying game Persona 3: FES. While this incarnation lacks certain mechanical improvements added to the PSP's Persona 3 Portable, it still features hundreds of demons to befriend, loveable characters and more teenaged drama than your average inner city high school. A full rundown of today's additions can be found on the European PlayStation.blog. [Image: Llamasoft]
Metareview: Lightning Returns - Final Fantasy 13
Lightning's last two outings were far from universally acclaimed, so while a lot of things are surprising about her goodbye game, a mixed critical reaction isn't one of them. Managing Editor Susan Arendt's four-star analysis says Lightning Returns is "a fitting farewell for the final chapter of XIII's saga," but for some reviewers, it's more a case of good riddance. Check past the break for a selection of the game's reviews.
PSN Tuesday: Lightning Returns, TxK, Far Cry Classic
The PlayStation Store has been updated with fresh content, including full game downloads like Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, Far Cry Classic and a special version of The Last of Us that includes season pass DLC. Jeff Minter's Tempest 2000 remake, TxK, brings a psychedelic light show to PlayStation Vita. Wolf Fang, an import run-and-gunner, and Pac-Man World 20th Anniversary are this week's PSOne Classics. Payday 2 is the free game on PS Plus this week, and there are a multitude of deals to consider like Tiny Brains for $10, Beyond Good & Evil HD for $5 and Earth Defense 2017 Portable for $10.
'Stiq Tips: A Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Guide
The conclusion of Final Fantasy XIII's three game narrative is finally here, and it ends with Lightning. As the savior of a dying world, Lightning must save as many souls as possible by way of sidequests, while she battles the main evils of the world in the core storyline. It sounds simple enough, but even on Easy the game is extremely punishing -- not to mention that the end of the world comes with a real-world time limit. Here are some tips to help you make it to the end of the world.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII review: Dress to impress
The journey through Final Fantasy XIII's trilogy of games has been a dizzying one, with each game hopping between gameplay styles, lead characters and narrative arcs, seemingly on a whim. Lightning Returns manages to bring the entire messy saga to a satisfying conclusion, breaking off in a totally new direction, chucking a lot of the series' extraneous pontification and getting down to the core simplicities. Whether or not it's a "real" Final Fantasy game is up for debate, but it's a consistently entertaining, beautiful adventure that places as much importance on the mundane as it does the ostentatious: a fitting farewell for the final chapter of XIII's saga. Lightning Returns picks up 500 years after the events of XIII-2, with the end of the world – the literal end of everything – a mere 13 days away. Lightning has been sent by the God of Light, Bhunivelze, to save as many souls as possible so that they can be reborn when he creates a brand new world on day 14. You only have a handful of days to work with when the game begins, but collect enough Eradia – the energy of souls – and God will do you a solid and give you another day. A soul is saved by providing its owner with what they need most – hope, closure, a last grasp at happiness, whatever. There are five souls in particular that Lightning needs to bring to salvation, and she'll run into plenty of familiar faces as she strives to complete her mission from God.
Lightning Returns adds Tomb Raider cosplay in day-one DLC
Thanks to the magic of intracompany synergy, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 will see a DLC costume lifted from the Tomb Raider armoire when it debuts later this month. According to publisher Square Enix, heroine Lightning will receive the same costume worn by Lara Croft in 2013's Tomb Raider. Likewise, the DLC will swap out Lightning's typically over-designed fantasy weaponry in favor of more pragmatic gear: a survivor's axe and riot shield. Though Square Enix was kind enough to provide the above trailer demonstrating the DLC costume in action, it fails to mention what sort of price point (if any) will be attached to the downloadable addition. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 is slated for North American release on February 11. Australian and European releases will follow on February 13 and 14, respectively. All versions of the game, regardless of region, will receive this Tomb Raider DLC.
Count the amazings in this Lightning Returns dev diary
Ali Hillis, the voice of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII heroine Lightning, narrates this 30-minute developer diary on Square Enix and the team behind the conclusion of the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy. Everything is discussed, from how Square Enix came up with Lightning Returns' premise down to how the developer managed to cram more ladders into the game. Yep. Director Motomu Toriyama and producer Yoshinori Kitase wax poetic about the collaborative creation process at Square Enix, but we quite like the segments provided by the sound engineers, environmental artists and programmers who one day dreamed of working at Square Enix – and made those dreams come true. It's heart-warming stuff. This behind-the-scenes featurette covers way more than we could relay in a single post, so grab a beverage and a snack, settle in and hit the play button above. Also, see if you can keep track of how many times the word "amazing" is used – we lost count. [Image: Square Enix]
Lightning Returns to find Final Fantasy X's Yuna all up in her wardrobe
Lighting Returns: Final Fantasy XIII crams another costume into its virtual wardrobe. On top of Final Fantasy 7's protagonist Cloud Strife, you'll be able to dress up as Final Fantasy X's Yuna in the PS3 version of Lightning Returns. The Yuna get-up will be available as an unlock for folks who pick up a first-run physical copy of Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster, which launches in the US and Europe in March. In addition to the costume, Lightning will whip out Yuna's victory pose after battles. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is the third and final game in the Final Fantasy XIII series. If you've neglected to play the first two entries, Square Enix served up a retro recap video yesterday that should bring you up to speed.
