Square-Enix-1st-Production-Dept
Latest
Final Fantasy Type-0's new trailer for a new name [update: trailer removed]
Early this morning, Square Enix announced that the game formerly known as Final Fantasy Agito XIII would now be called Final Fantasy Type-0 -- possibly as the result of the company-wide syllable shortage caused by the development of Dissidia 012 [Duodecim] Final Fantasy. Along with the new name, the company premiered a new trailer, featuring lots of depressing, epic CG war footage (warning: wounded Chocobo) along with actual gameplay. The rest looks pretty much like it did two years ago, at least in terms of the third-person action-style gameplay; the look seems to have gotten a bit darker. However, this version has something "Agito XIII" never did: a release window (specifically, summer). Update: Square Enix has blocked the trailer from YouTube.
See Kingdom Hearts 3D in 2D trailer
That didn't take long! Trailers from last night's Square Enix event in Japan have begun hitting the web. After the break you'll find Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, and we'd suggest checking it out soon before Square pulls it from YouTube. That said, Mickey Mouse speaking Japanese? Weird!
English version of Final Fantasy XIII-2 next winter, leaked trailer right now [update: it's gone!]
Considering you only learned of its existence a few hours ago, it might surprise you to learn that North America and Europe are just around a year away from playing Final Fantasy XIII-2. But that's exactly the case according to the US PlayStation Blog, which pegs the English version of the sequel-sequel for "next winter." Of course, this is the time of Netflix Instant Watch and Fast Food Sushi, so a year can feel like an eternity, or at least a year and several months. To help tide you over, we've got the first leaked trailer for the game after the break, but be warned: You probably shouldn't watch unless you finished Final Fantasy XIII. %Gallery-114575% Update: Square Enix had the trailer pulled with a copyright complaint.
Final Fantasy Versus XIII leaked trailer shows off combat, reality-based fantasy [update: trailer removed]
All of the trailers for Final Fantasy Versus XIII have begun with the tagline: "This is a fantasy based on reality." This new trailer, leaked from this morning's Square Enix conference, shows a city, not unlike Tokyo, under siege. Noctis and crew fight back with swords and, yes, turrets. It's unsurprising that this Nomura-directed game looks a bit like Kingdom Hearts -- for adults.
Dissidia Duodecim demo unlocks Aerith assistant in full game
Square Enix has announced an interesting promotional initiative for its upcoming PSP fighter, Dissidia 012 [Duodecim] Final Fantasy. As of today, Japanese PSP owners will be able to purchase and download a demo of the game for 300 Yen ($3.64). Dubbed (sigh) Dissidia Duodecim Prologus Final Fantasy, the short scenario will not feature Aerith, but will unlock the ill-fated sweetheart as an assistant character (i.e. not directly controllable) in the full game when it debuts in March. By the way, that sigh wasn't ours -- it was Square Enix realizing how much money it could have made had it charged us all $3 to bring Aerith back to life in 1997. She was wearing all the good bangles! In other Dissidia news, Square Enix revealed two more playable fighters during its 1st Production Department event this morning. The game will feature Gilgamesh from Final Fantasy V, as well as Prishe from Final Fantasy XI.
Final Fantasy Type-0 is new name for Final Fantasy Agito XIII
What was to be the PlayStation Portable entry in Square Enix's "Fabula Nova Crystallis" series is now considered a spin-off title with a new name: Final Fantasy Type-0. Director Hajime Tabata resolved the mysterious trademark filings at Square Enix's 1st Production Department event in Japan today, noting that the change from "Final Fantasy Agito XIII" seemed appropriate given how different the more action-oriented design of Type-0 had become from Final Fantasy XIII. Though it will now distance itself from XIII, Type-0 will continue to embrace the PSP -- in fact, when it ships in Japan this Summer, it'll come on two UMDs. According to Siliconera's translation, the doubled storage will accommodate over 30 voiced characters. Judging by earlier trailers, Final Fantasy Type-0 will also feature multiplayer battles. We'll contact Square Enix to learn more about its plans for North America. [Image credit: 4Gamer.net]
Kingdom Hearts 3D dubbed 'Dream Drop Distance'
When Kingdom Hearts 3D arrives on Nintendo's newest portable platform, none of its recognizable traits will be lost in the transition. The pointy-haired protagonists, charming Disney icons and comically oversized keys will be locked inside a box, branded with another mentally impenetrable subtitle -- a Square Enix classic! According to an announcement at Square Enix's 1st Production Department event in Japan (translated by Andriasang), the 3DS game is called "Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance." You'll note that those are, in fact, three Ds. Well done, everyone. According to comments made at the event, which is intended to highlight the 1st Production Department's upcoming products, Kingdom Hearts 3D will emphasize action and speed, with 3D effects conveying a greater sense of height and distances (for flying or falling). When playing, you'll regularly switch between two of the franchise's Dexterous Dainty Dudes, Sora and Riku. No announcements regarding a North American release of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance have been made.%Gallery-114574%
Final Fantasy XIII-2 announced, coming to 360 and PS3
Square Enix has announced Final Fantasy XIII-2 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. During a Square Enix 1st Production Department event in Japan, producer Yoshinori Kitase revealed the direct sequel to last year's Final Fantasy XIII, which is to be directed by Motomu Toriyama. Though we hope the "-2" in the title signifies the subtraction of Hope and Vanille, the logo highlights the addition of a new character alongside XIII's prickly leading lady, Lightning. According to a translation by RPG Site, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is set to launch in 2011, though it's unclear if that pertains to Japan only. Update: The English version will launch "next Winter." %Gallery-114575%
