New Final Fantasy XIII-2 Info

So with Tokyo Game Show being this weekend more information about XIII-2 has come out. I would like to add my own personal note first and say that TGS, was absolutely lame this year. Usually a lot of cool stuff is seen and explained and this year they were totally lacking in info, newer titles and where there at in production it was just lame, compared to the previous years. Step it up guys don't make this mistake again next year, or the fan boys will protest.

Anyway Final Fantasy XIII-2 the direct sequel to XIII as you know features Sarah Farron and Noel Kriess. Most importantly a release date has been given for North America of January 31, not too long of a wait unless you believe like some that the world will end what was it in November or December? Two trailers have been released giving us some new insight to this game. Charice Pempengco, for those who watch Glee, the girl who plays Sunshine Corazon, will be doing the English versions theme song, New World. I like that they are getting some main line people to do the theme songs for the American versions, for those who don't know Leona Lewis did My Hands for XIII.
Some character reveals took place in the trailer as well:
Hope will be returning a little older:

Snow Villiers will be returning, I don't know what they did to his hair but it looks as though he got in a fight with a Fal'Cie weed whacker and lost. Some one had managed to pull a freeze frame from the trailer and we can see that once again he bares a Pulse mark of a le'cie? (for those who beat FFXIII know at the end there marks were gone.)

 The mysterious man now has a name Kaias, who seems to have a grudge against not only Lightning, but our new hero, Noel? He makes a statement saying he will destroy him. So it appears that he is able to time travel as well. While fighting Lightning he calls her "Warrior Goddess" has she actually achieved Divine status?

This is a new character reveal, her name Is Yuru, oddly enough she is wearing an outfit very similar to Vanille. She is seen traveling with Kaias. She tells Sarah that she and her are alike, and in one scene we see Noel holding her as if she is dying, she states that if she doesn't die, she will be the cause of a time Paradox.

Not much more about story line has been revealed. There was another small tidbit of information stating that not unlike Final Fantasy VII's Golden Saucer, there will be an area in XIII-2 in which you can play mini games and slot machines. Possibly even the return of famous Chocobo Racing?

Other than this info nothing else was given away, a lot of fans were hoping for Final Fantasy Versus XIII info and that was not even touched at TGS. Very disappointed with the lack of info given, usually its every fan boys dream, every day something new and exciting gets released causing them to cream there jeans. But there was no creaming to be had this year, sad panda.



Why No More Final Fantasy VII?

Here we are folks, 25 posts later, the reason why I have written these reviews of the main titles released thus far.

To recap, I am so tired of reading forum after forum about the new games that have come out since Final Fantasy VII (especially after the Compilation FFVII project), and hearing people criticize the new titles, a majority of them saying, " Oh well its no Final Fantasy VII". Guess what its never going to be!

Here are my reasons for you FFVII enthusiasts to let go of what I will admit WAS a great game, otherwise you will never enjoy another FF ever again.

Reason one: IT HAS BEEN DONE! Not only have we all played the original version of Final Fantasy, but we have watched the movie sequel, played the PSP prequel, played the story for the PS2 based on Vincent Valentine, watched the Last Order: FFVII on YouTube. And read the story and occurrences that took place in Before Crisis. We have more FFVII than I think we should have. I understand that its a favored universe and people wanted more of the characters. But with all of you obsessing over it, they feel they have to answer your call for more. Well as a FF fan, and I believe a true fan as I have at least partaken of every title in the series, and enjoyed the FFVII and its Compilation project, I am sick sick sick sick, of Final Fantasy VII.
I hear the name Sephiroth or Cloud and I just wanna cringe.
There is such a thing as too much, and because fans have become sooooooo obsessed with this title they have let it define the series and I think that is a mistake.
Reason two: If you cant let your self enjoy other titles why continue buying the game? If you cannot accept the newer title for what it is, just continue to play VII over and over again? I honestly feel that when the new titles come out, we should hold no previous title expectations to it.
Reason three: Video Game evolution, as Squares main job is to stay in the competative market that is video gaming, they must follow the trends and shift there games slightly to fit these trends. Why do you think they have made not one but two MMORPG's (although XIV flopped), they were trying to compete with games like World of Warcraft and Everquest.
Final Fantasy is an ever evolving game, and I think it should continue to remain that way. They have kept a lot of the elements that make the game "Final Fantasy" for me, but given me new and exciting ways to experience them!
I am a fan of the series and I loved VII just as much as the next person, but its time to open your minds to the possibilities that other titles can be just as great. How one could really not appreciate the beauty and excitement that was Final Fantasy XIII (and I know there are a lot of you out there), is completely insane! And I honestly feel that if you are constantly looking for the next Final Fantasy VII, keep looking because there is never going to be one, that title has had its moment in the spotlight, and I for one am looking forward to experiencing titles that are nothing like the title that came before it. I have come to love Lightning so much so that she has become my favorite character in the series. And I have to say, its because I have kept my self open to the Evolution of Final Fantasy.

I hope you all enjoyed this journey as much as I did and, maybe for a few of you will come to love other titles and continue to give the creators something to move forward with instead of consistently looking to the past.

I have enjoyed reviewing this game series so much, I am going to continue to do so with more of my favorite series. I am not going to venture too far for my next blog, following my next favorite series that combines two of my most favorite things in the world. Final Fantasy and Disney, I know you look at those things and say, that's not possible to combine the two and make it work. I thought so too myself, but I was wrong. Come with me as we review Kingdom Hearts.

End.

Feauture of Final Fantasy!

Fabula Nova Crystalis:

This is a project initiated by square to name the titles under the Final Fantasy XIII mythos.
The first title under this to be released was Final Fantasy XIII. The following titles are under the same umbrella, imagine close planets who share the same mythos, of Crystals, Fal'cie, L'cie, and one connection barely made with the small info we have on the games, the goddess Etro.

First title Final Fantasy XIII-2

This title is set to release in North America in January 2012, getting close! Featuring Sarah Farron and a new character named Noel Kriss as the lead characters of this story. Not much is known about the plot and a lot is still speculation so to give you some information on it so far is what I will be covering. But you can bet once the game is out I will have a full review for you!

Story
The story follows from the -Episode i- novel which was released with the international version of Final Fantasy XIII. Final Fantasy XIII-2 begins three years after the events of Final Fantasy XIII, with some survivors rebuilding on Gran Pulse. Lightning is nowhere to be found and thought dead by many, but her younger sister Serah thinks she is not. When New Bodhum is overrun by monsters, Noel appears to save her. Together, the two set off to find out what has happened to Lightning.
Unlike Final Fantasy X-2, which had a more cheerful and humorous feel than Final Fantasy X, the overall tone of the story of Final Fantasy XIII-2 will be darker and more mysterious than the original. Director Motomu Toriyama said that considering Vanille and Fang are gone and the world is in a state where Cocoon had fallen, there's no way for the new story to be totally peaceful. Yoshinori Kitase, the producer, has said the story will have the serious feel of a true numbered entry in the Final Fantasy series.
The actual story will delve deeper into the Fabula Nova Crystallis mythology and this time focus on the goddess Etro. The personality of Lightning will be the same as it was in the original game and not experience a change like Yuna had in Final Fantasy X-2. The game's story will continue to value the refined and noble qualities of Lightning's personality. Other characters will also appear in the game, but in new and unexpected forms, and some of these returning characters will see major changes to their personalities. The game will also have a number of new characters, in addition to the mysterious man shown in the teaser trailer. The mystery man in the teaser trailer is in direct conflict with Lightning and equal to her in strength. Lightning has a new mission this time, and as she attempts to fulfill this mission, she'll end up in a confrontation with this mystery man. He is confirmed to have an unknown relationship with Lightning as her "fated rival," and a connection to Noel as well. The original game ended with a lingering question: "Is Lightning really happy?" The conclusion of the story in Final Fantasy XIII-2 will provide a clear answer to this question.

Small bits of information tend to be released by Square as the game gets closer to release. It has been determined that Lightning is actually a guardian of  the godess Etro in Vahalla (explaines the Valkerie look she now has.) Snow, Sarah's fiance has also disappeared. Sarah is on a search for her lost friends in this tale with the assistance of Noel Kriss, a man who has now been confirmed, is from the future where he is the only human left. It has also been confiermed that Noel has a tie to the Mysterious Man from the original trailer who is seen clashing swords with Lightning. Only other returning characters we have seen so far are the three "generals" of Snow's NORA. Lightning has been seen, but only in what we can now assume is Valhalla. There is also a new girl named Alyssa, whos reason for being in this title is still unknown. Not officially confirmed yet but know to have voice work being done, Vanilles voice actress accidentally let slip on twitter that she was working on voice overs for FFXIII-2.
Some released images of FFXIII-2:

Image from the first released trailer of Lightning in her Valhallan armor, and the Mysterious Man, standing off.

Lightening summons her new (what I am calling) Eternal Blaze Edge, in her Vahallan armor in Valhalla.

A better shot of the Mysterious Man, and Lightning in the first trailer.

The title art for XIII-2 fetures the Mysterious Man, and Lightning design by Yoshitaka Amano.

Not yet confirmed but we can assume is him by the boomerang, in the latest trailer "The Quest for Lightning" we see a small short glimps of what appears to be Hope Estime.

Sarah Farrons new look in XIII-2, caries her bow that can shift into a sword as well.

New male hero introduced attempting to protect humanity in the future, Noel Kriss and his unique sword.

An image of Alyssa, whos role in XIII-2 is not clear as of yet, with Sarah Farron and the Moogle that becomes her weapon.

The next instalment close to release is Final Fantasy Class Zero:

Not much is known about this title either but small tidbits have been released. Originaly titled Final Fantasy Agito XIII, the name was changed to Class Zero. Interviews state that while they fall under the Fabala Nova Crystalis mythos, the name just didn't fit, hence the name change to Class Zero. Unfortunatly there keeping this one underwraps really closelyb but its set to release in October in Japan so usually we can see three months between there release an ours, so probably January or February.

Heres whats known so far:

Class Zero is a group of twelve students from the Rubrum Peristylium Suzaku in Final Fantasy Type-0, the magic academy from the Suzaku Fiefdom of Rubrum, and are instructed by Kurasame, and guided by the Moogle Hattsumikamine Rōtoyōsuna Eripuruchi. Upon the invasion of Rubrum by the army of the Milites Empire, they are forced to counter the attack, participating in Operation Apostle, where each member attempts to become the Agito, a savior prophesied in ancient mythology.

I know little to practically nothing from this game, not too excited about it right now, I am a little distracted by XIII-2. But here are some released images and a list of the characters:

• No.01 Ace: A blond boy who wields a deck of cards and is said to be the primary protagonist within Class Zero.

• No.02 Deuce: A brunette girl who wields a flute.

• No.03 Trey: A handsome, blond-haired youth armed with a bow and arrow.

• No.04 Cater: A handgun-wielding female with short, flared red hair.

• No.05 Cinque: A young lady with brown, braided hair who fights using a mace.

• No.06 Sice: A girl who wields a scythe as a weapon, she isn't very good with words but has good judgement.

• No.07 Seven: A gray-haired girl that carries an extending chain whip.

• No.08 Eight: A young martial artist with short red hair who wears a pair of knuckles.

• No.09 Nine: An impulsive young man with a scarred face and disheveled uniform who wields a spear.

• No.11 Jack: A young man with coiffed blond hair that fights using a katana.

• No.12 Queen: A strong young woman with long black hair and trademark glasses who wields a saber.
• No.13 King: A young man who looks cold, but is actually kind-hearted. Wields two guns.

Animated character designs of Class Zero.

CG character designs of Class Zero.
Finally the last known title to be worked on, with a release date unknown at this point, Final Fantasy Versus XIII. To be a title released for the PS3, not much is known about this title either, although there were a couple trailers released this year featuring actual gameplay and some of the in game movies.
Here is whats known about the story so far:
Final Fantasy Versus XIII involves Noctis Lucis Caelum, the last heir to an isolated nation, which holds the last Crystal protected by kings. Its isolation is due to the city's resistance; to protect itself against invading heretics. The game has been said to initiate at the "clearing" of a long cold war between warring nations that revolved around the crystals. The official trailer starts with the words, "This is a fantasy based on reality." The trailer shows modern technology such as cars, freeways, skyscrapers, gas stations, and automatic weapons and bears a striking resemblance to the real world today. Very little information regarding the plot of the game has been revealed since E3 2006; however, Square Enix representatives have commented that Versus may be the darkest Final Fantasy game yet. Screenshots from Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu, have revealed a large city reminiscent of Tokyo which showcases a recreation of the real-life Shinjuku, surrounding Square Enix's office, in game. The lead character is seen battling a Behemoth in the dead of night with cars and flames in the distance. From the trailers this game looks amazing, but with no knowledge of when its supposed to be complete hard to get excited about the title, the first trailer released in 2006 as you can see we have been waiting five years so far for this title, and still no release date in sight, some say 2012 while others speculate 2013. The known characters include: Noctis Lucius Calleum: Prefering to be called Noct, he is a prince and is seen using magic to manipulate multiple weapons at a time. He has three male cohorts so far, non of which have confirmed names. Stella Nox Fleuret: A blond haired woman seen with Noct. Nothing is knowt about this woman either. Some released images:

One of the males seen with Noct.

Image of Stella infront of a painting of Etro.

CG portrait of Noctis.

One of the early images of Noct, this outfit has changed.

CG portrait of Stella.

A sceen from an older trailer we see the more modern setting of this game with Stella in the middle.
Hey guyss hope you enjoyed the new and upcoming titles known so far. Last up the explination of why NO MORE FINAL FANTASY VII!!! Began.


Summons of Final Fantasy

So wow really hard to find images of summons before VI, which you would think with all the remakes they have out there. And even for some of the titles I couldnt find a picture for all of them. Oh well here it goes.

Alexander VI.

Bahamut VI.

Bahamut VII.

Odin VII.

Pheonix VII.

Titan VII.

Alexander VIII.

Carbuncle VIII.

Cerberus VIII.

Diablos VIII.

Eden VIII.

Gilgamesh VIII.

Ifrit VIII.

Moomba VIII.

Odin VIII.

Quetzacotl VIII.

Shiva VIII.

Siren VIII.

Bahamut VIII.

Atomos IX.

Bahamut and Alexander IX.

Odin IX.

Anima X. 

Bahamut X.

Ifrit X

Ixion X

Shiva X.

The Magus Sisters X

Valefor X.

Yojimbo X.

Adrammelech XII.

Belias XII.

Chaos XII.

Famfrit XII.

Hashmal XII.

Mateus XII.

Shemhazai XII.

Zalera XII.

Zeromus XII.

Zodiark XII.

Exodus XII.

Cuchulainn XII.

Concept art Alexander XIII.

Concept art Bahamut XIII.

Concept art Brynhilde XIII.

Not actually belonging to a character but seen in the Pompa Sancta parade in Nautilus, the concept art for Carbuncle XIII.

Concept art for Hectoncheir XIII.

Also not belonging to a characters and seen in the Pompa Sancta parade, concept art for Ifrit.

Said to have been cut from the game concept art for the appearance of Leviathan, more than likely would have been included in the Pompa Sancta parade, XIII.

Concept Art Odin XIII.

Ramuh who makes an appearance also in the Pompa Sancta Parade, XIII.

Concept art the Shiva sisters Nix and Stiria XIII.

Concept art for Siren XIII, who makes an appearance at the Pompa Sancta Parade.

Concept art for Valefor XIII, makes an appearance in the Pompa Sancta parade.

Well I hope you enjoyed those images, its interesting to see how some of the summons have changed over time, some not so much.

Next up new and upcoming titles.