Over the weekend, Square Enix Japan held their annual Final Fantasy press conference "party" (called something so ridiculous I'm not even going to attempt to write it) this year focusing mainly on their Sony-based line-up. Cameras were not permitted into the show, so until some really sneaky reporter's shots turn up somewhere, we unfortunately have no visual proof for any of the following announcements. I guess you'll just have to trust me. ;)First off, Final Fantasy XIII was announced for a 2009 release in Japan, and reiterated to be a PS3 exclusive in that region for the time being. Though no solid date (or even approximate quarter) was given, a demo of the game was announced for March 2009. This most likely means FFXIII will come out nearer the end of the year there. Still no clue when the North American and European release will be, but it has been mentioned in the past that they are not simultaneous with the Japanese release.
Next, another special edition of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children will be released in Japan in March 2009 on Blu-Ray, and called Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete. The first printing of this version will included the aforementioned FFXIII demo, as well as trailers for Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Final Fantasy XIII Agito. There will also be an Advent Children PS3 bundle in Japan at the same time.
Some may remember that Final Fantasy XIII Agito is a cell-phone-based title, as is the resurrection of the PS1 survival-horror RPG series, Parasite Eve: The 3rd Birthday. However, at this conference it was announced that both of these games will be ported to the PSP. (This reminds me of the Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis PSP port that was supposed to happen. Hmmm...)
The three announced Kingdom Hearts games also all got approximate Japanese release dates. Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days for Nintendo DS will be available this winter, as will Kingdom Hearts: Coded for Japanese cell-phones. Meanwhile, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep for the PSP will ship sometime in 2009.
Finally, Dissidia: Final Fantasy, the PSP Final Fantasy Super Smash Bros. game was announced for release this December in Japan. (I technically shouldn't be covering news on this game, as it really isn't an RPG in any way, shape, or form. But I'll let it slide this time.)
Overall, I'd say that other than the PSP ports of Parasite Eve: The 3rd Birthday and Final Fantasy XIII Agito, there was really nothing surprising announced. I'll be really surprised if either of the previously mentioned PSP ports happen anytime this millennium...
3 comments:
Sheesh, you need to lighten up on the Sony hate. PSP > that fake JP cellphone you have and planned on playing these games with;)
Can you tell I have the day off? lol. First time to your blog so I need to comment on all your stories I missed.
You forgot to mention Versus XIII is still exclusive. (But not for long right? lol! We'll see!)
No Sony hate here man. I have nothing against PS3. (I do have some issues with the fans it generates, but that is its own can of worms.) When the system has 10 exclusive games I want, I will shell out for one (provided they make a slim version. I don't want that rubbish bubble atrocity.) Same with the Wii (which is actually getting close, btw).
My main issue is with Square Enix, especially regarding their Final Fantasy whoring. They seem perfectly happy to release an extra second of FMV footage at a "party" and get everyone super stoked for a game that they won't even show gameplay for? Bullocks. Call me when they have a game to show off and not a movie.
And an Advent Children PS3 bundle? I can't believe that. The worst part about it is it will sell gazillions of units. People are WAY too whipped over Final Fantasy for their own good.
Post a Comment