Examine individual changes

'{{Future game}} {{Infobox VG | title = Final Fantasy XIII | image = [[File:Final Fantasy XIII Logo.png]] | caption = ''Final Fantasy XIII'' title logo, designed by [[Yoshitaka Amano]] | developer = [[Square Enix]] | publisher = Square Enix | designer = [[Motomu Toriyama]]<br />[[Toshiro Tsuchida]]</small><br />[[Yoshinori Kitase]] | producer = [[Yoshinori Kitase]] | writer = Motomu Toriyama | artist = [[Tetsuya Nomura]]<br />Nao Ikeda | composer = [[Masashi Hamauzu]]<br />[[Nobuo Uematsu]] | series = ''[[Final Fantasy]]''<br />''[[Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy XIII]]'' | engine = [[Crystal Tools]] | released = '''PlayStation 3'''<br/>{{vgrelease|JP=Q4 2009<ref name="Official Japanese page">{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/ff13/|title=FFXIII Official Japanese page|publisher=Square Enix|last=|first=Rob Wiggin|date=2009-06-02|accessdate=2009-06-02}}</ref>|NA=Q2 2010|PAL=Q2 2010}}'''Xbox 360'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA=Q2 2010|PAL=Q2 2010}} | genre = [[Console role-playing game]] | modes = [[Single-player]] | ratings = | platforms = [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]] | media = [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[DVD-DL]] | input = [[Gamepad]] }} {{nihongo title|Final Fantasy XIII|ファイナルファンタジーXIII|Fainaru Fantajī Sātīn}} is a [[console role-playing game]] being developed by [[Square Enix]]. It is slated to be released exclusively for [[PlayStation 3]] in Japan, and on [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] in Europe and North America. First appearing at the 2006 [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]], the game features futuristic elements and is set in a high-tech world. ''Final Fantasy XIII'' is the flagship title of the ''[[Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy XIII]]'' collection. ==Gameplay== The concept for ''Final Fantasy XIII''{{'}}s battle system is to maintain the strategic nature of command-based battles. The system stemmed from a desire to create battles similar to those found in ''[[Final Fantasy VII Advent Children]]''.<ref>{{cite web | last=Bramwell|first=Tom | date=2006-06-07 | title=FF to look like Advent Children? | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news070606ffxiii |publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|accessdate=2008-07-27}}</ref> Like those in ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'', enemies are integrated into the world environment. Yet unlike ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'' battles do not take place in the same "dimension", but rather a short flash transports players to a new battle screen, separate from the main playing world.<ref>{{cite web | title=Final Fantasy XIII for PlayStation 3 system | url=http://na.square-enix.com/e306/titles/fabula/ff13/ | publisher=[[Square Enix]] | accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> The [[Gameplay of Final Fantasy#Parties and battles|Active Time Battle]] (ATB) system will return, but it works differently from its predecessors. Users will be able to chain large numbers of commands together in order to achieve attack bonuses.<ref>{{cite web | title=New Details About Final Fantasy XIII's ATB System Surface | url=http://www.finalfantasyunion.com/news/new-details-about-final-fantasy-xiiis-atb-system-surface--357.html | publisher= FinalFantasyUnion.com | accessdate=2009-03-19}}</ref> [[Image:FF13battle.png|left|thumb|250px|The Final Fantasy XIII battle system.]] The first battle system was shown during the E3 2006, but it was only a prototype. A new interface was shown recently by Square Enix in various Japanese magazines and trailers (depicted in the image adjacent). In battle, the player can only control one character at a time out of a party of up to three. Multiple commands can be stacked into slots per turn and released at the same time to form a combo. The number of command slots increases as the characters grow in strength.<ref name="IGN update"/> These commands include series staples such as Attack, Fire, Blizzard and Cure, as well as new ones such as Launch, which sends the enemy up in the air and allows the character to perform mid-air combos on the opponent,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-final-fantasy/49971|title=Final Fantasy XIII Video Game, E3 09: Microsoft Press Conference 360 Combat Gameplay HD|date=2009-06-01|publisher=[[GameTrailers]]|accessdate=2009-07-18}}</ref><ref name= "FF-XIII">{{cite web|url= http://www.ff-xiii.net/index.php?page=news&p=more&numb=367 |title= Famitsu Hong Kong Translations |date= 2009-07-15 |publisher= FF-XIII.net |accessdate= April 16, 2009}}</ref> and spells such as Ruin, Ruinaga, and Radical Strike. The difference between ''XIII'''s battle system and the ATB gauge is that these commands can still be placed in the slots even though the bar has run out, and the actions will be executed once the required slots are filled up. This, however, affects the chain combo hits as the combo has been interrupted. The game does not make use of MP but introduces "cost points" for each command, which determine how many times the commands can be used per turn. A "break state" is one of the new features of ''Final Fantasy XIII'' battle system. The breaks refer to the times an enemy enters a state of non-retaliation. This occurs when a chain combo has been maintained for a certain period of time on an enemy. When a high level combo has been achieved, the enemy will glow red and enter this state, during which the player will be able to inflict high amounts of damage. The chain bar will gradually deplete during this period; when it becomes empty, the break state ends. Magic, including summoning, is restricted to characters that belong to the group called l'Cie ({{pron-en|ˌləˈsiː}}). Magic is not readily available in the beginning of a game, but it is bestowed upon the characters after a certain event. Because magic cannot be used outside of battle, the HP of the party is completely restored after each battle.<ref name="IGN update">{{cite web | date=2009-04-08 | title= Final Fantasy XIII Update | url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/970/970920p1.html | publisher=[[IGN]] }}</ref> The classic summoned creatures called ''Eidolons'' (as they were in ''[[Final Fantasy IV DS]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy IX]]'') will return in ''Final Fantasy XIII''. Shiva, Carbuncle, Ifrit, Siren, and Odin appeared in shown footage.<ref>{{cite web | date=2008 | title= Final Fantasy XIII (PS3) Also On: 360 | url=http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3148417 | publisher=1up.com }}</ref> Producer Yoshinori Kitase has confirmed that Bahamut will also appear in the game.<ref name="RPGfan">{{cite web|url= http://rpgfan.com/news/2009/80.html |title= New FFXIII Character Info Released |date= 2009-03-03|publisher= RPGFan |accessdate= 2009-04-16}}</ref> When summoned, the Eidolon stay in battle while the characters accompanying the summoner leaves the party.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/990/990188p1.html|title=Final Fantasy XIII Preview|date=2009-06-02|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2009-07-16}}</ref> There is also a new feature called "Gestalt Mode", which when activated joins the summoned and its summoner somehow; for example, the character Snow can ride and steer the combined Shiva Nix and Shiva Styria in a "Driving Mode". This changes the pace of the combat significantly. But not all summons turn into mechanical vehicles, Odin's Gestalt Mode changes him into a horse for Lightning to ride.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasyversusxiii.net/2009/07/23/ffxiii-play-arts-odins-gestalt-form.html|title=New Final Fantasy XIII Play Arts: Odin's Gesalt Form Revealed|date=2009-07-23|publisher=FinalFantasyVersusXIII.net|accessdate=2009-07-28}}</ref> Each character will posses only one Eidolon that is summoned from a crystal that sprouts from the character's mark of l'Cie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/2009/06/02/new-final-fantasy-xiii-extended-advent-children-complete-trailer.html|title=New Final Fantasy XIII Extended Advent Children Complete Trailer|date=2009-06-02|publisher=FinalFantasyXIII.net|accessdate=2009-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/2009/06/07/ffxiii-scan-wsj.html|title=New Final Fantasy XIII Scan|date=2009-06-07|publisher=FinalFantasyXIII.net|accessdate=2009-07-16}}</ref><ref name="IGN update"/> It has been recently revealed that the summons will play a major role in the game's storyline as well, much like Final Fantasy VI, Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy X.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rpgfan.com/news/2009/309.html|title=Square Enix Dishes Out New FFXIII Details|date=2009-06-10|publisher=[[RPGFan]]|accessdate=2009-07-16}}</ref> Characters will be able to use special skills other than ones gained while working with summons.<ref name="HopeScan"/> The player is able to view the HP and name of the enemy before engaging it in battle. When engaging an enemy, the camera moves to another position and the battle menu appears, making the battle transitions nearly seamless.<ref name="official1">{{cite web | date=2008-01-28 | title= Final Fantasy XIII Official Global Trailer | url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/ff13/ | publisher=Square Enix }}</ref> The after-battle victory screen in ''XIII'' holds information such as the time it took to finish the battle, the highest number of combos executed, the number of break attacks and the quality of battle which is determined by a ranking of one to five stars. A new option in battle has been revealed during Gamecon 2009 called Paradigm Shifting. Using this option, characters can switch supporting party members' roles during battle. Character can switch to more defensive or offensive tactics as the battle dictates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/2009/08/20/gc09-ign-final-fantasy-xiii-preview-paradigm-shift-system-new-characters.html|title=GC09: IGN Final Fantasy XIII Preview - Paradigm Shift System|date=2009-08-20|publisher=FinalFantasy-XIII.net|accessdate=2009-08-21}}</ref> ==Plot== ===Story=== The plot focuses on the fal'Cie ({{pron-en|ˈfæl si:}}), beings created from the crystals residing inside them.<ref name="IGN update"/> The people marked by the fal'Cie for a greater purpose are named the l'Cie.<ref name="xbox trailer">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/36239.html |title=Final Fantasy XIII - E3 2008: MS Press Conference Cam Trailer |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |date=2008-07-14 |accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> But being a l'Cie has a price; for should they die before fulfilling their Focus, they will turn into monsters called "Cie Corpses".<ref name="HopeScan"/> Some thirteen centuries ago, a fal'Cie constructed a paradise for humanity: The shell-like city of Cocoon floating high above the surface of the world now known as Pulse, both maintained by their own fal'Cie.<ref name="new details">{{cite web|url=http://au.ps3.ign.com/articles/847/847368p1.html|publisher=IGN|author=IGN Staff|title=New Final Fantasy XIII Details|date=2008-01-23|accessdate=2008-03-28}}</ref><ref name="IGN update" /> Cocoon's fal'Cie created life forms and machines for its inhabitants to use, and humanity flourished. Over time, the people of Cocoon began to fear for the safety of their world, and were worried that it would be cast down from the sky into the hell that they see Pulse to be. In present day, the wilderness of Pulse has strange effects on people, and the theocratic Cocoon Sanctum quarantines and exiles anyone who has been influenced by Pulse from the city with the help of its mighty army, PSICOM.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/754/754310p1.html |title=Final Fantasy XIII Update |publisher=IGN |author=IGN Staff |date=2007-01-10 |accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> However, as Snow leads Team Nora in a vain attempt to stop the purging, the mysterious Lightning fights her way past PSICOM soldiers to find Pulse's fal'Cie with the aid of Sazh. But by a chain of events, these three along with two of the Purgees, Vanille and Hope, are chosen by the fal'Cie of Pulse against their will to become l'Cie among others, and with that become enemies of humanity that would bring about the downfall of Cocoon. ===Characters=== The full cast of ''Final Fantasy XIII'' is yet unknown. The following characters have been shown in trailers and screenshots of the game, along with other released information. ====Main characters==== * {{nihongo|'''Lightning'''|ライトニング|Raitoningu}} A former soldier of the Cocoon military, she sought the fal'Cie of Pulse only to be made l'Cie much to her dismay. Lightning has long strawberry-blonde hair and is 170&nbsp;cm tall (5'7"). For her design, character designer [[Tetsuya Nomura]] was asked to create a "female version of [[Cloud Strife]] from ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''". During development, he described her as "not very feminine".<ref>{{cite web| last=Smith|first=Luke| date=2006-06-07|title=FFXIII Interview: Nomura, Kitase, Hashimoto and Toriyama| url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3151333|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|accessdate= 2007-03-30}}</ref> Lightning wields a combination of a gun and a sword and can also manipulate gravity with a device on her thumb.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-10-10|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/195468/final-fantasy-xiii/|title=Final Fantasy XIII |work=[[GamePro]]|date=2008-06-26|last=Orlando|first=Greg}}</ref> In battle, she is agile and uses acrobatic moves. She can also summon the Eidolon Odin to fight by her side in battle. Her Japanese voice actress is [[Maaya Sakamoto]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Final Fantasy XIII - Kitase Yoshinori|date=2009-4-02|journal=Dengeki Playstation 3|publisher=ASCII Media Works|location=Japan|volume=445|page=56-57|language=Japanese}}</ref> * {{nihongo|'''Snow Villiers'''<ref name="Villiers">{{cite web|url=http://www.finalfantasyunion.com/news/snow-villiers-confirmed-as-full-final-fantasy-xiii-character-name--40.html|title=Snow Villiers Confirmed As Full Final Fantasy XIII Character Name|publisher=Final Fantasy Union |date=2008-10-22|accessdate=2008-10-22}}</ref>|スノウ・ヴィリアース|Sunō Viriāsu}} Prior to becoming a l'Cie, Snow is the head of Team Nora, a resistance group against Cocoon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rpgfan.com/news/2009/11.html/|title=Square Enix Reveals New FFXIII Info|publisher=[[RPGFan]] |date=2009-01-11|accessdate=2009-01-12}}</ref> After becoming a l'Cie, Snow gains the power to summon the Eidolon Shiva sisters {{nihongo|'''Nix'''|二クス|Nikusu}} and {{nihongo|'''Styria'''|スティリア|Sutiria}} who can combine into a motorcycle form for Snow to ride while toting a large gun.<ref name="trailer impressions">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/finalfantasyversus13/news.html?sid=6195547&om_act=convert&om_clk=multimodule&tag=multimodule;picks;title;3|title=Final Fantasy XIII Trailer Impressions|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|first=Hirohiko|last=Niizumi|date=2008-08-06|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> He is a big character and is capable of running while carrying two people.<ref name="FFXIII update">{{cite web | date=2006-11-08 | title=Final Fantasy XIII Update | url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/744/744822p1.html | publisher=IGN |last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|accessdate=2006-11-10}}</ref> He was nicknamed "Mr. 33 cm" by the staff of ''Final Fantasy XIII'' as a nod to his shoe size.<ref name="gamepro">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-10-10|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/123108/final-fantasy-xiii/|title=Final Fantasy XIII |work=[[GamePro]]|author=The Gamepros|date=2007-07-17}}</ref> In the October 2008 issue of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, it is revealed that he uses a power that is related to the tattoo on his left forearm.<ref name="Snow">{{cite web|url=http://gamekyo.com/newsen29267_final-fantasy-xiii-his-name-is-snow.html|title=Final Fantasy XIII: His name is Snow|publisher=Gamekyo|first=Antoine|last=Morcos|date=2008-10-15|accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> He uses his fists to take down opponents, and can Summon the Eidolon Shiva. Compared to the fast and agile Lightning, Snow focuses more on power and strength. In the Japanese version of the game, he is voiced by [[Daisuke Ono]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Final Fantasy XIII - Kitase Yoshinori|date=2009-4-02|journal=Dengeki Playstation 3|publisher=ASCII Media Works|location=Japan|volume=445|page=56-57|language=Japanese}}</ref> * {{nihongo|'''Oerba Dia Vanille'''<ref name="Vanilla">{{cite web | url=http://www.gconsole.com/cgi-bin2/show.php?page=news&id=6894|title=VJump : Scan เกมเพลย์ Final Fantasy XIII [PS3,X360<nowiki>]</nowiki>|publisher=gconsole.com|date=2008-12-20|accessdate=2008-12-20}}</ref>|ヲルバ・ダイア・ヴァニラ|Oruba Daia Vanira}} Vanille is a young girl with red-brown hair worn in pigtails who lives in Pulse.<ref name="xbox trailer"/> Her weapon is a kind of foldable fishing rod with multiple lines that can be reeled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/100/1006131p1.html|title=IGN: Final Fantasy XIII Update|date=2009-07-22|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref><ref name="E3 2009 trailer">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-final-fantasy/50266|title=E3 2009 trailer|date=2009-06-02|publisher=[[GameTrailers]]|accessdate=2009-07-16}}</ref> In a trailer, she is seen captured by the Cocoon army and walking in a funeral procession.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2009-10-26| url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/ff13/ |title=Official Final Fantasy XIII website|author=Square Enix|date=2007-01-26}}</ref> In the demo and trailers, she is the character narrating many of the events. She is first seen with the rebel leader Snow as he hands her a gun to defend those being forced to leave Cocoon, then seen with Hope, watching as the rebels lose the battle against the soldiers. As a l'Cie, she can summon the Eidolon Carbuncle. In the Japanese version, she is voiced by [[Yukari Fukui]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Final Fantasy XIII - Kitase Yoshinori|date=2009-4-02|journal=Dengeki Playstation 3|publisher=ASCII Media Works|location=Japan|volume=445|page=56-57|language=Japanese}}</ref> Her English voice actress is the Australian comedian [[Georgia van Cuylenburg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ff-xiii.net/index.php?page=article&article=Vanilles-English-Voice-Actress-Revealed--413|title=Vanille's English Voice Actress Revealed|date=2009-08-14|publisher=ff-xiii.net|accessdate=2009-08-20}}</ref> * {{nihongo|'''Sazh Katzroy'''|サッズ・カッツロイ|Sazzu Kattsuroi}} Sazh is a man with an [[afro]] whom Lightning knows from her time serving in the military. Sazh wields dual pistols, and his strong point is striking enemies from a distance. His pet, a baby [[chocobo]], lives in his afro. He is described as having good judgment and moral discernment. He has a gentle personality and is easily moved to tears, and joins the party early in the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/2009/01/14/v-jump-new-final-fantasy-xiii-character-revealed.html|title=V-Jump: New Final Fantasy XIII Character Revealed|publisher=FinalFantasy-XIII.net|date=2009-01-14|accessdate=2009-01-14}}</ref> His voice actor in the Japanese version is [[Masashi Ebara]]. *{{nihongo|'''Hope Estheim'''|ホープ・エストハイム|Hōpu Esutohaimu}}<ref name="HopeScan">{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/2009/07/16/scan-boy-name-hope-estheim.html|title=Final Fantasy XIII Scan Brings New Character Details|date=2009-07-16|publisher=FinalFantasyXIII.net|accessdate=2009-07-16}}</ref> Hope is a young boy traveling with the party. Hope has silvery-blonde hair and is clad in orange, yellow, and green. He uses boomerangs in battle. He is seen arguing with Snow about helping the l'Cie.<ref name="E3 2009 trailer"/> He is also first seen in the game demo wearing similar Purge attire as Vanille, as his mother offers to aid Snow in fighting off PSICOM. She died as a result and Hope hates Snow for it in spite of him honoring his mother's final request to protect the boy. He is voiced by [[Yūki Kaji]] in the Japanese version. ====Other characters==== In the Jump Festa 2009 and the official global trailer, three more characters who are part of Snow's resistance group called '''NORA''' are seen in the hijack of the captives' train and act the role of heroes. One is a man with orange hair and dark olive skin called {{nihongo|'''Gadot'''|ガドー|Gadō}}. He uses a machine-gun in battle, providing quick assistance when it comes to executing combos. The second is a black-haired woman with a butterfly tattoo on her shoulder and a sense of invincibility named {{nihongo|'''Lebreau'''|レブロ|Reburo}} who uses a shotgun in combat and acts as team healer.<ref name="Jump Festa 2009">{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/2008/12/21/jump-festa-fuller-trailer-description.html|title=Jump Festa Fuller Trailer Description|publisher=FinalFantasy-XIII.net|first=BlankChocobo|date=2008-12-21|accessdate=2008-12-25}}</ref> Gadot and Lebreau are said to be childhood friends of Snow.<ref name="RPGfan"/> The third is a young blond-haired worrisome man wearing goggles and a bright pink outfit named {{nihongo|'''Maqui'''|マーキー|Mākī}}.<ref name="Marquis">{{cite web|url=http://www.finalfantasyunion.com/news/three-new-ffxiii-demo-character-names--343.html|title=Three New FFXIII Demo Character Names|publisher=Final Fantasy Union|first=Kyle Wynen|date=2009-02-17|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> They were designed by Nao Ikeda, based on sports, and are inspired by [[NBA]], [[beach volleyball]], and [[snowboarding]] fashions, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ps3hyper.com/news/ffxiii-sporty-nora-members-the-short-demo/|title=FFXIII: Sporty Nora Members & The Short Demo|publisher=PS3Hyper |date=2009-03-09|accessdate=2009-04-16}}</ref> The four known members of NORA are featured in the ''Final Fantasy XIII'' demo, although Maqui does not participate in battles.<ref name= "FF-XIII"/> The trailers at the DKΣ3173 event in Tokyo in 2008 and E3 2009 featured two Lieutenant Colonels of the Cocoon army that oppose Lightning and the other l'Cie: {{nihongo|'''Jill Nabato'''|ジル・ナバート|Jiru Nabāto}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasyversusxiii.net/2009/08/19/another-final-fantasy-xiii-character-named-jill-nabato.html|title=Another Final Fantasy XIII Character Named - Jill Nabato|date=2009-08-19|publisher=FinalFantasyVersusXIII.net|accessdate=2009-08-20}}</ref>, a female with knee-length blond hair and glasses who interrogates the captive Vanille in the trailers, and {{nihongo|'''Yaag Rosch'''|ヤーグ ロッシュ| Yāgu Rosshu}}, an intimidating man wearing his silver hair up in a ponytail.<ref name="trailer impressions"/> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/2009/08/14/new-final-fantasy-xiii-details-from-v-jump.html|title=V-Jump: New Final Fantasy XIII Details - New Character Named|date=2009-08-14|publisher=FinalFantasy-XIII.net|accessdate=2009-08-14}}</ref> During [[Gamescom]] producer Yoshinori Kitase confirmed two more characters in Final Fantasy XIII. The first one is a young girl with a silvery blond hair tied in a ponytail, a pink skirt and a white top said to be "Serah", the second character is Sazh's son.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finalfantasyversusxiii.net/2009/08/20/gc09-klee-kuo-sazh-s-son-and-a-new-girl-for-ffxiii.html|title=GC09: Klee Kuo "Sazh's Son and a New Girl" for FFXIII|date=2009-08-20|publisher=FinalFantasyVersusXIII.net|accessdate=2009-08-21}}</ref> ==Development== ''Final Fantasy XIII'' was first shown at the 2006 [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]] convention.<ref name="E3 06">{{cite web | last=Sloderbeck|first=Matt | date=2006-05-06 | title=Square Enix Pre-E3 Event Features New Games, New Details | url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2006/050806c.html | publisher=[[RPGamer]] | accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> Along with ''[[Final Fantasy Versus XIII]]'' and the [[PlayStation Portable]] game ''[[Final Fantasy Agito XIII]]'', ''Final Fantasy XIII'' is part of the ''[[Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy XIII]]'' project,<ref>{{cite web | last=Roper|first=Chris | date=2006-05-08 | title=E3 2006: Final Fantasy XIII Official | url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/705/705652p1.html | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-05-08}}</ref> but none is a [[prequel]] or [[sequel]] to any of the other installments. Square Enix explained that although all three games take place in the same universe, they are not directly related in terms of story.<ref name="FFXIII showcased">{{cite web | last=Brudvig|first=Erik | date=2006-05-08 | title=E3 2006: Eyes-on Final Fantasy XIII Trailer | url= http://ps3.ign.com/articles/705/705978p1.html | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> The game runs on the [[Crystal Tools]] engine, a [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh generation]] multiplatform [[game engine]] built by Square Enix for its future games. The engine and the game were originally slated to be used with the [[PlayStation 2]] but were later moved to the PlayStation 3.<ref name="FFXIII update"/> Final Fantasy XIII is made by Square Enix Production Team 1 (led by [[Yoshinori Kitase]]), meaning that the development team will look more like it did when ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy X-2]]'' were made, rather than ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]''. Several of the game's developers have worked on previous installments of the series. [[Yoshinori Kitase]], director of ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]'' and producer of ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' and ''[[Dissidia: Final Fantasy]]'' among others, will once again return as producer for the game. [[Motomu Toriyama]], director of ''[[Final Fantasy X-2]]'' and director and scenario writer of ''[[Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings]]'', will direct the game and write the story. Eiji Fujii, previously the movie director of ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'', will return in this position. Isamu Kamikokuryō, previously the co-art director of ''Final Fantasy XII'', will return as well, with Tetsu Tsukamoto designing the weapons. The main programmers will be Kazumi Kobayashi and Yoshiki Kashitani. Occasionally, developers from ''Final Fantasy Versus XIII'' assist with the development of ''Final Fantasy XIII''.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2008-06-19|title=FF Versus XIII reports "are false"|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ff-versus-xiii-reports-are-false|first=Tom|last=Bramwell|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> ''[[Final Fantasy X]]''{{'}}s battle director [[Toshiro Tsuchida]] will return as the battle system director for the game. He intends on giving individual enemies their own personalities and background stories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/102088/new-details-on-final-fantasy-versus-xiii/ |title=New details on Final Fantasy Versus XIII |work=[[GamePro]] |first=Tenacious|last=Moses |date=2007-02-27 |accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> He chose not to comment when asked whether players will input commands for individual party members or control will be limited to the current party leader.<ref>{{cite web | last=Gantayat|first=Anoop | date=2007-03-02 | title=Final Fantasy XIII Battle System Detailed | url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/769/769653p1.html |publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-03-28}}</ref> ''Final Fantasy X''{{'}}s co-composer [[Masashi Hamauzu]] will be scoring the game, with former regular series composer [[Nobuo Uematsu]] providing the vocal theme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/706/706153p1.html|title=E3 2006: FFXIII Staff Check|publisher=IGN|first=Anoop|last=Gantayat|date=2006-05-09|accessdate= 2008-12-15}}</ref> ==Release== Due to the frequency of rumored release dates appearing on the Internet, Square Enix's official website issued a statement reminding consumers that any "confirmed release dates" reported by sources other than Square Enix are "erroneous and should be disregarded".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2008/0130/ | title=Announcement Regarding Final Fantasy XIII Release Date | date=2008-01-30|accessdate=2008-01-31|publisher=[[Square Enix]]}}</ref> During [[Microsoft]]'s media briefing at the 2008 E3, Square Enix announced that ''Final Fantasy XIII'' would be released first in Japan on PlayStation 3 in 2009,<ref name="2009Japan">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1217144_1124.html|title=完全版！　DKΣ3713最新情報総まとめ|accessdate = 2008-08-02|date = 2008-08-02|work=[[Famitsu]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> then released in North America and Europe on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The latter would start development only after the Japanese PlayStation 3 version is completed, and the 360 version will come on multiple discs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54012 |title=Final Fantasy 13 Due for Japanese Release in 2009, Xbox 360 Port Not Yet Started (Updated) |publisher=[[Shacknews]] |first=Chris|last=Faylor |date= 2008-08-04|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> A Japanese release of the Xbox 360 version of the game is not planned.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-10-11|url=http://www.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/article.jsp?print=1&article_id=91086&cat_id=585|title=Final Fantasy XIII not for Japan 360. Yet.|publisher=Techtree|date=2008-07-15}}</ref> At the DKΣ3713 Private Party event in August 2008, Square Enix announced that a playable demo of ''Final Fantasy XIII'' will be included in ''[[Final Fantasy VII Advent Children|Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete]]'' (released on April 16 in Japan and June 2 for North America<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/4815.html|title=Advent Children Blu-Ray Set For June In North America|publisher=PSXExtreme|accessdate=2009-03-29}}</ref>) on [[Blu-ray Disc]] for PlayStation 3, along with new trailers of ''[[Final Fantasy Versus XIII]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy Agito XIII]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/896/896050p1.html |title=Final Fantasy XIII Demo Announced |publisher=IGN |first=John|last=Tanaka |date=2008-08-01 |accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> The demo will see a limited release, subject to the initial shipments of the ''Advent Children'' package.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=13001&sid=98ad56748bfaa7c899bfb8055b941962 |title=FFXIII demo limited to first batch of Advent Children: Complete? |publisher=[[PALGN]] |first=Adam|last=Ghiggino|date=2008-10-13|accessdate=2009-01-05}}</ref> The demo, however, is not reflective of the final product as it was created using an old build of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/4940.html |title= FFXIII Advent Children Demo: Not Worthy Of The Fans? |publisher= PSXExtreme |date= 2009-04-13|accessdate= 2009-04-16}}</ref> The official Japanese website has recently (as of late April 2009) been updated to include mention of a broad "Winter 2009" release window for Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/ff13|title=E3 SQUARE ENIX CO: FINAL FANTASY XIII|publisher=Square Enix}}</ref> However, when speaking to Japanese press, Square Enix claimed the game might not even come out in this fiscal year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.finalfantasyunion.com/news/square-enix-final-fantasy-xiii-could-be-delayed-further--402.html|title=Square Enix: Final Fantasy XIII Could Be Delayed Further|publisher=Final Fantasy Union|date=2009-05-19}}</ref> Speaking at a ''[[Dissidia: Final Fantasy]]''-related press event in London, producer Yoshinori Kitase stated that the team was aiming to cut down the time it takes for localization. Suggesting a European release "before winter 2010", he mentioned that localization was underway with some translation and voicework already completed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/fxiii_release_in_europe_sooner_than_a_year_after_japan.html|title=FFXIII Release in Europe Sooner Than a Year After Japan|publisher=Videogamer.com|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|date=2009-05-05|accessdate= 2009-05-07}}</ref> At the same time, it was denied there were any current plans for a Western release of the trial version.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/yoshinori_kitase_on_ffxiii_ffvii_and_dissidia.html|title=Yoshinori Kitase on FFXIII, FFVII and Dissidia|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|date=2009-05-08|accessdate=2009-05-08}}</ref> Giant advertisements of ''Final Fantasy XIII'' appeared on the cross-street of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa Street in the city of Los Angeles on May 23, 2009. These consisted of three huge billboards, showing the three lead characters of the game: Vanille, Snow, and Lightning, confirming the release date of the North American version of ''Final Fantasy XIII'' to be in 2010 on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/raymondwy/3562674304/sizes/o/ |title= Final Fantasy 13 Ad on Olympic Blvd and Figueroa St by raymondwy, on Flickr |publisher= raymondwy |date= 2009-05-25|accessdate= 2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174374 |title= FFXIII Billboards Appear In Los Angeles |publisher= Kat Bailey |date= 2009-05-25|accessdate= 2009-05-25}}</ref> During Microsoft's E3 2009 conference, it was announced that ''Final Fantasy XIII'' was to be released "Spring 2010"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/988/988642p1.html|title= E3 2009: Final Fantasy XIII Release Window Confirmed | date=2009-06|accessdate= 2009-06-13}}</ref> worldwide and for both consoles<ref>{{cite web|url= http://uk.ps3.ign.com/objects/826/826843.html|title= Final Fantasy XIII | date= 2009-06|accessdate= 2009-06-13}}</ref> (except Japan) and that a concrete date has not been determined yet. ==References== {{Reflist|3}} ==External links== <!-- Please NOTE: In order to keep the size of this list manageable, please DO NOT add any external links without first making a discussion on the Talk page (Talk:Final Fantasy XIII). This article is NOT intended to be a comprehensive fanlisting (see What Wikipedia Is Not.. WP:NOT). --> * [http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/ff13/ ''Final Fantasy XIII'' Official Japanese website] * [http://na.square-enix.com/ff13/ ''Final Fantasy XIII'' Official North American website] * [http://finalfantasy13game.com/ ''Final Fantasy XIII'' Official European website] {{Final Fantasy series|FF=FFXIII}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Final Fantasy 13}} [[Category:Final Fantasy games]] [[Category:PlayStation 3 games]] [[Category:Xbox 360 games]] [[Category:2009 video games]] [[ar:فاينل فانتسي XIII]] [[da:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[de:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[et:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[es:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[fa:فاینال فانتزی ۱۳]] [[fr:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[id:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[it:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[mk:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[ms:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[nl:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[ja:ファイナルファンタジーXIII]] [[no:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[pl:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[pt:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[ru:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[sq:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[fi:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[sv:Final Fantasy XIII]] [[th:ไฟนอลแฟนตาซี XIII]] [[zh-yue:太空戰士XIII]] [[zh:最终幻想XIII]]'