Square Enix Press Release Confirms Final Fantasy XIII Sequel

Polarizing both gamers and critics, Final Fantasy XIII seemed to be one of those games that you either love or hate.  But, say what you will about the linearity and gameplay, I had almost nothing but good things to say about the game.  Sure, it had some flaws.  After all, what game doesn’t?  Still, it was an entertaining and worthy entry in the franchise and, personally, I found it to be one of the best games in the series in terms of character development.  But, while I felt the ending worked extremely well, it seems Square Enix has decided to venture forth into the world of Gran Pulse once again with Final Fantasy XIII-2.

I’m sure the “2” at the end of the title already has many Final Fantasy fans running for the hills given what the last similarly titled was like but, again given what the ending of FFXIII was like, a follow up might be interesting.  Tuesday’s press release announcing the title makes mention of an “evolved battle system,” but whether that means a battle system building on the original game’s Paradigm-based system or something new entirely is still unknown.

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES FINAL FANTASY XIII-2

Sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII Coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 Next Winter

LOS ANGELES (January 18, 2011) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is a sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII, which released in North America in March 2010 and has shipped 6 million units worldwide.

“Why does mankind defy its fate?”

Production on FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is underway, and builds upon the best aspects of FINAL FANTASY XIII. In particular, a brand new story and evolved battle system promise to stand out markedly against the standard for high-quality content established by the previous title.

Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. The series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of over 97 million units worldwide (as of September 2010).

Product overview

Title: FINAL FANTASY XIII-2
Platform: PlayStation®3, Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
Release date: Available Next Winter
MSRP: TBD
Copyright: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All rights reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA
Website: http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2

Story summary from the previous title, FINAL FANTASY XIII
Cocoon — a utopia in the sky.
Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.

Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.

Their tranquillity was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.

The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse — the feared and detested lowerworld — awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.

Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic—wielding servants.

They become l’Cie — chosen of the fal’Cie.

Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.

A prayer for redemption.

A wish to protect the world.

A promise to challenge destiny.
After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. For more information about FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, please visit the official website at: http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2.