Well, to a point, anyway. This is more of a clarification than anything else.
Not long after the E3 2008 announcement that Final Fantasy XIII would be headed to the Xbox 360, director Motomu Toriyama said very clearly- "We're making the PS3 version first, and then porting to the 360 later." But according to recent evidence gleaned by Videogamer.com , that's not entirely accurate. According to producer Yoshinori Kitase, the "basic engine work" is being done on the PS3 and 360 "simultaneously." Now, FFXIII is slated to release only for the PS3 in Japan, and then for both the PS3 and 360 at a later date in North America and Europe. But based on Toriyama's comments, many believed this translated to unnecessary waiting for PS3 owners, just because Square-Enix wanted a simultaneous multiplatform launch. However, with Kitase's statement, it seems clear that the team really is working on at least some aspect of the project simultaneously between the PS3 and 360 versions. Here's the quote in question:
"When it comes to the basic engine it's likely we are going to keep them on the go simultaneously. But the finishing touches, the details, the PS3 version will be completed first, then we will move on to 360."
As for those finishing touches, Kitase confirmed they haven't completed them for the PS3 version yet, so of course, they haven't started that part for the 360 version. Maybe this will serve to settle some of the Square-Enix hate floating around out there; it'd be erroneous to believe that the developers are only working on the PS3 version right now. It'd be irritating if they were, because then they'd put it aside to gather dust when it's finished – rather than letting us have it – to work on the 360 version for a simultaneous launch. But that's not really the case.
Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII
As long as the PS3 version is priority.
It still doesn't explain why the Japanese get a PS3 Only version first. How did they explain that one? As of now I still feel that they are holding off the PS3 version from coming out earlier because of the Xbox.
As Ultimadream says below, it has always been about localization issues. Japan ALWAYS gets FF games first.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 5/5/2009 10:58:49 AM
Ya, Ben…but from what I recall the time frame has been becoming smaller ( I started way back with FF1, we didn't even get a bunch of FF's, you would know the numbers, I get them confused with all the changing), until this FF. It looks like it may be almost a year. They should just subtitle them anyways. Changing voices is corny.
Agreed man, I actually prefer Japanese voices w/ English subtitles, usually far too much is lost in English translation.
Morne
Well, I definitely agree the time frame has gotten shorter since the NES and SNES days, but I think it's a bit premature to say that about the PS1 and PS2 days. I researched these numbers a while back during a FFXIII release date discussion, but here they are again. Time between the JP and NA FF releases:
FFVII: 8 months
FFVIII: 7 months
FFIX: 4 months
FFX: 5 months
FFXII: 7 months
IX was exceptionally short but it was also kind of a simplistic game by FF standards. The most notable number was X, which was a very high-profile release that came out in NA faster than the average…but even that wasn't dramatically faster or anything.
Now, S-E hasn't given any kind of solid release date for FFXIII in NA, but it seems quite likely that it will have a December release in JP (after all, the demos says 'Coming Winter 2009'). A lot of people are pessimistically saying that we won't see XIII in NA until late 2010, but there has never been an official statement from S-E that says anythign like that. The best we know is that it's fiscal 2010, which starts in april.
Personally I'm predicting a summer 2010 release, which would be right in line with the usual localization times.
Nice, thanks for those numbers, it gives a glimpse into what people should expect. S-E hasn't given any kind of inclination as to the release date for the rest of the world, because the rest of the world will be getting the 360 version, and according to everything….else, Square Enix has said, the PS3 version will be finished first, then ported to the 360. Of course…going by this release, they could also be scrapping the whole engine and starting anew for NA/EU regions.
Morne
@ Ben the Dukta
Localization problems may be still a problem but the fact that they would work so damn hard for a simultaneous release for a new IP (last remnant) and then not give a damn about one of the most beloved franchises ever kinda bothers me. But then again… If the voices in FFXIII were as bad as the voices in Last Remnant or say Star Ocean I would have to hunt the Voice directors down. LOL. So if it is waiting for some better voice acting then I have nothing to complain about.
i read this on PS3Fanboy (or what ever its called now)
"Traditionally the Final Fantasy numbered series, it takes about half a year between the release in Japan and the release in North America, and another half a year before it's released in Europe. But we would like to minimise this, this time." Steps taken to minimize the wait include recording English voices during the development of the Japanese game, not after. English text localization is also in progress concurrent with work on the Japanese version."
They have finally noticed we are sick of getting it a year later, oh the thrill.
Ultimadream,
I agree w/you as long as they focus on the PS3 verion first then it'll be good but I also feel if it wasn't coming for the 360 as well we would see it a lot sooner than later.
What I actually find most peturbing about this release, is the director clearly indicates, he has absolutely no clue what he's talking about:
"When it comes to the basic engine it's likely" (queue sound of vinyl record scratching to a halt)….say what? The Director thinks…it's 'likely' that that's what they'll be doing? Um…forgive me, but it's 'likely' that heaven exists…it's 'likely' that there's life on other planets… Such a term is used for something that is, as of yet, unproven… I would think the Director, of the game, would have a few more concrete terms than 'it's likely'.
More likely however, is S-E realizes they've pissed off the entire fanbase for FF outside of Japan, by insinuating (and not doing much to stop) the ideal that the PS3 version in the State's is being held back, because MS is too greedy to let a game come out on the PS3 first, and let theirs come out later. Like soooooo many PS titles of late.
It's likely… what a wonderful quote.
Morne
Last edited by MornelitheVT on 5/5/2009 11:08:47 AM
Rofl….thumbs down, for what?!? I wasn't even dissing Ben?!!? LoL….
Morne
MS fanboys rained blows down upon you, get used to it 😉
See…but I'm not even bashing the 360 there either, I merely said that S-E hasn't done enough/anything to assuage the haters from thinking that the PS3 vers is being delayed, simply to allow MS to have a simulatenous launch time. I don't know the truth to it. It very well could be true…but it very well could be false also… you know? All I'm saying, is S-E is doing perilously little to curb the flames.
Morne
MornelitheVT there is usually people who come in here just to thumb down people for no reason so it's best just to ignore it.
No i just didnt like how you went over the top on the 'likely' quote.
How is it over the top? Seriously, the Director of the game, can't concretely tell us the issues? Rather, he has to use more vagaries such as 'it's likely'. Fair enough, but yeah, I expect more from the guy in charge of the game.
Morne
He's the Director, he may not know every techincal detail, its not his department in work really is it. so lay off him.
Um…please refer to TheHighlander's post, because I think you're missing the boat on this issue…hell, the boat left, you're still standing on the dock. The demo's already out. How can they still be working on 'the basic engine'? Hmmm? I won't lay off him, as Highlander said, there's either a serious translation gap here, or this guy made every attempt to countermine every word he was saying, in the same breath.
Morne
Ultima,is this the first time you're using the reply button? Astonishing!
Last edited by www on 5/5/2009 11:31:16 AM
"I expect more from the guy in charge of the game. "
Amen.
By the way Ultima, just a refresher:
Director, noun, dÄ-rÄ›k'tÉ™r:
1. One that supervises, controls, or manages.
2. A member of a group of persons chosen to control or govern the affairs of an institution or corporation.
3. A person who supervises the creative aspects of a dramatic production or film and instructs the actors and crew.
4. The conductor of an orchestra or chorus.
5. An electronic device that continually calculates and displays information used for firing weapons at moving targets, such as missiles or aircraft.
Going by "dictionary.com's" above defintion, I find it hard to believe that the Director of FFXIII developement, wouldn't be intimatelyknowledgeable and involved in setting deadlines, project direction and the like. That would actually include whether or not they're still tweaking the 'basic game engine'.
Morne
I agree with you on this Mourn. At least its better than "We have no comment at this time" XD.
Attention SquEnix :
A good king says what he means, means what he says and his actions match his words. A bad king never means what he says, seldom says what he means and almost never does what he says. How does SquEnix stack up?
"We're making the PS3 version first, and then porting to the 360 later."
…becomes…
"When it comes to the basic engine it's likely we are going to keep them on the go simultaneously. But the finishing touches, the details, the PS3 version will be completed first, then we will move on to 360."
Say one thing, mean another, and confuse the heck out of everyone.
So, finish PS3 first then port, is actually not the case. They're actually working on both at the same time. Or are they? After all it's only "likely" that they will keep them "on the go" at the same time. Say what? You just did a demo, and the game is due for release in Japan in about 9 months, you've been working on it for how long? And yet you're still working on the basic engine, or rather you're not really working on the basic engine since you can say (in a predictive manner) that when it comes to the BASIC engine, you'll be "likely" to work on them at the same time.
Let me parse that thought. It's likely that you'll do something, which means you're not doing it yet, but this is how you plan to approach it. And it's the basic engine, so the basic engine of FFXIII isn't done yet? If that's the case then what the hell was running the demo on Advent Children?
Sorry, I suspect that there is an awful lot of "lost in translation" going on here, but if not, this statement really is confusing.
Has there been a PS3 to 360 port yet? If not this maybe the first company having difficulties and saying it cant be done, we see it as a negative and it is because it means we have to wait. What is being said maybe translated from Jap. you are not going to get a perfect translation they want the game to drop simultaniously in the west they may have to start form scratch for the 360 while they are finishing the PS3 versoin because porting it is imposible.
Burnout Paradise was developed on the PS3 as the lead platform, so the 360 version is effectively a port.
Thank you for clearing that up. Did Burnout Paradise claim to use 100% of the PS3s power? Another reason they may need a 360 engine built for this game.
Last edited by Deadman on 5/6/2009 4:31:49 PM
I don't think Criterion ever claimed that, though the 360 version has suffered from more problems than the PS3 version…
@ TheHighlander – Hi-5 good Sir, you more eloquently phrase what I was trying to say.
Thanks!
Morne
well 'www' it was working until you posted that lol.
Yes we've had the demo, but if you remember correctly, didnt they say that was an early version which they did a while ago, i rmemeber people moaning how it wasnt up to date (typical). In developement anything cane happen, i have to go now but ill end it at saying they're working hard on FFXIII,vXIII,Dissida,P.EIII, so stop winging over petty details.
P.S – Please dont mention about boats agaiin for all our sakes o.0
Ultima…ok, I understand what you're saying, but I think you're still not getting this…you don't continue work on the 'basic game engine'…when you've released the demo. With regards to games developement, you've got your brainstorming/rough sketching/concept period, then the basic engine is completed, then the polish and localisation is done. Am I making sense here? If the basic game engine, is subject to the kind of change that this Director would have us believe, then really, the demo is meaningless…utterly. Because…well, they could literally change everything about the game. You follow?
Again, I'm calling this a translation issue, or the guy is trying to sell us an excuse that I'm not buying for a second.
Morne
Or the game as released in Japan is not the same as the game that will be released in the West – even down to a different basic engine? <shudder> that's just not a comforting thought. Tinfoil hats on stand-by.
Eeesh, perish the thougth man. That would suck. But…again, how often does that happen with the FF games? I mean, yeah, there are slight differences, but if you think about it, usually the extended wait time results in us getting a few extras (sometimes…FFVII International for example). It just doesn't seem to me, like what he's claiming, follows suit with the history of how FF has been released. Not disputing the wide gap between JPN launch vs everyone else. We're all fully aware japan gets tons of stuff that we don't. But…to literally deliver a game bearing the same name, but with a vastly different engine??? That's just…odd and seems like more work than they really need to be doing…ya know?
Morne
I believe if FFXIII were to be on ps3 ONLY we woulda seen the release date much much closer.Working on two platforms simultaneously will surely take more time.
Honestly, I don't see why they're even bothered with the xbox 360 version. Porting such a huge game onto a console that's, in respect, inferior just makes the process more complicated.
Last edited by Andysw on 5/5/2009 11:38:03 AM
Because money talks, and Microsoft has infinite amounts of funds stashed in evil lairs(banks)
All i hear is 'we are doing both versions at once'
Further proof that ff 13 was 'cut' to size.
Last edited by karneli lll on 5/5/2009 12:30:03 PM
The gameplay should not be cut… Xbox version going on multi-disc already. It's the cutscenes that are going to be compressed. If the PS3 version maintains a 1080p, then theres nothing being cut for the PS3
That's the assumption,but what if the game was to take an entire blu disc and they thought 5 dvd discs would be pushing it so cut from the story to make it smaller (compress the story if you will); we've probably seen half the game already.
Plus,remember the story was finalized a short while before announcing the multiplatorm news.Face it, like rez 5, you get a 360 game in a blu ray cover.Just saying!
this makes me suspect that the PS3 version is being watered down just like RE5. gawd, im so sick of MS throwing money at developers. They are hurting the gaming industry.
Yes yes they are but there really isn't anything that anyone can do about it. Microsoft has money, they have a lot of it, and if they want to do something they are going to plain and simple. If they want timed exclusivity they will pay for it, if they want exclusive content they will pay, if they want to have the game developed on both systems simultaneously and want them to look equal they can throw money around and make it so. The only hope that we can have is that they start running low on some funds and have to cut out this business tactic. It actually looks like they could be getting a little desperate though with the new "360 is better than PS3" literature they are circulating in Japan. It has a Hentai chick dressed up in 360 gear and tells how everything on 360 is a better version than anything on PS3 and how it is so much cheaper. They are using mudslinging techniques in the place where the PS3 has a major foothold trying to convert an entire society to a Microsoft way of thinking and that just seems like a desperate act.
Actually there is something people can do about it but to undo the brainwahing might prove difficult.
yea i find it amazing how brainwashed 360 nutters are. They hold loyalty to s system that breaks all the time and then praise MS for extending their warrenty like they did them some kind of favor. The system shouldnt have broke the 1st 100 times. Im tired of getting watered down ports of the games that i enjoyed on the Sony consoles for over 20 years. What Crapcom did to RE5 was very disappointing and whats even more disappointing is see ing Square pander to MS too. No Blu Ray demo for the US because the 360 goons cant have it? its not Our fault M$ choose to stick with DVD. just seems like, M$ tries to punish PS3 owners with buyouts and bribes instead of trying to win us over with quality products. theyd rather flood the market with crap. People complain about their operating systems, the way they employed the 360 onto the market is no different. Release junk, than attempt to patch it up later.
Allow the World to boil down:
If this is not a translation problem, what I am reading here is very troubling, as Highlander said, it may mean we aren't going to get the same game as Japan because… wait for it, The very basic engine has to be tampered with just to get it to function on 360 and make the games equal.
Why the sudden change from "port later" to simultaneous development? Simply because they finally had a go at running it on 360 and decided things just won't work the way the game is set up right now. And that's to be expected actually. But it could mean we are going to see that big dumbing down we were all worried about.
As to the delay, as WWW said, it's going to happen anyway because you have to carve up the team in order to work on both at the same time.
Look, localization is an issue, but not the kind of issue that take serious retooling of the basic engine so that retooling is happening for another reason. They always knew this game was coming stateside so provisions for inserting English voices and text would have been made in the "basic engine" to begin with.
Furthermore, at it's core, this is just more proof that SE keeps throwing us a pack of lies every time they speak.
</rant>
Or moreover it is further proof that Microsoft keeps throwing money at Square-Enix every time they go to them and tell them something can't be done equally on both systems.
Either way I am thinking of buying it for both systems so I can scrutinize it till I am blue in the face and possibly thinking of importing a Japanese version to side compare all three versions, just so I have a reference point to all of it.
@coverton341 so I guess you don't believe that they are really maxing out the ps3.
@ JDHexen – Honestly, when they mince words, and deliberately sow confusion amongst their fanbase, I believe something is up. What? I can't say for certain, but I can say that your avatar brought me back to some PC gaming days of yore!
Morne
@Coverton, if you do that you need to give us a full update. Set up a topic in the forums and beat it to death!
Weird, I was pretty sure I posted a comment but it's not here anymore O_o maybe it was a different thread, but anywayz. Nice new avatar World 🙂
Thanks dude, its the hair, I'm tellin ya.