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Square Enix’s Hints Make It Seem Like FFXIII-3 Is Inevitable

Ben-Dutka 19 Comments

Like it or not, the evidence is piling up.

Here's what we know: Anybody who completed Final Fantasy XIII-2 is well aware of the number of unfinished plot points, not all of which were satisfied by the seven alternate endings or by the extra downloadable content. That's first and most obvious.

Second, we know that Square Enix has said on multiple occasions that they have to release games at a faster clip in order to be competitive. When they say this in interviews, they often cite Western franchises…franchises that typically get annual installments. It was less than two years between the North American release of FFXIII and FFXIII-2 and S-E said even that was too long. Thirdly and lastly, the hints pertaining to a new Lighting storyline are everywhere, and the latest clue implies that the next step won't just be DLC…

Check this website : After confirming that the "Lightning Saga" that began with FFXIII has shipped a total of 9.6 million units, they said FFXIII-2 was "brought to conclusion with the add-on content entitled 'Lightning's Story: Requiem of the Goddess.'" Okay, so that means FFXIII-2 is done, right? And yet, there's this very clear implication-

Key members of the FINAL FANTASY XIII development team including the Producer, Director and Art Director, are in preparations to present new information about the direction of Lightning's story. This presentation will take place at an event in Tokyo to celebrate FINAL FANTASY 25th Anniversary, on 1st September 2012.

Brace yourselves because yeah, we say FFXIII-3 is coming. Soon.

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Final FFXIII-2 DLC Today: Lightning, Snow And New Outfits

Ben-Dutka 7 Comments

It's finally time to expand on the storylines for two major characters in Final Fantasy XIII-2 .  Want new party members?

The final set of downloadable content for Square Enix's RPG sequel is now available; it features two new episodes: "Snow's Story: Perpetual Battlefield," and "Lightning's Story: Requiem of the Goddess." Plus, there are White and Black Mage outfits and "A Wondrous Wardrobe," which boasts 16 different costumes for Mog. Yes, Mog needs outfits, too.

In Snow's Story, the born Sentinel and braggart is fighting in the Coliseum after being separated from his fiancée, Serah. Apparently, this episode will feature an epic confrontation with the Arbiter of Time, that mysterious dark entity that oversees events in the Coliseum. Upon completion of this episode, you will get Snow as a party member. For Lightning's Story, we will participate in the battle between Lighting and Caius, which is only glimpsed in the main storyline. Lightning will have special abilities exclusive to this episode and if you finish it, you'll unlock the Final Fantasy XIII-2 version of Lighting as a party member.

That's an interesting distinction, because the Lightning you earn after beating her in the Coliseum (and getting her crystal) is the FFXIII Lightning, as evidenced by her outfit. So it'd be cool to have the FFXIII-2 "version." …however, I put a lot of time into making my current Lightning a complete combat machine, so…

Anyway, the DLC is available on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace; Lightning's Story is $4.99 and Snow's Story is $3.99, while those Mage outfits cost $2.99 apiece. The Wondrous Wardrobe is $2.99 as well, and you know you have to have it.

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII-2

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FFXIII-2 DLC: Mass Effect N7 Armor For Noel And Serah

Ben-Dutka 21 Comments

Come on now, admit it…this is worth a laugh.

The downloadable content continues to be announced for Final Fantasy XIII-2 ; it has thus far included new characters to defeat (and possibly claim) and new costumes…yes, including bikinis. Nothin' wrong with that.

And now, something else: N7 Armor for Noel and Serah. The first screenshot of this DLC was caught by Famitsu (and later grabbed by Siliconera ), and it'll be available on March 27 in Japan for the price of 300 yen or 240 Microsoft Points. The Mass Effect armor might be deemed inappropriate by some and humorous by others; we're going to go with the latter, just because the whole ME3 thing is getting way too serious.

By the way, Final Fantasy followers were none too happy with the FFXIII-2 ending, either. I was particularly annoyed . But life somehow goes on and if I can make Noel and Serah look like Shepard, I really have no need to bother with ME3. Really, it's only the armor that's cool about ME.***

*** This should be painfully obvious sarcasm, especially considering our Mass Effect 3 review.

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII-2

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FFXIII-2 Update: Jihl Nabaat DLC, New Lightning Episode

Ben-Dutka 16 Comments

Okay, so you've got Lightning. Congrats. But the challenges in the Coliseum are only just beginning…

We had heard about this earlier, but now it's official: as revealed at the Square Enix Members website, the new Jihl Nabaat downloadable content for Final Fantasy XIII-2 will arrive next week. Remember her?

If you had forgotten your FFXIII history, Jihl quickly became a Lieutenant Colenal of PSICOM (Public Safety and Intelligence Command), and was most definitely not an ally of Lightning and Co. In fact, Jihl was ruthless and cruel and as most villains tend to do, basically got in the way. So next week, you'll be able to take her down in the Coliseum and if you can manage it, you can add her to your Monster list…yep, she'll be available to put in your party.

However, beating Lightning and Amodar was no easy task, and we're willing to bet Jihl Nabaat will be one tough customer. Also, fair warning for the uninitiated: you can't just beat her; you have to beat her and get her to drop her crystal. …took me five or six tries to get Lightning. Also, one final piece of news: a new episode entitled "Lightning's Story: Requiem of the Goddess" is "coming soon." Maybe that will help ease some of the sting of that ending I really didn't like .

Oh, and the Jihl DLC should come in at $2.99 (same price for the Lightning/Amodar DLC). No word yet on how much this new episode will cost, though.

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII-2

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PSXE Poll Update: Expectations Weren’t High For FFXIII-2

Ben-Dutka 28 Comments

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is averaging a low 8 in terms of review scores but believe it or not, gamers actually expected even lower.

Everyone knows the buzz going into this sequel's launch was mostly negative, due to irate fans who didn't think too highly of FFXIII and weren't interested in an ill-advised follow-up. Therefore, we can understand why so many were hoping for an even worse critical reception. As it stands, however, anything below a 9 remains a disappointment in the eyes of long-time fans, as Final Fantasy has always been considered an elite franchise. Heck, below a 9 was once inconceivable.

This week, the Resident Evil debate continues. After Capcom unveiled the new installment, most noticed that the debut trailer was loaded with a ton of action. Not long after, Capcom went on record saying that it only "made sense" to give the series more in-your-face entertainment, which hasn't gone over well. We're already getting the squad-based shooter, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City , so what does RE6 need more action for? Well, what do you say to this?

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII-2

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Square Enix: “Extensive DLC” Coming For Final Fantasy XIII-2

Ben-Dutka 15 Comments

Final Fantasy XIII-2 has arrived on store shelves and if you want to expand upon the robust experience, you won't have long to wait.

Along with the press release that officially announced the launch of FFXIII-2, Square Enix has revealed that they have "extensive downloadable content" planned for the very near future.

It starts with new Coliseum Battles where players can face down familiar faces from the franchise's past, including the protagonist of Final Fantasy XIII , Lightning. They weren't specific about other classic characters, but they did say that upon beating them, they can be added to your party. That's a huge deal because FFXIII-2 on its own doesn't allow for any other characters in combat besides Noel, Serah and a Monster of your choice.

Dubbed the "Lightning and Master Sargeant Amodar" DLC, it will be available next week on February 7. Furthermore, fans can expect episodes that "enhance the experience and complement the narrative of Final Fantasy XIII-2 with storyline branches for key characters in the story." A third battle pack for the Coliseum is slated for March.

Although the game hasn't received overwhelming critical acclaim, multiple sources have given the game a 9 (OXM, Machinima, GamesRadar, etc.). We liked it as well…hell, I'm having lots of fun.

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII-2

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