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Who The Hell Would Buy A Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy, Anyway?

When I saw this , I just had to laugh.

Seriously, who's going to buy the Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy if it releases? Think logically, Square Enix.

Wait, I know you're not capable of that so let me explain: There are several groups of people out there who might be interested in such a product. First, there's the long-time veteran fan, who you've long since alienated, so you can't count on any support from them. Most of them viewed FFXIII, XIII-2 and the shockingly mediocre Lightning Returns as a huge step back for the industry. A few die-hard collectors would purchase the Trilogy just as a general rule but that's about it.

Then you've got those who might be interested but haven't played all three games. Well, all they need to do is a little research, and they'll probably pass on the idea. Reviews went downhill throughout the series (as did sales) and really, they won't feel like they missed much if they only played FFXIII and part of XIII-2, for example. Lastly, there's the group that has never played any installment in the trilogy, and might find such a package enticing. But this group consists of either, A. those who have no interest in the first place, and B. those who would very likely opt to choose another game off the shelf, given the sheer amount of greats currently available.

And finally, as there's zero nostalgia behind this (as there was with Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster ), nobody is really going to care. It's just a dumb idea. But don't you worry; Square Enix will probably still do it.

Lightning Returns Gets A “Lightning” Debut At Retailer GAME

Well, that's clever. The clock is ticking in the game, and it's ticking the first time the game hits store shelves, too.

Square Enix has announced an interesting promotion for the upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII . Basically, you've got a limited amount of time to grab the latest series installment one day early.

The anticipated title is scheduled to launch in PAL territories on February 14. However, for just one hour on February 13, multiple GAME locations throughout the UK will put the game on sale. The fun starts at 13:00 (that's 1 p.m., right?) and the main celebrations will be held at the GAME in Hamleys of Regent Street. That's where attendees will have the chance to win some prizes, and Square Enix teases "special guests." This fits the game's premise, where the heroine must save the world in less than 13 days.

Participating GAME stores will sell the title as long as supplies last, or until the hour runs out, whichever comes first.

Said GAME director Charlotte Knight:

"We’re thrilled to be part of such a unique event. We pride ourselves on bringing the best opportunities to our community throughout the UK – with the chance to get the game at this exclusive one off event, as well as the many prizes on offer, this is not one to be missed."

So, if you're near one of these locations and you're excited to grab Lightning Returns , show up a day early at the appointed time! Check the participating locations here .

Related Game(s): Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

PSXE Poll Update: Portable Gaming Isn’t Really A Top Priority

Not among our readership, at least.

In our most recent poll, we asked our readers the following question: If you don't own the PlayStation Vita yet, why?

For many, it may be a combination of reasons, but we tasked you with narrowing it down to one. As it turns out, the majority of participants simply said that portable gaming isn't their bag. The second-most number of votes went to "Too expensive," with "Not enough games" coming in a close third. The Vita has struggled since its launch, but maybe the emergence of that new model will entice consumers. We've often said that without the AAA exclusive software, the admittedly slick handheld is in trouble.

This week, there are several high-profile games on tap for February. The first is Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII , so are you up for it? Getting it day one? Waiting for reviews? Avoiding it like the plague? Let us know.

Buy FFX/X-2 HD, Get Yuna’s Costume For Lightning Returns

Lightning looks good as Yuna.

If you pick up a copy of Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster , you'll receive a free piece of downloadable content for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII .

Square Enix has revealed that it is indeed Yuna's costume, which comes complete with her trademark staff and victory pose. We've already learned that Lightning will even have access to Cloud Strife's outfit from Final Fantasy VII , so the heroine can dress up as several past FF characters. Does that make Lightning Returns more appealing to you? If you're not sure, feel free to check out the playable demo that's currently on the PSN and Xbox Live. Or, just catch our disappointed impressions .

Lighting Returns: Final Fantasy XIII will be here on February 11, but we have to wait until March 18 to grab the FFX/X-2 HD Remasters. One guess which I want more.

Related Game(s): Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Final Fantasy Hero Comparison: Where Does Lightning Rank?

Square Enix has now dedicated three games to this heroine, so where does she rank on the all time Final Fantasy list?

I think Lightning started out relatively strong in Final Fantasy XIII . Granted, for the first half of the game, she came across as a one-dimensional bi***, but she got much better during the second half. I still say Fang and Vanille sort of stole the show at the end but even so, Lightning's appeal did increase over time. Thing is, FF prides itself on producing strong, sympathetic protagonists who we identify with in some way. I've had difficulty sympathizing with Lightning.

It doesn't help that the writing has become so convoluted, I'm not sure even the developers know who or what she is anymore. She was almost nonexistent in FFXIII-2, where she wasn't even a playable character (unless you beat her in combat, which I did). Yeah, she was still part of the story but let's face it, that narrative focused almost exclusively on Noel and Serah. As for Lightning Returns , that game appears to be a colossal piece of donkey crap; that's based on my demo impressions . Then again, maybe because it's only Lightning this time around, she'll have a chance to earn her spot in franchise history.

Still, I'd really hesitate before comparing her to the likes of Cloud, Squall, Terra, Tidus, etc. Even Zidane and Vaan were better in my estimation.

Square Enix Needs To Ask FF Fans Only One Simple Question

I can clear this whole mess up. An entire generation of increasingly bitter (and even hostile) Final Fantasy fans vs. an entirely detached company called Square Enix.

We say "detached" because we're still convinced they have absolutely no idea what their long-time followers really want. So, in order to bypass more ugly fallout, I've come up with one single question that Square Enix can ask the gaming community, and the answer will solve both problems. Are you ready? It's real simple; here it is:

If asked, would a Final Fantasy fan say they want Final Fantasy X HD more than Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII? Even more than Final Fantasy XV?

I'm aware that's basically a two-part question, and it's probably not fair to answer both parts until we know a lot more about FFXV. But for the time being, we can go with Lightning Returns . Now, if I'm right, the vast majority of confirmed Final Fantasy fans will say they want FFX HD more. And if that's true, Square Enix would have to see how critically wrong that is; from a business standpoint, it would imply that their beloved FF franchise has only regressed. Many firmly believe this to be the case.

If, on the other hand, I'm wrong, and the majority say Lightning Returns , then Square Enix wins and we have to shut up. We have to recognize that we're in the minority, and that it's completely unfair to bash Square Enix for ignoring their fans because in truth, they're giving the fans exactly what they want. Either way, everything will be resolved. I still say FFX HD would be the hands-down winner in such a poll. That would mean that a high-def remaster of a 12-year-old game would be much more anticipated than the latest, greatest FF in the offing.

Square Enix wouldn't possibly be able to misinterpret those results? They'd have to see it. Right? …uh…right?