Menu Close

Eidos Montreal: New Deus Ex Is NOT An Action/FPS

Ben-Dutka 22 Comments

Okay, so the new video is out and everyone is talking about it.

However, some veteran fans of the series have spotted a few things in that video that might be cause for concern, such as regenerating health. They fear that Eidos may have adopted an action/FPS formula rather than the traditional RPG style. Thankfully, though, Eidos Montreal lead designer Jean-François Dugas told Eurogamer that "it's the same blend of first-person shooter [slash] RPG that the first game was." Said Dugas:

"Honestly, I know when we said it's going to have auto-regen and a cover system and shooting is not going to be stat-based anymore, a lot of people went, 'oh my God! Now they're doing just an action game and it's all about running around and shooting.'

It's a fair concern when you just hear that this way. I totally understand it. But it has never been our goal to transform Deus Ex into a shooter game."

He goes on to say that the challenge fans know and love will be there, and it won't be hard because of the shooting. The one thing the game still requires, above all else, is player freedom and choice; the freedom to surpass any obstacle any way you wish. That part, the "thinking" part, will certainly be retained. Added Dugas:

"You'll have to think. You'll have to look around you and maybe find other ways than just shoot and see what happens. We're balancing the game right now, and I can tell you when there are a few characters on screen that are after you, if you don't take care, a few bullets and you're dead.

It's not going to be more of an action game than the other ones. It's just when you're in an action segment it's going to be more straightforward."

We're glad the team stepped in early to diffuse any misguided notions insinuated by the new gameplay trailer. When it comes to something like Deus Ex , you really can't tick off the long-time fans. They'll riot in the streets, or something.

Related Game(s): Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Read more →

Square-Enix: Versus Is “Like The 2D FF Games In HD”

Ben-Dutka 49 Comments

As we wait semi-patiently for the Tokyo Game Show, we receive a few updates concerning Final Fantasy Versus XIII .

These from Square-Enix producer Tetsuya Nomura and his recent comments on Twitter, as translated by Andriasang . Firstly, he clarifies the company's policy of "promoting games in the order of their release," which means full promotion for Versus XIII is probably still a ways off, what with other titles coming well before the game's "TBA" launch. As for the mystery FF we're all dying to see:

"Versus has had many difficulties, and past method of production have been completely inapplicable, but these are the difficulties of birth, so we are working hard. We have a lot to announce, but because we're going in order, I can't say too much yet.

There have been many questions regarding fields. It's not a completely open world. It's like the 2D FF games in HD. Although, in terms of looks, it's not a top-down view, it's like the screenshots that have been released. You'll move through the world from that view."

The screenshots he's talking about were published in Dengeki PlayStation and Famitsu a few months ago (and have yet to be shared online); they show a standard third-person view from behind the back of main character Noctis. But the fact that Nomura describes it as "like the 2D FF games in HD" is enough to make us cautiously enthusiastic. He also says both Versus XIII and Final Fantasy Agito XIII are in the process of voice-casting and in the "order" process, Agito is next on the list after The 3rd Birthday .

The only games Square-Enix will bring to GamesCom this month are the aforementioned Parasite Eve PSP iteration and Kingdom Hearts ; Nomura says there are also a few unannounced titles headed our way. They've even finished voice recording and are set to come before Agito and Versus , so they've been keeping 'em secret for some time. The announcements will come soon in Japan, apparently. Anyway, here's hoping for a return to Final Fantasy glory…

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy Versus XIII , Final Fantasy Agito XIII

Read more →

Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon To Be Among The Classics

Ben-Dutka 13 Comments

Well, we still want to see the Parasite Eve games on the PSN, but in the meantime, Square-Enix has made another announcement.

According to Examiner.com , publisher boss Shinji Hashimoto, who frequently likes to unveil such things at the Japanese Square-Enix Members Twitter page, has confirmed one more PS1 classic for the Network. It's Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon , which actually didn't release in North America; only the sequel made it to US shores. It's a Final Fantasy world where your traditional feathery companion is in the limelight, and you fight your way through scores of dungeons and rampaging enemies. It's actually an RPG as it holds many of the same elements found in Final Fantasy quests on the original PlayStation, so it might really be worth your time. Me, despite having played a good 40 RPGs on the PS1, will have to admit that neither Chocobo title was among them. Perhaps I made a mistake (I also regret missing Saga Frontier 2 and Breath of Fire IV ) but soon, I'll be able to remedy that, right?

We don't know exactly when Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon will be on the PSN, but we shouldn't have long to wait. Perhaps next month…?

Read more →

Next Parasite Eve To Hit High-Definition Consoles?

Ben-Dutka 32 Comments

For whatever reason, Parasite Eve has been in the news a lot lately, and it's not entirely because The 3rd Birthday is headed to the PSP soon.

Yesterday, we learned that the first two titles might end up on the PSN (which would be cool), and now, it appears that a high-definition PE installment might be in the works. This from a recent Tweet from Square-Enix executive Tetsuya Nomura, who says fans might not have to wait another decade for a new Parasite Eve . The translation is roughly- "In the case of a sequel can be made, the next one will be a HD version." The source also says that director Hajime Tabata mentioned the team had prepared a multiplayer engine for The 3rd Birthday , but Tabata insisted the game be exclusive to the PSP. Well, if they didn't entirely scrap that engine, perhaps they can use it for a new PS3/360 adventure, which would be a pretty big deal. Well, it'd be a big deal for all those who remember the PE phenomenon from the original PlayStation days; the first Parasite Eve really was a great, even somewhat unique, game.  Totally one of my favorites.

And by the way, if you missed out, type in "Aya Brea" in Google to see how big she was back in the day. …can't believe I just said "back in the day" for 1998.

Read more →

New Deus Ex A “Reboot,” But It Keeps The “Core Values”

Ben-Dutka 26 Comments

With little knowledge of Final Fantasy Versus XIII , our most anticipated Square-Enix title remains Deus Ex: Human Revolution .

And if you've been an ardent follower of the series, you should know that Revolution is considered a reboot of the franchise. Gamasutra spoke to game director Jean-Francois Dugas at Eidos to learn more about the promising new title, and he says it really isn't an extension of the existing storyline. But at the same time, the team most certainly understands the series; they even went back to the earlier games to see what they did best. Said Dugas:

"When we started, basically we said, 'You know what? We need to go back to the first two games and play them extensively and try to really analyze and identify what the core values were, what made those games so special.' We did just that, and then after that, we started to work on our game.

One of the first mottos we had was to respect the core values of the story. For us, that was really, really important, so it drove forward all our design choices for Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Obviously, we see it as a reboot of the franchise, we see it kind of a new game, with a new character, a new story, and all that, set in the same universe with the timeline of Deus Ex."

Dugas also says they're coming back "with the choice and consequence" philosophy, which will lead to "different gameplay pillars that allow players to play with a different style." So in other words, just like in past entries, you can either be all sneaky and technical or you can just tear sh** up with enhanced strength and weaponry. Well, sounds a lot like Deus Ex to us. And check out the rest of the interview; this is one game that could end up being something really special.

Related Game(s): Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Read more →

Wada On FF: “Difficult To Determine Which Way To Go”

Ben-Dutka 77 Comments

I would like to make one thing clear; it's the best way I can describe my opinion of Final Fantasy XIII : the production values are immense and overall, it's absolutely one of the best games of the generation. It is not , however, one of the best Final Fantasy titles. I think it's important to recognize both aspects of the situation.

The reason is because it seems that some of the negative feedback for the game – most all of it from the long-time fans – has finally reached the ears of Square-Enix president Yoichi Wada. The boss has recently come under fire by saying things like "what's in America should be handled by Americans" and he's also indicated that Final Fantasy 's direction as a franchise is very uncertain. This is why we read Gamasutra's interview , where we find out Wada has indeed heard some of the FFXIII backlash.

"Looking at the numbers alone, it is pretty good, because we were able to release the latest Final Fantasy in all three markets of Japan, United States, and Europe in a very short period of time, and we were able to reach 5 million units rapidly — and I think this product will grow further. But when it comes to the customers’ reaction to the quality of the game, some value it highly and some are not very happy with it."

But does he understand why some are unhappy with it? Isn't that the most important thing? Well…no, he doesn't, but at least he admits that he doesn't know. Said Wada:

"Should Final Fantasy become a new type of the game or should Final Fantasy not become a new type of game? The customers have different opinions. It’s very difficult to determine which way it should go."

Okay, I'm fairly certain I – and all our RPG fans here at PSXE – can answer that for you, Wada. Ready? Are you listening? Here goes: make a role-playing game that faithfully retains the mechanics and style of old installments, regardless of whether you think some will call them "outdated." In short, give us modern, updated versions of games like FFVII through FFX (maybe even FFXII). It can't be that hard…and for the love of God, please don't assume we all want a twitch-fest version of the strategic, RPG FF we've always known and loved! Thanks.

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII

Read more →