FFXIII Report: Final Fantasy XIII Cutting Corners? E3 Aftermath

Kyle Lauren and David are back and joined by FXN Community Manager Shar. The crew discuss every facet of what happened at E3, Final Fantasy XIII coming to the Xbox 360, and all it could mean.

[Montrealien]

So a few people talking about their theories is news? Is it even rumors? The title is a little misleading also, the title of the show is simply (E3 aftermath)

[Montrealien]

So the entire E3 aftermath podcast is about FF13 cutting corners? Good job on changing the title. I guess we know how to get some hits...

[TheColbertinator]

No release date for Japan or the west and the trailer barely had any new content.I have'nt seen a single amount of gameplay footage.It's annoying waiting for this game.Square-Enix is showing nothing and who knows if its gonna be good.Final Fantasy has'nt reclaimed the RPG crown since the PS1 days due to these delays.

[Pain]

And when it comes to the Non FF's as Long as the PS3 version's are NOT held back for XBOX and are the "Show piece" versions its all good.

Hows my grammar nazi's? since i have fan's....

[Sevir04]

the only system i'll be playing this on is the PS3 because it's coming out for the PS3 first.

square has said it that the Jap version will be completed and shipped and then once the localizations for the english version is done and the american and EU/UK versions have been finalized teh 360 version will begin development. 2009 for japan summer time, winter 2009-early 2010 for US/EU/UK/AU and 2010 winter to early 2011 for the 360... wow, by then the 360's successor will be ready to show it's face good job MS you spent money to get a PS game that you wont get on your console till the end of it's life cycle..

LOL!!! anywho

[La Chance]

they said 360 and ps3 EU and US versions coming out at the same time.

Acting like it isnt true isnt going to make not true.

edit : lol at angry xbot calling ma a fanboy , your name is "angryxbot" and youre calling me a fanboy....

Anyway I really dont care what you guys say...you really cant imagine at what point I dont care.All I care is that MSFT and Square made it clear that FF13 is coming out simutaniously on PS3 and 360 for USA and EU.Whats are your words worth against Square and MSFTs own words on FF13 ?... yeah...worth pretty much nothing.

Thats really all that counts.Everything else you guys say wont change the fact that 360 owners in USA and EU are getting the game the same day as PS3 owners.

[MazzingerZ]

Are you really sure about that? I thought they said while the localization for the game is done for US/PAL release the X360 version would be ported...that's the last I heard and kind of sucked because it meant that they would delay the PS3 version outside Japan until the X360 port was ready in order to be launched at the sametime as MSFT said.

Hope you are rigth as that would be great, don't care when the X360 port is released, the only thing I want is that the game is out on the PS3(US/PAL) as soon as possible (xmas 2009 sounds good to me)

[zo6_lover27]

This should prove you wrong.

http://www.gameplayer.com.a...

EDIT

@ Die Friend

Thats what MS said, no SE, If you read my Link you will know why there won't be a simultaneous release on the ps3 and 360.

[die_fiend]

Unfortunately that's not the case Sevir. As you're clearly unaware, the announcement clearly stated simultaneous release for the PS3 and 360 in English-speakin territories so people with PS3s are gonna have 2 wait until the 360 version is good and ready b4 they're allowed 2 play. So where you got all ur dates from is a complete mystery. What's wrong with microsoft blitzing money 2 rob exclusives like this? Is it cos PS3 owners only have one good game in Metal Gear 4? And b4 u say Killzone and Resistance, have u actually played the first ones? Killzone isn't actually good if u hadn't noticed and resistance was basically serious sam with less fun isn't it?

EDIT zo6_lover that article isn't gospel. It says the 360 version hasn't been started which is probable and that the PS3 version will be finished well ahead of it which is also very likely. Fact remains, the announcement says they're coming out simultaneously, not being finished at the same time, so the PS3 version will be postponed til 360 owners are able 2 play. I'm sorry if u can't handle that but that is what's happening. Do u think Square let Microsoft just say it's gonna be simultaneous and then let it go? Where have u read a SE statement saying 'the announcement was wrong, the PS3 version will coming out in the West b4 the 360 version.' That's right, u haven't

[Pika-pie]

What they actually said at E3 was they were going to finnish the PS3 version and release it in Japan. Then they will port it over to the 360 and release at the same time in NA and EU.

Like whatever MS/SE, i doubt it would be that straight forward unless you are planning on releasing the NA/EU versions 1yr after JP. Expect a riot!

To be honest im not looking forward to this game now as much as I was before it became multi. Yeah sure it will be a kick ass, must own game.... but still. SE are going to have to keep both consoles in mind when developing, which means there will be trade offs and corners cut to make sure both games are equal.

Im still expecting a AAA game, I just dont think it will push boundries. Either way, as a multi console owner il still be getting the PS3 version :)))

[Death]

Dialogue is re-writtem, different voice actors are hired and start the audio process, in some instances the plot is changed. Both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions will have the same localization done. While the game is being localized, the finishing touches on the 360 port will be done. The game engine that Square/Enix is using is a multi-platform engine. The game does not need to be re-written for the 360 since the bulk of the programming will be done due to the shared engine being used.

In order for Square/Enix to reach the most customers as possible, they need to ship this game at the same time on each platform. Marketing isn't cheap and they will need to get it done in one swing to make the most they can of it.

-Death

[die_fiend]

Alvadr what do u mean MS/SE I doubt it's that simple? U can't doubt something u have no idea about surely. It was Square who said it would be released simultaneously, don't u think they know what their agreement with Microsoft is or do u know better than the creators of the game? It's getting ported after the Japanese PS3 version is done, so basically it'll take a few months to localize on the PS3 and however long 2 port to the 360 but until it comes out on the 360 you'll have to wait or get the version in a language you can't read

EDIT
Avocado, how is it it dramatically different? Whenever I played it all it consisted of was pummelling the same looking enemies the whole time, the story was hardly compelling. U probably haven't played bioshock yet, cos that's actually decent so u probably don't know how 2 differentiate between games where u just mindlessly shoot things.

[avacadosnorkel]

Congratulations!!!!

You win the dumbest comment of the day award.

I know there's lots of time left in the day today, but considering your statement I don't think you should worry.

[gaffyh]

All the people who keep saying 360 and PS3 version are coming at the same time - just read the damn gameplayer article. It answers all of your arguments. The only way the PS3 version and 360 versions of the game will come at the same time is if Square delay the PS3 version of the game (which I doubt, because I don't see them NOT wanting money, unless MS paid them to delay the game).

Even if you listen to what MS said they said, "FFXIII available in the EU/US at launch" - launch of what? They did not specify anything, simultaneous launch as PS3? simultaneous 360 launch for eu/us? What??

[zo6_lover27]

Thank you gaffyh, at least someone actually read it.

[Lucreto]

Since E3 the waters have gotten a little cloudy.

MS said simultaneous release and square though to have said the same but I have they will release the PS3 version in Japan localise and then do the 360 version.

We need square to clarify this again.

[Armyless]

We need you to clarify your statement again too.

[marinelife9]

These four people have no better idea on what they're talking about than the typical fanboy. They watched the conference online just like everyone else and are just throwing out hypothetical s.

[Lucreto]

I was saying that ms said it will be released along side the playstation 3 version but I thought square said the same but I have heard they will release the PS3 version in Japan and localise to US and Europe and then work on the 360 version.

[JasonXE]

that gameplayer article is a piece of crap. The crystal engine is "not" proprietary technology for PS3 development but a multiplatform engine. How the hell does a whole new engine needs to be made when the crystal engine is a f'kin MULTIPLATFORM engine!! Do these idiots do any type of research before posting crap? Hell, the first game announced that will be using the crystal engine was there new MMOrpg Rapture at 05 and it was first announced for PC & 360. They didn't announce rapture for ps3 till this year. It'll come out the same time in the us/eu as ps3.

[Omegasyde]

What we know:
1)Square said they haven't worked on the Xbox 360 Version YET.
2)The game will be done on PC first because of the Engine used to make the game.
3)The game will be multi-disc for the 360.
4)The game will come out in Japan first only on the PS3.
5)The game will not be ground breaking. Multi-platform means: game won't take advantage of the 360 read-speed/ Cache, or ps3 cells/spus.

What we don't know:
1)MS actually paid some money.
2)MS will pay for DLC or special features not found on the ps3
1 Blu-ray Disc > 3 or more disc.
3)When the game actually gets released.

What the Internet is Making up:
1) Jenova (Final Fantasy 7) is going to appear in game
2) Final Fantasy 13 will be to transfer data between FF 13 Versus.
3) Xii's in game.
2) Square Enix actually cares about it's fans. Microsoft cares about quality. Sony cares about release dates. (all lies)

It's the truth, you guys arguing is as logical as two blind people arguing about a shade of color.

[Nostradamus]

I dont think blu-ray has an advantage over multi-disc.

After playing through MGS4, and running into my 3rd game install, I remember thinking: "If this was on 360, I could have just swapped discs and been playing by now."

Just because a game is on one disc, doesnt mean thats a plus. MGS4 was a prime example of that.

[Omegasyde]

Nostradamus,

What if you misplace one disc?
What if you scratch one of the disc?
What about levels that are ~2 gigs (e.g. killzone 2, uncharted)?
What about gameplay length?

......"but blu-ray disc can get scratched too"

Not as easily.

Blu-ray is needed for physical versions of games to advance. DVD-9 can be used as an excuse that developers can than charge later down the road for additional content that would of otherwise fit on just 1 blu-ray.

[thePatriot]

this sets me back at the e3 when microsoft said GTA4 is losing sony exclusivity and is an 360 first or something. making it seem like its only comming to 360 and rockstar had to come out and say its not true.

[thePatriot]

ff13 will have multiple HDD data instals? where did you hear that. for all we know nothing like that will ever happen again. who knows maybe ff13 will pull a uncharted and have no installs at all.

[die_fiend]

You can disagree all you like but the fact remains, Square have never said the PS3 one is coming out b4 the 360 version other than in Japan. They said they'd port it straight away after. Gaffyr what do u mean 'what does available at launch mean?' It means it comes out on PS3 and 360 at the same time. They're not saying the game is available when it's launched! I know that people with PS3's really can't handle the fact that the 360 version is gonna get finished b4 it comes out but that's what's happening. That gameplayer article is literally worthless, I've read it and it's by no means factual, I'd rather go with Square who said it'll come at the same time on both. And yes the will postpone the PS3 version because that's partially what Microsoft paid for. Have u heard of GTA4? That came out on the same date on both cos it only requires one marketing campaign so that's why Square are releasing them both at the same time, cos they're hardly financially stable.

[gaffyh]

@JasonXE - This is a quote from the E3 Square Enix conference:

Quote:
Question: Can you discuss the process of developing the game’s engine — as it evolved from the White Engine into Crystal Tools, did everything go as planned, or were there some bumps along the way?

Yoshinori Kitase: I’d say that it’s on schedule as we’d originally planned, but it certainly hasn’t been easy, and it’s been quite a time-consuming process. FFXIII currently functions in all the basic ways, but we’re still working to polish the engine. People may be under the impression that it’s a total package that only needs to be tweaked a little bit in order to port the game to 360, but that’s not the case — we still have to fix it to make it more platform-specific.

[JasonXE]

Your not going to port a game to a different console without doing some major programming changes. Where does he say that they have to create a new engine? All gameplayer is doing is speculating and people taking it as the truth.

[TornRaptor]

To true, Gameplayer articles aren't worth the virtual pages there written on.

[gaffyh]

@1.24 - yeah I agree with you, gameplayer does speculate a LOT, but this time they have a lot of evidence. The only evidence that points to a simultaneous release is MS saying "available at launch", yet you still believe that...

[Nineball2112]

When SE said that FFXIII will be coming to the US and EU at the same time, couldn't they have meant that the X360 version will be coming to both locations at the same time?

That doesn't mean that the PS3 WON'T be coming out earlier, just that the X360 version is set to hit both territories at the same time.

[The gaming GOD]

But I'm with Sevir. I'm getting the ps3 version. It has nothing to do with having to wait longer for the 360 version. It's just that certain games I prefer to have in my ps3 collection of games. And FF 13 is one of them

[Pika-pie]

Couldnt agree more!!!!!!

[TornRaptor]

I plan to purchase FF13 on the 360, and FF13 Vs on the PS3.
I have to spread the love to all my consoles.

[Cartesian3D]

so you will buy a multiple disk version just because of spreading your LOVE between 2 consoles?

Blu-ray (anti scratch coat,ONE disk) is OBVIOUSLY a better choice imo :P

[rhood022]

While I think the game will be beautiful and a blast to play on both consoles, the one thing I'm worried about is the potential length of the game.

I remember from an interview with Mr. Moore back in early 2006 that MS has a standing contract with game developers that all multiplats have to be on one disk. Now, the fact that FF XIII could be on multiple disks for the 360, as quoted in the SE press conferences, raises a number of questions.

Will MS allow that?

And if they mandate it has to be on one disk, how would it impact the US/European PS3 version considering it will be completed for the Japanese release?

[J@D]

I can't agree more with u pal'

[La Chance]

and even i hope its not one one disc.
LO was on 4 discs , if FF13 is on one disc it will be crap

[Ridrick]

blu-ray disc !

lol

[J@D]

U see La Chance those are first party RPG(Blue Dragon and Lost Odessey got like 4 DVD right each game right?) and here we are talking about a third party RPG just as Eternal Sonata(one DVD) I haven't see a third party game that take more that one DVD on xbox360. If those speculation are truth mannnnnn all the gamer that want to experience FFXIII are gonna get less for they money to begin with it unless S-E push microsoft to publish this game like on 3 DVD or 4 DVD and i doubt it.

[Death]

Microsoft is the publisher, but Mistwalker is not owned by Microsoft and does not fall under the wing of Microsoft Game Studios. While Microsoft did help fund the studios creation, this was most likely done to secure the games as exclusive releases. Publishing is also a tool that can be used to help encourage third party development. For what it's worth, Mistwalker also makes game for the Nintendo DS.

Believe me, if Hironobu Sakaguchi, famed creator of the Final Fantasy franchise could be part of Microsoft Game Studios, they would love it. Unfortunately he and the company he founded are not exclusive to anyone and remain third party developers.

-Death

[Death]

"In 2001, Sakaguchi founded Mistwalker, which began operation in 2004. In February 2005, it was announced that Mistwalker would be working with Microsoft Game Studios to create two RPGs for the Xbox 360. Still, the company remains independent from console exclusivity. Sakaguchi released the works Blue Dragon in 2006, and Lost Odyssey in 2007." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

Mistwalker is as third party as you can get. Microsoft Games Studios develop games. Microsoft also publishes third party games for some developers. Project Sylpheed is a game devloped by Square/Enix and published by Microsoft in North America and Europe. This does not mean Microsoft owns Square/Enix.

-Death

[Poor Xbots]

Poor Xbots

First of all, SquareEnix wouldnt be as big as they are today, if it wasn't for the Playstation brand. I'm going go quick to the point of what FF13 did going multiplatform for America and Europe.

It ruined the SONY relationship

It disappointed many fans

SONY depended on them to make a great game, to help improve the sales and reptutation of the PS3

Exclusives that tend to go Multi looses interests

Ruined the Playstation exclusive trademark

Becoming like Capcom(no need for further explanation)

Gave one less reason to own a PS3, which it was the PS2 and PS1 that gave Square Enix where they are now.

Showed they cared more about money than loyalty

Slowed down the FF13 Verses development

May question themselves about the storage space and specs they are using when developing FF13

They are looking to seem to betraying another company(like when they ditched Nintendo)

Gave something the Xbox fanboys to cheer and make fun of to the Sony fanboys

Making themselves look foolish when they made statements like, "We are arent looking forward for Final Fantasy games on different platforms". " The PS3 suits Final Fantasy 13".

Made another foolish statement saying it was to reduce the fanboyism, and yet, Last Remnant is a 360 timed exclusive, Infinite Discovery and Star Ocean are 360 exclusives.

And other foolish statement when they said FF13 multi was becuase of the install base, but then why is FF13 verses a PS3 exclusive? hmmmmm

Anyways, the PS3 is still the system to get for FF13. You can't get the FF13 experience without FF13 Verses. Some people were like, "Oh, I was going to get a PS3 for FF13." But, you know you still need to get a PS3 for FF13 Verses. So, there shouln't really be an impact of not getting a PS3 for FF. Also, you have to look that for the PS3 it is more convenient for playing FF, becuase you will probably use only one disc instead of several, which is a good idea, becuase, well first of all, bluray discs are very hard to scatch, unlike dvds they are very easy to scratch, so, if you scratch any of the one dvd too much........ don't cry too much.( I had to stop playing FF7 for a whike, becuase of this exact reason. Another, is using one disc is more of a next gen feature, instead of being in past switching cds.

Anyways, I would like to know what Square Enix is doing.

[mboojigga]

It ruined the SONY relationship

Shut the hell up.

It disappointed many fans

Oh well don't go killing yourself over it.

Ruined the Playstation exclusive trademark

Are you an idiot. Thank Sony for that one.

Exclusives that tend to go Multi looses interests

I can attest to that for my PS3. I buy all the multiplatforms for the 360. That is why Sony needs to make games exclusive and keep them if they want me buying games on it.

Becoming like Capcom(no need for further explanation)

We call people like you haters
What you eat don't make me "sh*t"

Gave one less reason to own a PS3, which it was the PS2 and PS1 that gave Square Enix where they are now.

You are really sounding like a broken record right now

Showed they cared more about money than loyalty

That is how business work this is new to you? When you get out of the 6th grade learn how things work in the world.

Slowed down the FF13 Verses development

It has been in development since 2004. Are you telling me you have issues with another year or so. Plenty of games to play till then calm down.

May question themselves about the storage space and specs they are using when developing FF13

SO?

They are looking to seem to betraying another company(like when they ditched Nintendo)

You have stock in the companies?

Making themselves look foolish when they made statements like, "We are arent looking forward for Final Fantasy games on different platforms". " The PS3 suits Final Fantasy 13".

Times have changed since 2005. Again so?

Made another foolish statement saying it was to reduce the fanboyism, and yet, Last Remnant is a 360 timed exclusive, Infinite Discovery and Star Ocean are 360 exclusives

Money makes the world go round.

And other foolish statement when they said FF13 multi was becuase of the install base, but then why is FF13 verses a PS3 exclusive? hmmmmm

These days nothing is guranteed. To be continued.

Anyways, I would like to know what Square Enix is doing.

What after all the bit*hing.

[juuken]

And mboojigga, you are a moron.

Shut the hell up.

FFXIII is a port on the 360.

So the PS3 still gets the original game.

And that said game could be canceled if Square doesn't figure out a way to make it work on the 360.

And Microsoft's announcement would be a waste of time.

Go cry a river because the only person talking about this is you.

[incogneato]

Oh hell no. I hope they aren't cutting corners on the game just to it will work well on the 360 or something. They better be using Blu-ray and HDD and everything else to the full potential!

[Reshun]

Why is there a disagreement to this? You'd rather play a gimped game?

[incogneato]

theres 2 xbox fans going through all the comments in every submission voting down anything good for ps3 and anything bad for xbox lol. check it out.

[darkshiz]

They are not going to max out the PS3 at all.

There's a reason why they only showed mostly CGI and the same trailer over and over.

I bet Killzone 2 graphics will murder FFXIII In game graphics.

[La Chance]

youre right , never thought about that.
But I think MSFT might do an exception for FF13.I mean the 360 wasnt even supposed to get it.

And Square , no matter how greedy they are for money I dont think they would dumb down the game to the point of making it one disc

They refused for the game to come out in Japan.If MSFT had the slightest power of decision when it comes to FF13 I think it would be coming out in Japan too.I thnk Square is the one pulling the cards here.Thats why I think MSFT must have paid for a simultanious release in EU and USA and not for the game to actually go multiplat.

Square seem to have alot more "power" compared to Rockstar with GTA4.MSFT seems to be the weak one here.Thats why I think that FF13 no matter what MSFT wants will be on multiple dics.Anyway I hope so.

[Omegasyde]

Why do you always reply to the wrong comments?

[strotee]

So a multi-platform game is cutting corners? Who would have thunk it?

[solsub]

lol very well said

[Massive-Delusion]

Ah.....the power and space of DVD......

[ChanDangle]

Ahhhh the power of a check book.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

The ps3 version will be out before the 360 version. It was confirmed by Square. If you don't believe me then just check the archives of N4g. It should be too hard to find since it was recent. And i kinda figured they'd be cutting corners on the 360 version. Glad i got ps3.

[ToastyMcNibbles]

its too bad...would've been nice to see what ff13 would be like if it was still exclusive to the ps3 and taking advantage of blu-ray, cell and the hdd...well no matter...thats what we got ff13 versus for!

[TruthBTold]

I think versus having more development time and complete focus on will look better then FFXIII.

[ustayclassyn4g]

being made for ps3 and has been for years, the ps3 version is gonna be finished before they even start on the 360 version, so it's not like the game is gonna suddenly be gimped because of this

[Playstation Man]

Just another example of their greed and, of course, the lack of 360 capability and HD-DVD disc capacity holding the game down.

[strotee]

I think you meant DVD9, not HD-DVD.

[Lyan]

Their a company... Their goal is to make a profit, as is all companies. If gaming companies let their personal preferences drive their business decisions then they would not make any money, and ultimately no longer make any games. If you really think any game company doesn't have profit as their primary priority in producing a game then you need look over any game companies decisions and their reasoning.

It seems as though you assumed Microsoft bribed Square Enix into going multiplatform even though there is no proof or indication other then the fact that it is coming to the 360. Install base and the chance to sell their game to 15+ million more people and make even more of a profit is more likely the reason.

[Playstation Man]

Thank you for correcting my format mistake. I keep mixing it up due to teh format support the 360 provides for ALL entertainment forms. Just to emphasize my logic, thank you.

[orakga]

If history of this industry has taught us anything, it's that companies who focus solely on profitability instead of creativity tend to die a slow and painful death.

EA, Activision and Sony... all the biggest companies suffer this same fate. They only grew when creativity took the main seat. But as soon as their focus shifted to creating sequels and ports, the undercut their longer-term growth potential and eventually got phased out.

Of course, you can't over-prioritize creativity, but this industry relies on creativity and innovation more than any. And multi-platform strategies go against innovation. That's a fact.

[n00bzRtehgey]

Yes. PS3rd-place version will be dumed-down like GTA4 now that Squeer-Enix saw how powerful the 360 is.

Poor PS3 :(

[Tmac]

Lol, GTA4 was dumbed down, and every media outlet still said it looked better than Xbox 360 lmfao!

[silverchode]

did you guys know noob admited liking men and little boys?

[TheColbertinator]

@Silverchode Yep

[Mr Fancy Pants]

poor bot. he thinks that he's version of GTAIV was dumbed-down but when you look at reviews the PS3 version got the better score...

now go there ----> http://www.gamestats.com/ and click the Highest Rated tap and tell me what you see n00bzRtehgey.

poor bot in denial... ;-)

now your rhetoric about how the GTAIV version of X360 was dumbed-down thanks to the PS3 it is plain dead.

which will be your next argument to defend your box? bot?

[GameOn]

he looks like that type of person

[juuken]

How will the PS3 version be dumbed down if the PS3 version comes out first in Japan.

You are an ignoramus.

[Solid_Snake666]

was dumb down because of the xbox ..and the fact that not every system had a hard drive..not to mention the 7 gig disk

[SmokingMonkey]

Ps3 games get dumbed down because of the 360.
imagine if GTA4 was a ps3 exclusive? it would have been a better game (probably would have had the TANK!)
so thank M$ for ruining next gen gaming because the 360 is vastly inferior to the PS3

want proof?

LITTLEBIGPLANET is too big for the 360 to handle.

[n00bzRtehgey]

Wow, you droids are plain DUMB.

[SmokingMonkey]

lol

[syanara]

you do know that its already been proven time and time again that the ps3 is indeed more powerful which is also why it fails less than a 360 right everytime i seen an arguement over which is more powerful its always the ps3 technically speaking.

[juuken]

Woooow, what a comeback by n00b!
Dude, you're the stupidest bot on the planet.

[Awesomeo3000]

man everyone just needs to quit worrying we have no idea when this game is gonna come out so if i were u guys i wouldnt hold my breath and just enjoy all the other games that are coming out now

[Aclay]

I do not think that Xbox 360 version of FFXIII will ship at the same as the U.S. and European PS3 versions, regardless of what Microsoft says.

The only way for the 360 version of Final Fantasy XIII in the U.S. and Europe to be released at the same as the PS3 versions in the same region, Microsoft would have to pay SquareEnix even more money.

This is how I see it:

-SquareEnix will release FFXIII in Japan in early 2009 - mid 2009
-SquareEnix will release FFXIII in the U.S. in Fall 2009- Late 2009
-It will take SquareEnix at LEAST a year to port FFXIII to the 360 after the Japan release of FFXIII on the PS3, and the 360 version will come out early 2010.... or sometime in 2010.

Localization for the U.S. and Europe PS3 versions will take a shorter amount of time than the development for the 360 version

[The gaming GOD]

The ONLY way it will go as MS says is if they pay out even more money to hold the ps3 version back until the 360 version is done.

[PirateThom]

And that would be unethical and putting business ahead of gaming and Microsoft would never do that.

[The gaming GOD]

But since when has MS been about ethics

[macalatus]

@pirate thom,

Kudos for the sarcasm...

Yep, the same company who survives by shamelessly copying Apple and destroying anyone offering alternative PC OS has a high, ethical business standards.

[orakga]

LOL eloquenty put sir.

[fire23]

We will just have too see who's word is real here. First we have Microsoft saying its day and date with PS3. But there in lies the main problem. Square is saying that they have learned how to fast localize to English and that is even quicker than the FFXII which only took 6 months. And I assure you that it will take a while to rewrite the data to work with the 360 processor after them learning to use over 4 SPE's, then figure out how to split/compress data for multiple disks thats if it is even allowed, then you have differences in the video card/ram area. Then we have square people saying that they wont even program for the 360 until after the PS3 version is localized. Even if they start right after the Japan launch they are going to have vastly less staff due to the fact that the XIII staff also has alot of Versus and people who are going to work on other future projects.

[die_fiend]

All you Microsoft haters (aren't most of you using PC's now?) this guy clearly knows what's happening. It's getting ported to 360 while it gets localised for PS3, but the fact remains it's coming out at the same time on both. Do you not think Square would've denied this if it wasn't the case? Microsoft said it cos they know that's what's happening. Sony didn't even know the announcement was happening! So once you people actually realise that you're gonna have to wait until the 360 version is ready, stop whining

[Lumbo]

We will see the exact release schedule when its published. But if you read the SE interview they never said that the PS3 version and the xbox version would release at the same time.

They said:
1) first we will finish the ps3 version for the japan release
2) Then we will start localizing it
3)Localizing will not take as much time as we gained much experience during FF12 and we will release different than FF12 (US first, 6 month later EU release)
4) The EU and US version will release simultaneous
5) When we start with the localizing we will also start developing the xbox version
6) The xbox version will release simultaneous in the US and EU

Draw any conclusion you like, in the end we will see which version gets released when. So far i read from it that the US/EU PS3 version will release first, but at the same date (unlike FF12 where the EU release was 6 month after the US release)
And the xbox version will also release LATER on a joined date for its own US and EU version.

[Armyless]

Good job

[DMasta718]

Most likely, The PS3 version will release first. If FFXIII is gimped as whole on the PS3 just to fit on a DVD, I'll be heavily disappointed.

[Weed]

I think there's a decent possibility of a simultaneous release. When FFXIII was announced multi-platform SE had a live blogging thing with kotaku. In the interview kitase refers to a FFXIII PC version that they are developing localized first. That could mean a fast already localized port to the 360 version. Just my 2 cents.

http://kotaku.com/5025033/l...
Link to the interview

[chrisnick]

2010!!!!!!!

[jspc1989]

but i will pick this up on ps3 purely becus i have always played ff's on sony consoles (and occasionally ninty ones). but anyway just readin through and this has become one serious anti-msoft site hasnt it.

Everything that is announced on here seems to be somehow deemed microsofts fault. Everytime a game comes out on 360 everyone says ''they brought it''. how the hell do you know?!

dev after dev has sed even tho the exclusion of mandatory HDD is a pain at times, overall its a pleasure to programme for the 360. Plus theres the idea that maybe *gasp* just maybe the idea of being able to sell your $10-40 million game to double the people mite just be an appetising offer for any company.

i cudnt care personally about either company but its funny that everyone thinks that microsoft buys everything in the world. to my immediate knowledge theyve only ever been proved of ever buying one thing and that was DLC for GTA4, thats it! period. i wonder when sony start buying exclusives (and eventually they will)if the same bad press will be given to them or whether they will be deemed normal rather than the satan of gaming.

I will admit that if the ps3 version of ff13 gets delayed for a simultaneous release with 360 version ill be a bit annoyed but its not the end of the world, im sure ill get over in time. Plus to be fair anyone who owns a ps3 shud be used to the delays by now.

peace out x jc x

[orakga]

Microsoft actually has a much longer track record of buying things that would otherwise have not been theirs. Just to name the most important and outrageous ones:

Halo
Paramount Exclusivity for HD-DVD (Remember Transformers?)
Hironobu Sakaguchi (wink wink)

...so... yeah...

[ShinMaster]

It's simultaneous release for US and EU (for the 360 version)

Square-Enix said that the development of the 360 version will not affect the planned PS3 release.

[Bebedora]

FF XIII JPN will come out first. MEANWHILE they will translate AND work on the XB360 version for the western market. What is so hard to understand here?

I think SE will make it equal in time for the release of FFXIII in the west. Mostly to see where they will make their next move.

My prognosis: I am not worried.

[Mclovin96]

LOL at all the PS3 fantards saying SE will be cutting corners now that the game is on 360. The only difference is the game will be on multiple dvds as opposed to one blu-ray disc. I would take multiple dvds over multiple installs* any day.

As an owner of both consoles, I know first hand that the 360 is capable of much better games than the PS3 and multi-platforms are always better on 360. Therefore it is an easy decision on which platform I will be playing FF13.

* MGS4 had a 10 min install at the beginning and additional installs between each act. HAHA blu-ray is AWESOME.

[Seafort]

I'd rather have just 1 disc and install periodically than multiple disks. I think FF13 on x360 will have alot more than 4 disks to swap.
All ps3s have a hdd so not much of a problem than it is with x360.

MS lack of foresight going with the dual layer dvd will be their downfall this generation as well as not including a hdd in every xbox.

[aiphanes]

And MGS4 has so many cut scenes....FF13 will be different...looks at what the Crystal Tools Engine was designed for...look it up..and you will be amazed...This engine was designed for the PS3 first...and FF13 will be a better game on the PS3...there is no doubt...

[orakga]

McLovin96... were you born in 1996?

Anyways... I'm surprised that you own both consoles and still think that the 360 is equally capable as the PS3. That is categorically untrue.

The only area where the 360 excels is with the OS/Online (and it *is* far far better than PSN).

Don't forget that multi-platform titles are essentially ports. Ports always look better on the originating format. As a matter of fact AC4, which was developed first for the PS3, runs far better and looks much nicer on the PS3. Just further proof, but somehow I don't think you'll accept that truth.

[Seafort]

Im not too bothered about FF13 now. 3rd party developers always seem to screw over one side or the other.

I think i'll stick to 1st/2nd party devs for ps3 from now on.
Plus there's always the pc games as well.

I cant wait for the mass uproar if FF13 does get delayed on ps3 in EU/US cos of the x360 porting. They'll be alot of backlash from fans of SE if it does. I reckon alot of ppl would cancel their preorders for the game on ps3 in protest.

The Final Fantasy games have not been the same since FF7.

[bioshock]

this game wont be out till fall 2010 here in US.this is confirmed, they just finished the story, they said now they are starting to move up the development speed,this game showed nothing new interms of gameplay.no jap date is given as yet....so this game is long away...im not even thinking bout it now....go play gears 2, killzone 2 resistance 2 and LBP,...

[NoxiousD]

The PS3 version is going to be the core version of the game, meaning no adjustments need to be made to it all, but the port to the 360 changes are going to have to be made and compressed. It's a given, I am tired of the fan boyism, it truly is killing the fun of games. And yeah Micro$oft threw their money around, they had to save the 360 and slow down the momentum somehow or they would be in 3rd. They know how Sony operates, but they may start buying 3rd party exclusives soon.... Assasins Creed was suppose to be PS3 exclusive but look what happened with that. Micro$oft once again threw down money... they are buying their way to the top.. the wii is just corners away from the wrath of micro$oft... sadly its true..

[-Maverick-]

Why do you upset but hurt PS3 fanboys feel the need to lie and pretend the 360 version is goig to be a PORT!! IT ISN'T!!!

BOTH are being made off of PC Code...I watch the president say it in the briefings after the announcement... you think they are going to port the 360 version from the PS3 version??????/ hahahahhahahaha

NO. Get over it because its not the truth and we will see that its not the truth. Both are being made with PC Code and the 360 version will be released on DAY ONE in Europe and the U.S. Get over it jealous PS3 fanboys. Your console SUCKS.

[devilhunterx]

As long as the PS3 version isnt gimped cause of the XB2, I wouldnt really care.

[irchief]

imagine what they can do with 50gbs, and the cell, and everything, they could really make a game that stands up to FFVII or FFX

[Azailexx]

We still get the game, as playstation, and 360 fans.
Square is just doing what they can to make a profit off of there software franchise final fantasy. There's nothing to debat about, sony still pushing its console with or without final fantasy an exclusive. 360 fans that want ff can now play it. Either way its a win-in for everyone.
Sony can try to get an exclusive bundle, 360 can push advertisemnts like GTA4. Just be happy that the game dosent becomes a total flop.

Agree: if you are like me, and just are grateful for the game no matter what console, that you stand as a fan of final fantasy no matter what its on, and still get the game either way.

Disagree: if your really still bumm'd b/c of it going to 360, and just rather eat hotpockets while thinking of ffvxiii, or, just think this post is a waste of time, so you'll just go back to playing your gears of war online =)

eiither way , "I" get what i want. what about you?

[aiphanes]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

The Crystal Tools engine, originally named White Engine, is a seventh generation game engine built to be used with Square Enix's forthcoming next-generation Final Fantasy title on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as commented by Final Fantasy Versus XIII character designer Tetsuya Nomura.[1] The first games to utilize it will be Final Fantasy XIII, its spinoff title Final Fantasy Versus XIII, and Square Enix's next-gen MMORPG currently codenamed Rapture. Nomura commented that the switch from the PlayStation 2 to the PlayStation 3 was difficult, saying that "the hurdles are greater than they were in the move from the PS1 to the PS2." This in turn gave way to the creation of the White Engine,[1] which was later renamed Crystal Tools.[2]

One of the main aspects of the engine is that it allows highly detailed CGI to be rendered in real-time. Nomura has commented that the engine will be able "to recreate battle scenes reminiscent of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children."[3] It also handles advanced audio processing, cinematic cut-scene transition, physics effects calculations and special effects rendering.[citation needed] The engine reportedly uses four of the six synergistic processing elements that are available to games running on the Cell processor, to achieve near-pre-rendered CGI quality in realtime.[4]

In the latest GDC conference it was confirmed that Crystal Tools is focused to work with PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and the Wii.[5]

[Tyrael]

I love the irony of so many bashing microsoft, because I just clicked on the site meter below and over 75% of us are commenting on this site using a Microsoft OS

[aiphanes]

But their hardware sucks...zune and xbox 360 hardware...But the software in the Xbox 360 is nice...so is the zune...it will take at least 2 more generations of the zune to get to what the ipod and ipod touch is right now...but I think microsoft can do it..

Sony has much better hardware...and is comming strong in the software department too...just look at what the PS3 firmware is today vs 2006...its come a long way...and when home is released....

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

I understand that...

...but that's because Apple fired Steve Jobs for awhile.

If they hadn't, things might be different now.

[Imallvol7]

Main reason I hated it was going to be on 360. I have a PS3 and a 360, but I was mortified when I heard it was going to 360 too because it now has to be gimped.

[Abolisher of Apathy]

I think Microsoft will bring out FF13 with 5 disc and will be mandatory for xbox 360 owners without a hard drive to play the entire game,but for owners with hard drives i think all they will need is the first disc since they can download the entire game into there hard drive............Sorry if i'm wrong.

Corrupt Reflections

[mistertwoturbo]

It's sad to see such an eloquent game dragged down into multiplatform problems.

[GameDev]

Sony is looking past FF and the franchises of yesteryear. Why do you think KOjima killed off snake?? Why do you think Sony has invested 90% of their playstation software budget on first party development?
They KNEW MS and their huge checkbook were about to infect the industry. NO and I mean NO third party title is safe anymore. Sony saw this and reacted. All the money in the world won't get their first party IP's effective locking MS's checkbook out of the equation. The real race will be for development studios looking to go first party. And we all know how many have bailed on MS in the past two years and how many are in Sony's stable.

PWNED

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

This is totally not fair.

Screw you, Square.

[ofx360]

Since they're developing the game on the PC wouldn't it be easier to port it to the 360... Just a thought. Anyways for all the people that are complaining or disappointed that FFXIII went to the 360 needs to grow up. Who cares IS STILL COMING TO THE PS3. If you truly loved the series then you shouldn't mind that more people get to play it. Stop being fanboys people and try to be gamers

[power of Green]

What corners will be cut? the 360 already has huge multi disc JRPG's *and* the most graphically advanced JRPG ever! on the way(SO4), yah even superior to FF13 graphically which is the only logical reason why gamers can be concerned when talking about space. What are people worried about?; less CGI?.

[chrisnick]

u just said......multi disc.

[silverchode]

multiple disks for a game are last gen.

[prime32]

Whats that about Jenova being in XIII ?
Like the world of XIII is the one that thrown her into space ?
or it fell into XIII s world as well ?
or its there with no explanation Like Kingdom Hearts ?

[-Maverick-]

hahahahhaah ThEY ARE SOOOOOOOOO DESPERATE!!!

The Xbox 360 version ISN'T A PORT OF THE PS3 VERSION. It's being made from PC CODE, JUST LIKE THE PS3 VERSION!!! I read Square Enix say it you little jealous PS3 fanboys. Get over it. Xbox 360 is getting a full awesome version of FF 13 ON DAY ONE. Period. GO cry about it becuase Square Enix already said its happening.

[juuken]

...Yes it is.

If the PS3 version comes out first in Japan, and THEN Square works on the 360 version, it's a port.

You fail, try again.

[Ohohoho]

Ok, this is how it is.

First, Crystal Tools is NOT multiplatform, it CAN be multiplatform. BIG difference. When they announced it as being multiplatform, they said they could adapt the engine to whatever console they wanted to as well as PC. The proof of this is in the fact that they are JUST NOW working on adapting it for the PC so that it can work on the 360 since they share so much in common. Up until now, it was a PS3 optimized (and only) engine.

Second, this is what Yoshinori Kitase said at the E3 roundtable after the port announcement.

"Final Fantasy XIII is going to be released in Japan exclusively on the PS3 as soon as it's completed. Once it is released, we will begin localization for the N.A./EU PS3 versions. WHILE that's taken place, development on the Xbox 360 version will then begin."

So this is what we know right now. First, the Crystal Tools is currently being adapted for PC use, development of the 360 version has NOT begun. Second, during the localization of the PS3's global version (which DOES NOT take a year), the 360 version will begin development.

Do you get it now? Stop using IGN's Day and Date article, because it's talking about localizations, not release dates. SE wants the localizations of N.A. and EU to be released as close as possible if not simultaneously. Another thing we know is that Microsoft has proven that Square-Enix are money mongers. Do you think it's a wise business decision to forgo making a profit for an entire year just to accommodate a user base that has always, and will always, be unlikely to buy the game? It WILL take at least 6 months to a year for the 360 versions release. Holding the game for that length of time pretty much makes it akin to vaporware that people will get sick of waiting for and then will not buy.

Onto quality. Since the game was, up until now, built specifically for the PS3's hardware, I know for a fact that there will be some things removed from the game, and others dumbed down, to suit the 360. This is a travesty, since you never see the opposite happening purposely. Unfortunately, since SE have been relatively tight-lipped about the game from the get-go, we have no way of knowing what is actually going to change. One thing is for sure, SE made some VERY stupid moves. Releasing a game that's part of a genre that 360 fans have pretty much avoided just for the slim chance of making some extra profit is too big a risk. I will laugh when the sales of the game for the 360 version sell as much as Blue Dragon, because that's the only way SE is going to learn their lesson.

A little market research goes a long way. A basic number representing an installed base means nothing if the percentage of that base that likes JRPG's is as low as it is for the 360.

[Eamon]

Whether square are really money mongers or not, if I were them, I wouldn't pass up on the opportunity of making more money by making a game multi-platform.

It is a fact that 360 owners buy more games than PS3 owners and it is a fact that development on the PS3 is harder than on the 360.

At the time with PS2 and Xbox, the vast majority of gamers had a PS2 and they never needed to bring any FF games to Xbox. But since more people have a 360 than PS3, and 360 gamers buy more games, again if I were Square, I would never pass up on this opportunity.

And MS are paying you loads of cash to do so. COME ON, are you telling me that if you were working in S-E, you will stay loyal to the PS3!!!

How is this a stupid move?

Also, they said they arent even starting the development until the Japanese version is out. Therefore the game isn't even finished yet. They aren't delaying it. ITS NOT FINiSHED YET. And FF games have always come out a lot later in NA and EU than Japan.

Final FantasY VII Came out January 1997 in Japan
It came out September 1997 in North America
and November 1997 in Europe.
-> That would be about 7 months between the Jap and NA version while FF7 was only on PS1

Final Fantasy X Came out July 2001 in Japan
It came out December 2001 in North America
and May 2002 in Europe
-> 5 months for the NA version and almost a year for the PAL version. FF10 was exclusive to PS2

Final Fantasy XII Came out March 2006 in Japan
It came out October 2006 in North America
and February 2007 in Europe
-> 7 months till NA and again almost a year for the PAL verson. Again FF12 was exlcusive to PS2

The graphical technology, and memory used in Xbox 360 was proven by Gamespot to be equal or slightly better than PS3's. Only PS3's CPU is far more powerful than 360's. The 360 version may be on multiple disks and its disk drive reads DVD9s a lot faster than PS3's Blu-Ray drive reading BD disks.

So how exactly would the 360 version gimp the PS3 version? Or change its initial release date

[Nevers]

I'll be playin' this game no matter what now... mwahahahahahaha!!!!

[tobin_blade]

Who cares......

[Wolverine X]

This whole things with FFXIII has become very sad. As long as this game was on PS3 is was praised the best game to come.. once it got announced that it was multi platform then the game becomes a piece a crap.
I'm tired of articles like this with the goal to incite flame wars and cause people to Bash on 360. This has just become retarded with every new article revolving around this game is negative, its not news its just garbage getting spewed from people opinions.
FFXIII is gonna be a good game, everyone was praising the game before, there is no need to stop praising the game just because its on "THE EVIL MICROSOFT" console. I have faith in Square Enix even if they are not what they use to be. Square has pushed graphics on systems before and i believe they will do it again without cutting corners. They have a habit of making great looking games and i think they have gotten good enough at it where they can still do it regardless of what console the game is on.

[Eamon]

* Call of Duty 4 was multi-platform. Did it flop? Was it gimped?
* Grand Theft Auto 4 was multi-platform. Did it flop? Was it gimped?

The way I see it, the real immature PS3 fanboys are just probably angry that the reason they bought their console has now been stolen by Xbox 360.

Since S-E said they will have to put the game on multiple disks just tell me how is that going to make the PS3 version gimped.

Please people. Final Fantasy XIII is on XBOX 360. GET OVER IT

[silverchode]

i bought a ps3 for gow3.

[absolutecarnage]

Juuken you idiot, Square Enix said they have one team working on the ps3 and another working on the 360. Personally i could care less if japan get ff first,since i don't live in japan, and i'm pretty sure you don't either. So why bring that up!!!!!!! because you know damn sure that the the rest of the world will be getting the ps3 and 360 version at the same time. You take the ps3 fanboy obsession to the extreme , get over it the 360 is a good system and is here to stay

[juuken]

Um...no.

Square is finishing the PS3 version first to be released in Japan. While it's out in Japan, they will work on the 360 version. When the 360 version is finished, then they were begin localization for both games.

F*ck off and have a miserable day.

Also, I never implied the 360 was a crap system. I would have bought it first if it wasn't for the RROD issue. But since I heard it's not as bad now, it'll be my second console.

MORON.

[stuntman_mike]

i have to admit since it was announced as multi-platform i have lost some interest in this game (the inner fanboy fighting its way out lol), but its a shame now that instead of arguing over the actual game we are all arguing over market shares and profits.

[absolutecarnage]

wow your sad i read all the time that you say the xbox is crap and blah blah blah , wow anyone that goes against you and you sh1t on your head.

Smoke a joint or something you have to be the most misserable ps3 fanboy on the planet and bull sh1t you don't say the 360 is sh1t you say it all the time

edit ....

every f**k'n time there's any positive news for the 360, guarantee you'll be there.

[juuken]

*SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOORE*

...I'm sorry but did you say something?

Oh, that's right.

All I heard from you was blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...and more blahblahing.

Epic massive fail.

[Mikey Mike]

and was a waste of my time, they said absolutely nothing!

[absolutecarnage]

WOW JUST WOW GO INTERNET TOUGH GUY

[ranma6899]

i feel there more secrets being held from us from se They could put ps3 version on hold and release xbox360 only then later on release ps3 version as versus being elusive i dont believe that anymore.