OXCGN staff debate for and against the recent moves by Square Enix to widen their horizons and pursue the Western markets with an increased emphasis on supporting the Xbox 360:
Excerpt from the FOR argument:
"There will be a learning curve but essentially it is a move that if approached correctly could see some bigger games coming out, changing RPG's and other games that we have grown to love.
Sure we will still have our JRPG's (Japanese Roleplaying Games) but here is an opportunity to amalgamate to styles into the one game and even if it only stays afloat for a short period of time I am sure it will deliver something special.
It is a big step for any company such as Square Enix and wont be cheap however the gamble could really pay off."
Excerpt from the AGAINST argument:
"As a hardcore JRPG fan, I have to lay all my cards on the table. I could sit here and tell you that Square Enix's support for the Xbox 360 has brought about a wonderful new era in gaming, or that their 360 outings have produced stellar results, but I won't. I won't try and convince you otherwise because we both know it's not true.
Last Remnant is currently in my Xbox and I'm contemplating how the mighty have fallen."
Hit the link for the full debate and a commentary at the end:
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SQUARE is losing reputation in the process
The honest truth....there are very few 360 owners who bought it for rpgs...I know I didnt
I can't really say that Square Enix (despite all the hooplah about them making games for the 360) have really set the world on fire with their games.
Though to be honest I find Japanese RPGs to be overly long, with too many cut scenes or (gasp) reading and not enough gaming. I find the graphical achievements are sometimes amazing and the emphasis on storytelling is laudable, but it doesn't keep my interest.
Can a combinaton of Western and Eastern style make a strong hybrid that appeals more? Maybe. I think they'll have to adapt more than they have so far though, and many won't like that.
As for a former exclusive Sony game maker going to the 360: it is obvious that all of the Japanese developers need to do this for more profitability. Look at Capcom. Good decision for them and their bank accounts. Staying with one console (360 or PS3) just isn't financially logical anymore.
I love my 360 as much as the PS3..
but my god... keep the final fantasy's with Sony....
I think its not about platform but about money.
Squarenix just doesnt seem to be putting any effort int o their titles (with the exception of final fantasy 13). They have just been churning out remakes of old games and cheap spin offs of their popular titles in an effort to milk their name.
The last remnant from what reviews say just sounds like they licensed the unreal engine and threw out a quick game to make some holiday money. With out taking the proper time to develop a good game and releasing a buggy flawed experience.
Now this may due to the $$ woes but in my opinion Squarenix hasnt taken this gen seriously yet.