520°

Final Fantasy Reader Q&A

IGN: You asked, and they answered; last week two of Square Enix's biggest talents found themselves in the damp heart of London to promote Dissidia, the PSP brawler that brings together heroes and villains from Final Fantasy's past and present – and we took the opportunity to present the two with some of your questions. Thanks to everyone who submitted a question, apologies to those whose queries didn't make it through – and check out our special video feature, just to prove that we're not making it all up.

ToastyMcNibbles5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

wait a minute! i thought dvd-9 had more than enough space! /sarcasm hmmmm

jack who5492d ago

but i don't speak Japanese?

ToastyMcNibbles5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

neither do i! im simply talking about the whole "blu-ray isnt needed dvd is enough argument" even though this is a very small problem which i dont care about its still something to think about

by the way i love how within a matter of seconds you get 2 agrees lmao awesome...by the way i didnt disagree with you buddy

CaseyRyback_CPO5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

The game gets gimped to run on the 360. An optimized PS3 game is second to only crysis, runs install free, in HD, amazing sound, and stream loads. An optimized 360 simply can't compete.

Its not going to be just the voices, its going to be animation/textures/video which all have to be compressed to fit on the ps2's storage solution.

Ah well.. woulda been nice to see an Uncharted style ff13. heres hoping versus stays exclusive. Square is amazing at pushing hardware, its unfortunate that they have to put training wheels on with ff13.

@ jackwho, the guy who probably knows nothing about jrpgs..

the japanese actors usually do better voicework than western. And people do speak japanese, second languages are very common outside of the USA. would be nice to have the option, but thanks to dvd.

Wizeguy215492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

Agreed! Right now they have to cut the japanese voices. What else will they have to cut next to make room on the dvd?

skip2mylou5492d ago

thats why their are subtitles in games that have japanese voicing option

CaseyRyback_CPO5492d ago

i sincerely hope that they build the PS3 version, and dont limit anything because of the 360's shortcomings. but this is an example of them deciding to kill the option to keep the versions equal.

RyuStrife5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

Maybe he wants to listen to cheesy English voice acting.
*add in* There are people who likes the Japanese voice acting, and prefer subs. I prefer subs too. So I'd say add it in, it's not like you have to use it. Just the extra option is great enough.

Kushan5492d ago

"At the moment we're thinking of releasing the voice in English only."

That doesn't sound final or confirmed at all to me. The title of this article isn't even the title of the source it's taken from, the author clearly just wants to start a flame war.

I just find it so stupid that everyone is ready to jump on the 360 for "gimping" FFXIII, based on a frivolous line from a Q&A that clearly isn't even final. They even say "Do many people want Japanese Voices?" and I think that's a good indication that they'll listen to the fans and decide what THEY want.

UltimateIdiot9115492d ago

Just the fact that they have to consider removing the Japanese dub because of the 360 already demonstrate that the 360 version is limiting the PS3. We don't know what else they removed or will remove because of the 360 version.

If they really had listen to their fans, Star Ocean, TRL and other JRPG would have been on the PS3.

HDgamer5492d ago

Put it like this, most people watch anime only watch it with the original japanese dub and english subtitles. Simply because those actors put emotion into their roles no matter how big or small it is. English voice actors haven't accomplished that yet.

Lifendz5492d ago

please tell us all how many discs the game will be on so the fanboys can stop with the whole "blu-ray doesn't matter."

Kushan5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

No, but you're all ready to blame the 360 for that, when really it's Squeenix being lazy. The term "lazy developers" has been thrown around needlessly a LOT regarding the PS3, but that's a prime example right there of a lazy decision - one console can't do it, so we wont bother doing it on another. Hell, there's nothing stopping them putting it up as DLC for the 360 and having it on disk for the PS3 (I believe one game already did this, a sports game I cannot remember the name of).
Do you see what I'm getting at? There's absolutely no reason why a limitation of one console should affect the other, other than developers just not caring. If you're going to get pissed off and annoyed at this (still not final, can't stress that enough) decision, aim your anger towards Squeenix, not Microsoft.

Blaze9295492d ago

usually has a very good English voice cast for their games anyway so it's not like this is some Anime where Engligh dubs are so terrible its unbearable. I never had a problem with the voice acting in any Square games; especially Kingdom Hearts so I dont know why people are acting like the game will be ruined becuase of "cheesy" english voice acting.

Knightrid8085492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

So true. I can't stand watching anime with english dub. English voice actors need to learn how to do it like the japanese and try and put forth feelings not just reading from lines and think its done.

UltimateIdiot9115492d ago

It may be the laziness of the developer but SE has or should have been working on FFXIII for a while as they have yet to release a single title on the PS3.

Apparently a lot of games these day, games do get limited because of another console. That's the problem with multiplatform is that developers try to keep equal. If there is enough reason that one version is superior to another by a few notches especially a heavy hitter, people will naturally gravitate towards the better version unless misinformed. This will great a losing situation mainly because developers have to spend more money to create 2 version and if people pick one over another by a huge margin, the money spent on the other version will likely cause a lost. For the consumer, the lost is a dumb down game.

I have yet to seen a multiplatform pulled off what Uncharted, MGS4 and KZ2 did.

Ichiryoka5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

How many times developer gimp the PS3 version of multiplatform games by TRYING to make them "EQUAL"? Man this equal thing never works, if the used the full potential of the ps3 and actually make multiplatform games based on what the ps3 is good at, do you really believe the 360 and ps3 version look, sound, and run the same?

No... it wouldn't. I cant say which would look better, I might get chewed out for that but I'm sure you know.

Edit:: @ ultimate, kind of weird how we were thinking the same thing huh?

FamilyGuy5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

this was going to be in all japanese translated games now, the fact that he even asked makes him seem out of the loop. Plenty of games already released have the option so they should too.
I know people are grateful for the choice in Soul Calibur, Street Fighter 4 Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm and soon Tekken 6.

Just imagine, what if the "soon to be finished/released" japanese version has an english subs options? It'll be the most imported game in the history of console gaming...

heroicjanitor5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

And @Kushan the lack of a hard drive on all 360s will stop them

Edit: It matters because then it is included by default on ps3 disc and people without a 360 hard drive can't use it. Microsoft rushing to get all of playstation's great franchises is causing a lot of them to be ruined. They want to be the cheaper version of playstation, and they are succeeding and dragging the games down with them.

CaseyRyback_CPO5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

The gimping-jump happened the day it was announced at e3 because Square themselves propped up FF13 as a title that would utilize all spu's, boasting % figures and other things. Not just today. Today is more evidence of the fact that choices are being made with the 360's obvious restrictions in mind for the title. Which fuels the gimp-train.

Exclusively designed games are a thing to behold, and are amazing game experiences that enjoy the opportunity of being optimized for 1 specification of hardware. Killzone2, Little Big Planet, Uncharted, GT5P, Warhawk, WipeoutHD, Resistance, Motorstorm2 are all unique that they have amazing visuals and the standard amazing gameplay. This level of polish isn't found in multiplatform games at all. Amazing sound, amazing gameplay, and amazing visuals are pretty standard for PS3 exclusives.

Those are the main reasons that ff13 going multiplat causes most to cringe at the thought of the 360 getting in on the action. Lets be honest here, the 360 could hardly run MASS EFFECT without stuttering and bogging down, all of its SE designed RPG's/Most games Race Pro/Ninja Blade etc are reviewed with bugs/glitches/graphical shortcomings noted. So when you read that a major ps3 exclusive, with all the things that are inclusive to ps3 exclusives are going to be compromised so that Microsoft can get a chunk of the FF pie, it bothers most. Sure multiplatform games that are optimized for the 360, let me repeat that, optimized for the 360. Run better on it. Even when a ps3 is the lead hardware, you can't lead spu development that translates into basic pc development. And thats the bar or the goal of the developers, to keep all versions equal. In those instances, the PS3 doesn't stand a chance when it has to limit its capabilities.

So far you have ps3 titles that are unrivaled when it comes to performance/technical ability/graphics. Knowing that FF13 COULD have been yet another one of these, but now it has to be equal to the 360 version is what gimped the argument since day one of the news. Its the 360's hardware, its the 360's DVD drive. When the 360 pushes out a title that puts killzone2/gran turismo/uncharted to shame then we can all have this conversation again, and we can focus on lazy developers.

But for now the ps3 has shown what its capable of to date. And with a year head start, the 360 has shown what its capable of to date. Hope that helps the understanding. But You had people with high expectations for ff13 lowering them due to the 360's specifications.

In a perfect world they would fully flush out and killzoneize FF13 for the ps3, and do what they could with the 360 version.

Kushan5492d ago

"And @Kushan the lack of a hard drive on all 360s will stop them "

...how? How on earth does that stop them doing anything? The point of DLC is that it's OPTIONAL. Lack of Hard drive didn't stop anyone else releasing DLC, map packs and such. Hell, it didn't stop Capcom releasing SSFIITHDR. And considering it's really the kind of DLC that should be free anyway, what's it to SE if some players can't download it? What does it matter to them?

But that's just it, isn't it? What DOES it matter to them if you can't listen to the original Japanese soundtrack? PS3 or 360, doesn't matter, SE doesn't care, they know it wont affect sales and it'll just cost them money, so why SHOULD they bother?

Especially when people are happy to pin the blame on Microsoft, eh?

SaiyanFury5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

I speak Japanese, but even if I didn't I love the inflections in Japanese speech. With western vocalisations you lose those inflections and intonations and it just ruins the experience for me. Japanese games should have a mandate for a Japanese language tracks. Also a lot of the time, the western voice track can be absolutey abysmal. Tenchu: Shadow Assassins is a perfect example of this.

On another note, I'm glad I went with the PS3 because I have the advantage afforded to me that is Blu-Ray. People can debate numbers and format relevance all they like, but the simple fact of the matter is that BD has more space than DVD-9. With Final Fantasy XIII on BD for the PS3, the space is there for the Japanese language track. On the 360, the space is not there.

meepmoopmeep5492d ago

i thought Crisis Core had awesome voice work in english.

anyway, i'm getting this on PS3 anyhow. having extras doesn't hurt.

and yeah, i just hope the actual game won't be limited by DVD-9, if any,
that's more important to me.

CrazedFiend5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

The DAY AFTER M$ pushed the deal on them, Square had to start deciding how they were gonna gimp the game.

As far as we know, voices could be the very least of what was cut from the original plan for the game.

AND by dividing their development resources, they also pushed back the production schedule. Waiting longer for less is the way I see it...

PLUS you guys in the West got NO demo.

I wish they could have just held out for FFXIV when they've built a system that could hold it (-_-;)

Bubbles to you Casey!

CrazedFiend5492d ago

He!!, 60% of all the games I own are in Japanese (no joke).

Even if I WAS considering FF for the 360, that news alone just put a big "X" on that one!

Way to lose a customer you never had M$!

solidsnakus5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

fanboys shure are fuken retarded, who the fuk gives a shiit about japanese voice acting, if you want to not understand whats going on that bad then go buy the asian version or w.e

rockleex5492d ago

There's something called "subtitles".

And Japanese voices mostly sound better than American voices for Japanese games.

For example, I tried Uncharted with Spanish dubs and it sounded hilarious! :P

Its not the language that sounds funny, its just how you automatically notice that the voices don't match the characters.

CrazedFiend5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

Talking about a retarded way to think only about yourself when making a retarded point.

Have you ever stopped to think about how many people there are outside of Japan who can speak, are studying, or just plain like the sound of Japanese who can't understand every single word? Outside your realm of understanding, there are a lot of people who would like to have both English and the original Japanese. You expect them to buy two copies of the game and be happy about it when the alternative was just that they push a button to switch languages?

If this was an option that was just concidered but not being added then fine, but this is a feature that from what I could tell was ALREADY set to be on the PS3 version that some people are afraid may be REMOVED because it won't fit into the 360. Just to satisfy M$, who came in very late into the game with a ton of demands.

Although I haven't read anything about it being actually removed from the PS3 version, I don't see anything retarded in people being rather upset at the possibility.

And no doubt there has been other things besides language choice that were to be in the game that were probably changed or removed thanks to M$'s involvement.

And then there's this beautiful demo that I've been playing (^o^) Doesn't matter what system you own, Microsoft says you can't have it!

Critical_Hit5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

English voice acting just doesn't compare to the original Japanese voices, especially with Maaya Sakamoto as Lightning in FFXIII. If you want another reason for SE to include Japanese voices, go play Star Ocean: The Last Hope and see how long you'll last until your ears bleed.

GameGambits5491d ago

As long as the English PS3 version is not in any way hindered because of the Xbox 360 version then they can do whatever they want or not want with that 360 version.

I own all 3 consoles and there's no way in hell I'd get the 360 version over the PS3 version. The only multiplatform games I get on 360 are shooters such as Battlefield Bad Company or Call of Duty. It's just less hassle since I know my PS3 breaking down isn't 33% chance, I know my PS3 won't heat up my room an extra 40 degrees when I play, and I know my blu ray disc won't scratch if some clumsy mistake happens.

For others who will have to make due with the 360 version I wish you the best of luck and salutations, but if you are a smarter consumer try to save up money a little by little this year until Christmas to afford a PS3 as well as a 360.

Microsoft Xbox 3605491d ago

The 360 is the road block of this generation. I'd take Japanese dubs over English any day. I for one am half Japanese and this is a *J*RPG game just to let you know.

+ Show (28) more repliesLast reply 5491d ago
dylantalon5492d ago

dvd 9 isnt good enough for next gen gaming. a lot of content are held back because of dvd 9 discs.

ps. the talon stands for talented

cronaldo75492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

He says no Japanese voice on both PS3 and 360, for Western release of the game.

"with PS3 being on Blu ray there would be enough memory"

He says would, not will.

Wizeguy215492d ago

Yeah your right.. No japanese voices on either. Because if it doesn't fit on the 360 then it shouldn't be on the ps3. Meaning Ps3 version gets gimped!

Kushan5492d ago

That's speculation. Did FFX have Japanese and English voices? Did FFX-2? Did FFXII?
In fact, has ANY FF game had both English and Japanese voice actors?

Why, suddenly, is it a problem caused by the 360 when in fact nothing has changed?

Expy5492d ago

"Why, suddenly, is it a problem caused by the 360 when in fact nothing has changed? "

It is a problem if it CAN be included but one of the platforms HOLDS back the other due to space constraints.

And yes, Sony changed.. to Blu-ray.

Ichiryoka5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

Thats the problem, nothing has changed. We need change. I mean Try watching Deathnote in Japanese with English subtitles, then go back and watch it with English voice actors, and you tell me who put on a better show.

Heh...

Persistantthug5492d ago

This is supposed to be the "next generation". In this generation, we are supposed to experience the new, the different.....things that weren't possible before.

I personally don't have an affinity for Japanese stuff....hell, I haven't even played a Final Fantasy game since FF Tactics, but to have the option on this new piece of Blue Ray Technology.....it would be nice, that's all I'm saying.

cronaldo75492d ago

Look at the topic at gameStop:
http://www.gamespot.com/ps3...

"Crap. The way he phrased it sounds like they're gonna leave the Voice option out of the PS3 version just to keep it the same as 360.""

Kushan5492d ago

"It is a problem if it CAN be included but one of the platforms HOLDS back the other due to space constraints. "

But that's just it! The 360 isn't holding the PS3 version back, SQUARE is! They're the ones deciding to do this, they're the ones that can't be bothered to make a single extra option for the NA PS3 version. What, you think both code bases must be absolutely identical for both systems? That you couldn't add a feature to the PS3 version without "breaking" the 360 version or something?

heroicjanitor5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

But the 360 is forcing their hand. They can't have one version favoured overwhelmingly.

CrazedFiend5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

No, we can't have another Grand Theft.

FF was originally a PS3 game that M$ dipped their dollar coated fingers into, so by all rights they should. But we all know that dollars speak louder than fans, and that's the hand that has been played.

Developers are more willing to tip the scales to M$'s satisfaction because M$ is more likely to put up the green for current, and more importantly, future projects.

When was the last time you saw a developer tip the scales a little bit to satisfy Sony and its supporters? Announcing the a PS3 port a year after release doesn't count.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 5492d ago
KingKionic 5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

Could it be possible it can be downloaded later like a add on option?

EDIT

@ 4.1

You know i was refering to xbox 360.

FamilyGuy5492d ago

Have it on the PS3 version and as an downloadable option for the 360 version.

This generation kinda sucks, they never cared about making all version equal last gen.

TapiocaMilkTea5492d ago

I hope they add in the English subs in the Jap version, it really doesn't take that long to create subs, right?

Bebedora5492d ago (Edited 5492d ago )

You can actually get more material on a Blu-Ray over a DVD? Dooood! Awesome.

[edit] Since Enchanted Arm I have become fond of Japanese voices (Arigatooo!)

Show all comments (145)
70°

The 7 Best Final Fantasy Characters: Unveiling the Legends

While FFVII ranks highly, there's more to the series than one game. Here's Chit Hot's picks for the seven best Final Fantasy characters.

220°

The older it gets, the more I respect Final Fantasy XIII

Alex Donaldson: "Hindsight is a hell of a thing, however, and in the years since Final Fantasy XIII, my respect for the decisions its developers made has skyrocketed. In the two Final Fantasy titles since we see both the brilliance and the folly in alternative approaches - and in Final Fantasy VII Remake, we get a more nuanced understanding of what FF13 was trying to accomplish from many of the same development leads."

Einhander1972151d ago

FFXIII is actually one of the best Final Fantasy games.

I also sort of was disappointed at the time, never as much as the bandwagon. But really all the fantastic 3D rendered cutscenes and I actually liked the characters and the story though convoluted was actually fantastic and the ending was extremely emotional. So much budget and time were put into that game Square had such big plans, I actually have always felt kind of bad for how things played out.

I have been thinking for years how great it would be to get all three games on one disk for PS4 or 5.

Nyxus151d ago

I always liked this game, and I agree, a rerelease for current gen would be nice.

Shane Kim150d ago (Edited 150d ago )

Gotta take off the nostalgia glasses. It's the worst FF. Shiva as a bike, I mean come on.

Elda150d ago

Shiva as a bike is strange but saying FFXIII is the worst FF is not at all a fact, that's simply your opinion.

Terry_B149d ago

*One of the 3 equally bad FF's

DivineHand125150d ago (Edited 150d ago )

When I got my series X a year ago, I bought FF13 for nostalgia reasons but ended up being disappointed. When I first played it around the time it launched, I didn't have a lot of experience with final fantasy games, so I enjoyed it. Fast forward to when I played it again, I found that the game had many unnecessary filler moments instead of just giving us meaningful content.

The game is also very linear and a quote on the article said it best. "It is like a sewage pipe that leads to the ocean until it opens up on Grand Pulse."

The story didn't make much sense either and I believe it is my mistake as I played the FF7 remake on PS5 prior which is a night and day difference in terms of pacing, storytelling and likeable characters even though cloud is aloof.

FinalFantasyFanatic149d ago (Edited 149d ago )

Probably was a mistake to play any of the golden era FFs first (e.g. FF6 through FF10), it makes it harder to enjoy some of the FFs that aren't as good. I think FF12 was where major issues with the series started becoming apparent, and it just got worse from there.

FinalFantasyFanatic149d ago (Edited 149d ago )

I didn't really care for it that much, the only saving grace was that it had a better story than 15 (overall it was better than 15) and possibly 12, and even then, you had to read some of it through primers, like reading a book. Plus the battle system was reasonably fun for what it was, even if it was more the spectacle that was exciting for me (e.g. summoning). And to be fair, the 13 trilogy got better with every games, I still don't like Snow though.

Gamingsince1981149d ago

Ff13 is only good if you haven't played a ff before, or any other games that are decent for that matter.

-Foxtrot149d ago

It is in fact no way the best Final Fantasy game, it's one of the worst

Linear corridors, Cutscene, Fight, Cutscene...rinse and repeat

Dialogue and characters are pretty bad, especially Lightning as the main FF hero, they literally said they tried to make a "Female Cloud" and they failed.

Story was pretty awful

I could go on

I think the only alright thing that came from the game was the music.

Elda149d ago

That's not a fact that's your personal opinion. The game sold 11 million copies between its 2009 release up until 2014 including critically reviewed as an 8 out of 10 or an 80 out of 100. The game does have some issues but it's not at all a fact as one of the worst FF games.

-Foxtrot149d ago

Elda

Not just mine mate

A large majority

So….

Traecy148d ago

N4G commenters such as yourself aren't the majority. The game was well received.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 148d ago
+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 148d ago
gold_drake151d ago (Edited 151d ago )

i liked the game alot but i didnt like how they handled the terminology.

i dont mind reading data logs but it had soo many.

but i always loved the music and how it looked. the battle system wasnt too bad either.

but i like 13-2 more :)

i still dont understand why we never got a remaster of the trilogy

Eonjay149d ago

Xbox kinda did. Besides the video files of course which are still best on PS3 due to bluray.

Snookies12151d ago

XIII is a pretty solid game, but XIII-2 is WAY better. XIII-2 was one of the few games I decided to go for a Platinum trophy in, early on. Had so much fun the entire way through getting it too!

Eonjay149d ago

Totally agree. FF 13 was okay but 13-2 is my favorite FF game ever.

shinoff2183151d ago (Edited 151d ago )

I hated this to when it released. I haven't much liked a ff game since ff10 as much , aside from ff7remake. I decided to give it another shot on my series x since it's not on a current ps and was liking it quite a bit(just takes me some time to get over things ) until star ocean 2 remake came out I was all over that.

Square should definitely remaster it or something for ps4 ps5

KillerB150d ago

my favorite jrpg trilogy ever

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70°

Interview: Making music with Masashi Hamauzu

Square Enix Blog: "How do you compose iconic songs that help define a legacy? We speak to legendary composer Masashi Hamauzu about his work on Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XIII, and Final Fantasy VII Remake, and how to make unforgettable music."

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