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Brief update on Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Lightning Returns from Paris Games Week By Erren Van Duine on November 3, 2012 at 4:09 PM

While nothing substantial, a small update on both Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Lightning Returns has come out of Paris Games Week and its Final Fantasy celebration.

FF Dream, who spoke with Square Enix World Technology Director Julien Merceron, was able to catch a few details on some of the company’s upcoming projects.

Regarding Lightning Returns, development is coming along swiftly, and they’re currently showing the game to focus groups in order to narrow down what elements they should concentrate on in order to please fans. On a technology level, some elements from Versus XIII are being used in the game, as well as elements from FFXIII and XIII-2. It will, however, be very different from every Final Fantasy that has released so far.

On Final Fantasy Versus XIII, Merceron confirmed that the game was still in development. The project is of course very ambitious, so that’s why it’s taking so long. Once the project is revealed, Merceron says people will be happy to have waited. Yoichi Wada has been determined to push the development team as hard as they can.

As for other Square Enix titles, Merceron says that they’d love to localize Final Fantasy Type-0, but there are no plans as of now. He personally, has played the Japanese version and really enjoyed it.

Merceron also worked closely with Naoki Yoshida on developing Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn and as such, has high praise for the director and his team. Few people at Square Enix could have done what Yoshida did, and as a result he’s gained a lot of respect from those at Square Enix on the global stage.

When asked about Agni’s Philosophy – the Final Fantasy tech demo that debuted at E3 2012 – Merceron said to expect something involving the demo to be shown running on platforms other than PC around June of next year. Presumably, he’s referring to the next generation of home consoles such as the PS4.

Posted in Final Fantasy Type-0, Final Fantasy Versus XIII, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.
  • http://twitter.com/SquirrelEmperor Squirrel Emperor

    I’ll just say this.

    Agni’s Philosophy: Probably a PS4 tech demo as Sony needs something to hype the platform up. Similar to what they did with FFXIII and Versus XIII. That said, nobody should buy a PS4 because of it until a physical copy of the game is actually available to buy at the store. Remember, we’re all still waiting on Versus XIII and many people bought a PS3 because of this one game. It will be a dick move if they announce it as a next generation game as once again, we’re still waiting for Versus XIII.

    Type-0: Just another long ass wait for a game that could have easily been released on a different and more successful platform. Once SE realizes that both PSP and PSVita is not the way to go and there are better options, (PS3, XB360, Wii U, 3DS, PSN, Steam to name a few) we’ll probably see Type-0 sooner then later. But since they don’t seem like they want to budge on moving it to a different platform. Happy waiting everybody! :D

    Versus XIII: Same nonsense. Telling us it’s going to be something grand but can’t seem to prove it. It being “ambitious” is why it’s taking so long. Shouldn’t take 6+ years to make a game. Many “ambitious” projects don’t need 6+ years. Games that take this long to make are most likely in development hell and everything they’re saying about development being fine and all that crap is nothing more then trying to assure fans that it’s all good when it is really not.

  • Protosin

    “On a technology level, some elements from Versus XIII are being used in the game”

    Aw, hell naw.

  • http://twitter.com/RSCL_Turtle Unknown

    sadly this seems to be very realistic of what could happen… very disappointing, can’t believe a game takes 7 years to make.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Humzah-Jan/100001147084979 Humzah Jan

    Nice to hear some updates on both games.

    I don’t want Agni to be a game, though, unless it is something substantially different. However, I wouldn’t mind if they take the protagonist from it or some elements of her.

  • SazhKatzroy

    Many people bought a PS3 for FF and RPGs in general.

  • SazhKatzroy

    I’ll take any update :)

    LR will be a culmination of all XIII games including Versus?? sounds intriguing. Hope we get a collectors bundle like the previous games too.

  • http://www.facebook.com/cbosak1 Christopher A. Bosak

    if FF Versus XIII becomes a next Gen console game for PS4 i’ll be pissed. i bought a PS3 back in July 2007 hoping FF Versus XIII would come out by 2009. But no avail, Square-Enix gives us nothing more than self serving excuses. I continue to support Namco-Bandai more and more than SQUEENIX and their Lies of deception.

    I’m looking forward to “TALES OF XILLIA” localizing in early 2013, moreover than Lightning Returns FFXIII I’m not convinced Square-Enix.

  • http://twitter.com/SquirrelEmperor Squirrel Emperor

    Sony is abandoning the PS3 architecture, so it would probably be a bit difficult to port the game to PS4. Plus, the userbase won’t be large right away which could mean that it would perform worse on the PS4 then it would on the PS3. If anything, Square Enix would apply this cross generation business model, which is to release the game on both PS3 and PS4. I don’t see it being a PS4 exclusive if the game comes out in the console’s first year or two. They would be missing out on a lot of potential sales if they abandon the PS3.

  • Ludakriss

    Not a joke. I recommend watching Indie Game: The Movie. In the film one of the devs quickly goes to sum up the dev-time for a major AAA title. GTA, Red Read Redemption etc all took at least 5 years.

    See what I’m hinting at? FF Versus been out of sight for 6 years. Hopefully, indicating the reveal not too far away.

    P.S.

    YAYYYYYYY!!!!!

  • Hi BRo

    I’m planning to buy ps3 or ps4 just to play versus…

  • Tani

    I trust Square Enix and their people. They’re taking so long for this FFVersusXIII just to please us fans. Imagining its outcome, they probably would make it a game worth of 6+ years of waiting. They won’t do something unpleasant ‘cuz they know it’ll be their loss. Square Enix somehow gained so much in the gaming factor so why will they make something they know would take them down? We should be patient and be calm.

  • grapes9h5

    I think we should all protest or something…. I GOT A PS3 ON LAUNCH FOR THIS GAME

  • http://twitter.com/TauhiDrizzY T ‘ I ~ Y Δ N G ^‿^

    It’s 7 Years now :D …………..