GDC '08: Final Fantasy XIII powered by Crystal Tools

I'm glad that FF13 is coming out on the 360, but I'm going to get a ps3 anyway cus of KH3 and Versus. FF13 isn't coming out anytime soon so I have enough to save up money for it. And also the 80gb ps3's are at $399.99 in the fall so that's good news.

with crisis core we waited and waited and what did we get? one of the best psp games ever! patience is key

XIII is like **** compared with XIII versus. the difference is massive, and luna, your a retard . Oh btw, what is this online thing about? isn't this single player? or is it just installed along with single player

2009 release

First of all, i'd like to say, this article is missing a very very important fact,
that is "WHEN THE FF XIII TRAILER ENDS, IT SHOW UP "FOR PLAYSTATION 3 ONLY" before the screen totally goes black..

first to say, i'm not the fanboy on the both console..

so why do we bother it's ps3 exclusive? simply go and buy ps3 and the games is yours...

360 fanboys clearly do like TEKKEN, MGS4, GT and FF series...not only them,everyone likes the game , you 360 fanboys yell and shout loudly like want mama come to hug you..if mama(FF, MGS4) dun come, they yell and shout the rumor loudly to get attention..until Kojima had to repeat and repaet again,saying that MGS4 still PS3 exclusive.

mean time, I realize PS gamers dun ever put a SH!T on halo, gear of war, or forza..

think about it..

this is really interesting phenomenal...

Hey if you want QUALITY you have to give it time. If you want quantity get an XBOX360 plenty of RPGs there.

I can't wait for Final Fantasy XIII and XIII versus.

I am a Fan of Final Fantasy from the very beginning. Square Enix take your time and do this right. ANd if they do it ought to be awesome.

Take all the time ya need square. I am still having a blast with FFXI,FFXII, and FFCC. Good things come to those who wait ^^

You'd rather a game come out soon and suck, I know it might not sound like much but many game developers always have afterthoughts of what they should've done. Square's just probably making sure that they get everything in check, plus there's a load of other games out there so you just have to be patient. Nothing else you can do for now, hell play GTAIV and buy MGS4 or something, I'm sure they'll keep you occupied.

by the time these games come out we will be playing on the ps5

I'm looking forward to this game.

PLEASE WHEN IS IT COMING OUT IM TIRED OF THIS CRAPPPY WAITING

can't wait..... i read versus battle system is supposed to be similar to kingdom hearts. Hopefully more KH than dirge of cerberus

I personally think that both games should come out on the 360 and PS3 I have all 3 systems and there really isn't one I rather play then another one.

OMG WHEN IS IT COMING OUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

@ white_jaguar: So far as they've been announced yeah both are coming out at the same time, as for the difference FFXIII will be the traditional FF RPG. FFXIII Versus will be an action game probably similar (but if we're lucky completely different and much better) to FFVII Dierge of Cerberus,
and I assume will tell some backstory on some egnima we'll encounter in FFXIII.

do both final fantasies come out at teh same time? If so wat is th differenc? I am definently itnerested in these games.

to Kaiz1992: *props* Well i was getting all giddy thinkin I mighta found another bloody debate i could join in on but i doubt anyone will be able to stop cryin long enough to counter you on that last post. so uh thanks for ruining my fun lol.....I'll add my two cents anyway.
I own all three i bought a ps3 on their launch and a 360 about 2 months ago and my younger brother has a wii, I personally think all 3 are great in different ways. as far as computers being superior, I'm not too sure about that. I'll probably always be a console gamer simply because of accessabilty and affordabilty for example my ps3 being my most expensive machine was a fraction of the price of your most casual gaming pc, now lets talk heavy hitters any pc that can run crysis on full settings costs slightly more than your soul. so for a cheaper device you can run more games at a comparable rate and i get a blue ray player. i fail to see how pc's are technologically superior.

Chamby, what a stupid person you are. Don't call someone an idiot when clearly you too are as much of an idiot.

The PS3 is an excellent machine. It is not the best nor is Wii or 360. It's clear that the only best ''thing'' amoungst technology are Computers. Disagree with me if you want. But your precious consoles fail in comparison. Now, this fanboyism is going over the edge. How do you know the Xbox 720's graphics will be on par with PS3's? Can you see the future? No, you can't. So shut the hell up and quit spouting nonsense.

I lol'd at the ''always will be''. There ''always will be'' a better console and you have to accept that Sony will not always stay on top even if you're going to be bitter because of it. I am not saying that the PS3 is an inferior machine however you're praising it WAY too much.

Your future is nonexistent. ''Xbox 720 - PS4 - Xbox 1080 - PS5'' Do you not see that if it were that way it'd be endless?

There is no such thing as a ''winner'' each console has their pro's and con's. See, this is why stupid arguements begin. Because of people like you. Drop dead.

I think this ''child'' is Y-O-U. The Wii too is an excellent machine and a revolution to the gaming industry. But, i don't know who gave you the authority to call someone a ''kid'' when clearly you don't know squat about them.

''So stop acting like you know stuff'' Ironic isn't it?

Fanboys like you don't have a say. So, best keep your opinionated mouth shut.

Not making a dime? NOT MAKING A DIME? Are you eq389r73294712 joking me? Not making a dime. That made my day. Seriously.

chamby119 I've never seen anyone predict such a phail fuutre. Why are you such a fanboy?

@Colonel_forte: You're truly the idiot here. The PS3 is a complex machine, but developers have already done some amazing things on it.... and if they're only scratching the surface of it's technology like you said, well, sony appreciates the compliment you just gave them.

That also means that your "Xbox 720's" graphics, will be on par with ps3's on release (just like ps3's graphics were on par with 360's, even though ps3's are now better and always will be), considering it comes out 3 years from now (like you said). And then sony will release an even better console about a year afterwards. Sony wins. And about the Wii remark, you are the child who knows nothing. If you knew anything about technology in video games, you'd know that next-gen isn't a phrase exclusive to graphics alone. What Nintendo has done with the Wii is the only real change to a video game console in years that is true to the phase "next generation". So stop acting like you know stuff. And it is all about money, that's why MS throw money all over the place to get the games they want... that must be why they're in the **** with 360. Not making a dime off that obese, noisy **** box of a console must be hard...

I'm sorry but.. I just hope XIII will be better in the play control then part XII was. Meaning, they took away the play control in XII (Gambit system). I like to play the game not feel like I'm watching some one else play it. Since part 1, I have played every FF game, I'm a big fan. But... S/E if you do to XIII what you did to XII... Then XIII will be the last FF game I play, sorry.

If crystal tools turns out to be an awesome engine and Square Enix manages to license it out to other devs, that would make for some good games I think. Instead of just relying on Epic's engine there would be another choice, I think that would stir up some good healthy competition.

@ Colonel: Ok, first of all you complain about people whining and make a lengthy comment that has little to do about the actual article so obviously you are the one with the whiny problem. Secondly you are obviously another one of those Xbox fanboys considering you were willing to put your precious system on a high pedastal by making such a blantant lie about the competition. Saying that Sony doesn't support 1080p in their games is BS as there are games on the PS3 that go that high. (Proof: http://www.makeyougohmm.com/ps3-1080p-games/) Seriously if you can't stay on topic with the article and your gonna go against system equality by making a ****fest out of everything you should just take a very sharp rusty needle and sew your fat mouth shut......just my two cents.

Now onto the actual topic: Honestly I would love to see what this new engine could do for systems like the Wii that are a little behind on some firepower. I hope Square can keep up the good work on all the systems....regardless of what system a game is on it's the game itself that's important and I think this engine might be able to push future games in the right direction.

I will always go for Sony for Final Fantasy. I have already lost respect for Nintendo because of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. I would love to buy Final Fantasy XIII as soon as it is released in North America. I would rather play that or Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn than to play Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

I think that Final Fantasy XIII/ Versus XIII would be better for the Wii. Motion Sensing is much better for fully real-time/ action based RPGs. It's just too bad that Square accepted a contract forever bonding the core series to Sony (unless they find a loophole or break the contract.) Also, there's no way that Sony is going to let Microsoft or Nintendo (Sony's "blood rivals") acquire the licensing for the Final Fantasy Series (except for the Crystal Chronicles series, which Sony must be aching about.) Oh and Colonel, why should a Microsoft fanboy like you be here, apart from to annoy us (I'm a Nintendo fanboy, but I must go with Sony for Final Fantasy, for now.)

Ok this is for that fool COLONEL know it all **** hole... There is not going to be no 720 in 3 years... and PS3 is all rdy showing us its power! you are just a blind fool.. all consoles got some think, uoi are just a fan boy PLZ don't reply

I like games they are fun!!!

All of you whiny little children that want to pretend you know how the videogame industry works need to listen, it has nothing to do with how powerful the systems are or what companies are doing better business than other companies. It's all about money. Dolfan928, you're an idiot. Microsoft didn't release "old technology" to get a jump, and if you'll notice, the 360 is the only game that's showcasing games in true hi-def (1080p). Right now the PS3 only has movies in that resolution. The PS3 might be amazingly powerful, but it's technology is so complicated, developers can't make games to take advantage of that yet. You know what other system suffered from the same problem, the Sega Saturn. I know the PS3 won't fall by the way side like it did, but just as companies really start to push the PS3, Microsoft will do something better. See, right now, only Sony is trying to lengthen the console life, no one else cares. So Microsoft can do the X-Box 720 in 3 years and blow the PS3 out of the water. Also Dolfan928, what would you accuse Nintendo of doing if you think Microsoft jumped the gun since the Wii is only a 'Cube with motion-sensing features.

Final Fantasy games (the primary series) will probably continue to be on Sony systems forever because to change it now would cause business problems for Square-Enix. Piss off Sony, bye-bye support. And engine licensing means nothing either. Sony got Unreal Tournament 3 first, even though the Unreal Engine III is PC based, and so is the 360. It's all about the almighty dollar. Someone paid someone else alot of money for that.

No matter people think FF XIII will never come out on the 360 but it might if its the graphics are dump down come out on the Wii because the PS3 and the wii are saleing like Hot cakes in japan, Hong Kong SquareEnixs ant stupid. And the only reason why the New MMORPG will come out on the 360 is because of the fan base they got with FF11 online even thoe people are slowing starting to lose intrest sorry about spelling in it they have always been like best friends with Nintendo and Sony thats what makes them more money they still make RPGS for the PS2 and the PSP Loyal to the core and don't forget Star Ocean 4 only for the PS3 and knowing SquareEnixs Kingdom Hearts 3 will be only for the PS3 to.

I dunno...i was dissapointed with XII i pray to the powers that be that this one will be better though i doubt they'll ever top VII. and it'd be nice if they'd hurry up and announce it seeing as i have no RPG's for my PS3 save oblivion and i can only shut so many gates before i lose my mind (sniff).
as for fluffiebunnie's comment i've read on more than a few site's that the same combat mechanic they used in XII will be used in XIII.
Here's to hoping that XIII Versus isnt VII Dirge of Cerberus all over again.

Let me see here... Since WII is selling a lot more then PS3, what would be the right move here... Hmm... maybe finally making the best RPG series in history on a system that is selling faster then the company can get stock for Hmmmmmm... sounds like an idea.

hopefuly there's FFXIII for the wii, I realy don't have the money to spend more than 300 on a console just for one game

Hopefully this game does not play like FF12.

im curious to see how many developers will decide to use crystal tools. Hopefully its as widely used as the Unreal Engine and its better then it.

"... but don't you ever miss the days where nearly every title for every console were exclusive?"

You bet I do. Those were the days when developers took full advantage of whatever console they released games on. Not like today, when everyone is forced to play the same bad multiplatform games because MS released a console using old technology to get a year's jump on the competition. That is hopefully coming to an end this year, and this generation can truly begin. Can't wait for FFXIII.

I've been feeling less inclined to be interested in Final Fantasy over the years.

When Final Fantasy first came over to the U.S., you didn't know what it was going to be about (I've been into the series since the first for NES), but what you knew was that you were getting a great RPG. Nowadays though, there's a lot of RPG's on the market, and if you keep watch on the genre and read reviews, you can find the ones that suit your personal tastes (I happen to be a big fan of MegaTen games myself.) That doesn't mean I don't like Final Fantasy, it just means it's not a must own title for me anymore. There's plenty of alternatives, and some that fit better to my personal tastes. (Shadow Hearts, for example, I loved the story and the combat system)

Now, if the next home console Kingdom Hearts is exlusive to PS3... that may spur me to buy it.

I have a ps3 and a 360. i love em both. =)

suckas.

[This message was deleted at the request of a moderator or administrator]

pause422 or heck, same with anyone thats played Motorstorm and has noticed the 12-15 fps.

Mmm, Crystal Tools... oh, and one more thing: Mmm, Final Fantasy XIII... oh yeah.

Its been said 1000 times now,reguardless of how many times people want to go "BUT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE" ,at least speeaking for Final Fantasy 13 and vs 13,it is only gonna come to PS3,so everyone thinking otherwise just stop.The engine will be released for PC and 360 as well,but of course for when other games are made using it.Also,and no,I'm not a one console fanboy of any sort,I own every consoles,just stating,360 owners should know already,if you've played Mass Effect or such,with the graphics pushed that far,you get very noticeable framerate jitters and lows,so as supposed "powerful" as the 360 is,and it can dish out some nice games( in lower resolutions upscaled),as games like this,and Killzone2,Haze come out,the 360 just can't handle them,reguardless of what you want to think,just stating the truth-Feel free to make a comment about the games I listed above saying "HALO IS BETTER orJUST A HALO RIPOFF LOL" cuz by doing soyou're just admitting you're 12 years old and stupid.

a new FF MMO ?!?!?!?! What is it !!? Whats it called?!? Need...Details...!

I wouldn't feel sorry for anyone. With all these damn companies making a slew of multi-platforming games, everyone gets a bit of everything. Sure, the companies may be looking out for their best interests, and it isn't precisely a bad thing that everyone has access to the same games... but don't you ever miss the days where nearly every title for every console were exclusive?

@Somini

Please don't feel sorry for us because we chose the 360 instead of the PS3 ... it may be hard to believe but there are many many people who don't give a sh*t about the whole Final Fantasy series (yes even some PS3 owners). We buy our game systems because of the type of games we enjoy the most. I could say I feel sorry for you because you can't play any of the 360 excllusives, but that would just sound silly. So really, you don't have to feel sorry for 360 owners.

@Eaglez7711

Tell me oh wise one, just why would the game be so bad compared to the 360 version? Only someone lacking in the intelligence department would make such a stupid statement. And please don't give me the bllueray argument cause that is such an old strategy all the fanboys seem to throw out when they actually haven't got any substance to offer. Personally I am not a FF fan and I really don't care if it doesn't come to the 360 (I also have a PS3). I'm just fed up with stupid people making stupid and inane statements like yours.

multiplatform is the way to go, imo. Sure its nice to have a console exclusive, but really this game will sell well in japan, it will sell well im america for a month or so, and it will do ok in the UK.

But the problem being is that this is the age where a big title is released pretty much every year or two.
If there isn't going to be a final fantasy XIIII within the next two years.. this one had better be good!!

Each console has its fair share of exclusives, and exciting content. Its not just a big-title bout anymore. Because the hardware now is relatively new, all a developer needs to do is come out with a new concept which can change the industries big titles around at the drop of a dime.

I mean, metal gear solid is an amazing series. But loads of games now have high-production values, top musical score, great characters and action - etc. If you see excitement as a graph, a few years ago metal gear solid 2 was waaaaay up there, along with gran turismo 3 and grand theft auto 3.

As the years went on, gran turismo 4, metal gear 3... the excitement brought by those titles was good, but it wasn't such a spectacle as the games released previously - because of the dearth of other games released by other developers which brought out the crowds.

a final fantasy game is a real spectacle, but back when ff7 (and even up to ffX) were out, there wasn't much in the way of competition in that genre. Today, producers, writers, creators... all those great japanese RPG developers are moving around making other titles and trying to break in america.

Its likely that alot of other games in this genre will please audiences for the consoles that DON'T have FF13 on the exclusivity list.

Im looking forward to this game, its probably going to be very long aswell, but this generation is alot more "active" in terms of big titles, so its going to be cool to see how this game acts as a trump card.

@ XenoSage

I thought Achievements were fun for like a month but in the end i just want to play a game and turn off my console when i'm done. Like, buffdaddy69, i don't really have the time to pay attention to or chase after achievements. Although i admit there are a few achievements that require skill in order to attain, for the most part, they just require time. That being said, achievements do not really tell you " who the hardcore and casual gamers are" but instead who has more time on their hands. "Achievements" have always been around but they used to be called "unlockables" and they actually unlocked stuff like new weapons, armor, characters, stories, game art, new game+, etc. Those things gave real re-play value to games, imo. Sad to see that that type of stuff is almost non-existant in 360 games thanks to achievements. Now, you have to go to the "marketplace" & pay for the "extras" that you usually had to unlock thru gameplay.*

i don't care if s-e goes multi-platform with FF XIII as long as they work their asses off and release it asap. of course, i'll pick up the version that will not rrod. i finished FF XII in 120 hours and i'll be pissed if my console will crash in the middle of the game.