Final Fantasy Otaku

Final Fantasy Marathon for Charity!

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:53:21 +0100

TheSpeedGamers are a not-for-profit charity organization that holds gaming marathons, usually in 72-hour or week-long increments, to benefit other charities. The organization was founded in March 2008 and has held 28 marathons and raised $393,240.65 for nearly 20 different charities.

In their upcoming week long marathon, from June 24th to July 1st, they will be revisiting one of their most successful marathon series, Final Fantasy. All donations raised in this marathon will go directly to ACT (Autism Care and Treatment) Today!, a charity whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential.

Live Video Stream

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Prince Noctis is Back!

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 06:10:47 +0100

The game you've been waiting for i.e. Final Fantasy Versus XIII has finally returned, but with some major changes. Instead of Final Fantasy Versus XIII, it is now called Final Fantasy XV which means that it is the next installment in the series. Also, it is no longer being developed for the PS3. The game will be available for both Playstation 4 and Xbox One which explains why Square Enix kept it under wraps before Sony and Microsoft announced their new consoles.

The trailer shown at E3 focuses on Final Fantasy XV's story and gameplay. From the dialogue it becomes evident the game is about a war in which the nation's crystal must be protected at all costs. Regarding gameplay, it can be seen that the User Interface is different from that of previous trailers. It is now more action oriented like that of Type-0.

In case the previous video wasn't enough, here's another one for you to enjoy...

Square Enix's Lineup for E3 2013

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:24:00 +0100

Square Enix has finally published its lineup for this year's E3.

Here's the list:
• Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (PC, PS3) - Playable
• Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360) - Playable
• Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD (PS3, PSV) - Playable
• Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix (PS3) - Playable
• Deus Ex: Human Revolution -Director's Cut- (Wii U) - Playable
• Thief (PC, PS4, XBO)

As you might have noticed Final Fantasy Versus XIII is missing from the list. Whether or not it will make an appearance this time round is a complete mystery. However, according to rumours, it should make its return as Tetsuya Nomura promised new updates on the game in "the warm spring". Also, starting from June 15th Square Enix will be selling a new perfume called "FINAL FANTASY Eau de toilette " which makes no reference to Versus XIII, possibly indicating a change of title.

Anyway, Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama will be present at E3 to answer questions about Lightning Returns and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD.

We'll keep you updated with any news and announcements made so stay tuned!

FFX HD and FFX-2 HD Official Trailer

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:57:21 +0000

Finally, Square Enix has uploaded a video showing off the remastered version of Final Fantasy X. Models and assets have been updated and the graphics look better than those of the original game. The video also makes reference to Final Fantasy X-2 HD but unfortunately it does not include footage of this title.

The remastered games will also include International content which has been unavailable for some regions. Therefore expect Dark Aeons and Last Mission to be present. Apart from the International content, there will also be a trophy system. This means that you will be awarded with a nice trophy if you defeat the Dark Aeons and complete any other challenging sidequests.

As already reported, the remastered versions of Final Fantasy X HD and Final Fantasy X-2 HD will be sold on the same bluray disc for the PS3 and on separate cartridges for the PS Vita. Prices have yet to be announced.

Final Fantasy X-2 HD in the making

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:24:00 +0000

This week's issue of Shonen Jump reports that Final Fantasy X-2 HD will be released alongside Final Fantasy X HD. In the case of the PS3 version, Final Fantasy X HD and Final Fantasy X-2 HD will be sold together on the same disc. However, in the case of the PS Vita version, the games will be sold separately. Unfortunately the magazine does not provide any information on the pricing and release dates.

Is Final Fantasy VIII Planned for Steam?

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:05:50 +0000

Last August, Square Enix released the original Final Fantasy VII optimized for modern PCs. Now there are rumors that also Final Fantasy VIII will be optimized for modern PCs, however this time it will be released on Steam. This rumor could be true as recently some Final Fantasy VIII achievements have been added to Steam's database. We await an official announcement from Square Enix, meanwhile we'll keep our fingers crossed.

FF8 achievements in Steam:
• Draw 100 Magic
• Obel Lake Secret
• SeeD First Salary
• Unlock GF Diablos
• Unlock GF Ifrit
• Unlock GF Quezacotl
• Unlock GF Shiva
• Unlock GF Siren

Final Fantasy X HD Video

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:31:16 +0000

It's been a while since we've heard anything about the HD remake of Final Fantasy X. A few hours ago, Square Enix producer Shinji Hashimoto showed the game running on the Playstation Vita. He promised that his team will attempt to make Final Fantasy X HD the most polished HD game ever.

The Races of FFXIV: A Realm Reborn

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:08:18 +0000

Final Fantasy XIV producer Naoki Yoshida shared some screenshots from A Realm Reborn's beta version.

The closed beta will commence in February so the invites should start being sent in the upcoming weeks. It has been confirmed that all races will be playable, however not all customizations will be available. We wish you luck and hope that you will have the opportunity to participate in the beta test!

Info on the designs of Lightning Returns

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:24:19 +0000

Thanks to Japan's leading gaming magazine Famitsu we have some new information on Lightning Returns to share with you. The character designer Toshiyuki Itahana who is mostly known for his work on Final Fantasy IX and Crystal Chronicles, has made some designs for Lightning Returns as well. One of these designs is the mysterious character Lumina who resembles Lightning's sister Serah in appearance. He also designed one of Lightning's outfits which consists of a purple dress, a rapier and a Barano shield.

In an interview, Tetsuya Nomura confessed that Lightning's main costume was supposed to be different. It had to be made out of leather and the arms had to look like spinal cords. The shield and sunglasses were designed by someone else.

One more thing. Remember that scene in which Lightning fights Noel? Since Lightning's task is to transfer souls to the new world, she's faced with the burden of freeing Noel's soul. Well I guess that sets it. We'll post again as soon as we have further information so stay tuned.

Shiva comes to FFXIV's new realm

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:29:45 +0000

The development team of A Realm Reborn posted some screenshots of Shiva on their blog. Her model is not yet complete. In fact the skin is still set to its default colour and so it still has to be changed. Shiva's model is being constructed using a digital sculpting software called ZBrush. Check out the screenshots right below.

New information about Lightning Returns

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:32:22 +0000

The girl in the picture below is one of the new characters in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Her name is Lumina and she will guide Lightning throughout the game. She appears to be rather cheerful but her true motives for helping Lightning are unknown.

Lightning will have two main goals: to save the world and to find her sister Serah. Speaking of Lightning, it will be possible to change her outfit in the game. For example, there are the Dark Muse and Shadow's Dust garbs as shown below. When the Shadow's Dust garb is equipped, it will give Lightning some new abilities including one which can banish multiple foes.

Quests will also be available. As already announced, these quests will have an impact on the 13 day limit to finish the game.

An extended trailer of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is available below and in it we see Lightning fighting Noel. But why? Stay tuned for further details.

FFXIV: A Realm Reborn Extended Trailer

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:01:09 +0000

Square Enix has uploaded an extended trailer for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. The trailer starts off with a tragic ending which concludes the original version of Final Fantasy XIV. However, the story does not end there. The heroes return in A Realm Reborn for a new beginning and so we get a glimpse of the new Eorzea. Version 2.0 promises new exciting adventures, more monsters to encounter and a better Final Fantasy XIV experience.

For those interested in the game, you can apply for the closed beta by visiting one of the links below:
• http://entry.ffxiv.com/beta/eu (Europe)
• http://entry.ffxiv.com/beta/na (America)
• http://entry.ffxiv.com/beta/jp (Japan)

More Lightning Returns Details from Famitsu

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:49:11 +0100

In this week's Famitsu there is an interview which gives us some more details about Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.

The major points are:
• Up till now, the game is 30% complete.
• There will only be one ending which will be a happy one.
• The world will change depending on how the player interacts with it.
• One day in Lightning's world is equivalent to about one or two hours in real time.
• The game is meant to be played and finished more than once.
• Due to the effects of Chaos, the characters in Final Fantasy XIII-2 have not died.
• The game is set in a world called Novus Partus which is divided into four continents.
• There is a 13 day limit to complete the game but this can be increased or decreased by helping out people and completing quests.
• Lightning fights solo, this time there is no party system.
• In battles there is much more freedom allowing Lightning to move around.
• The ATB system is still present, however abilties are assigned to controller buttons similarly to Type-0.
• Hope will guide and assist Lightning via Wireless Com.
• Clocks are found in every city to show the flow of time.

Tokyo Game Show 2012 Lineup

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:11:35 +0100

Square Enix opened a new website dedicated to the titles that will be present in this year's Tokyo Game Show.

Here is the lineup of games that will appear on the big screen:
• Bravely Default (3DS)
• Final Fantasy III (PSP)
• Sleeping Dogs (PS3/360/Windows)
• Call of Duty Black Ops II (PS3/360/Windows)
• Hitman Absolution (PS3/360/Windows)
• Final Fantasy XIV (PS3/Windows)
• Lord of Vermilion Re:2 (Arcade)
• Gyrozetter (Arcade)
• Otome Break! (iOS/Android)
• Demons Score (iOS/Android)
• It's a Wonderful World Solo Remix (iOS)
• Symphonica Grand Maestro (iOS)
• Emperor's Saga (GREE)
• Galaxy Dungeon (GREE)

Please note that the list of playable games at the Square Enix booth is still unknown.

Limit Break Trailer

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:39:51 +0100

As part of the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary, Square Enix has uploaded a new Final Fantasy XIV video referred to as the "Limit Break Trailer". It is an expanded version of the teaser shown at Gamescom, and includes Limit Breaks and the new party-based battle system.

If you're looking forward to Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, then it would be a good idea to apply for the alpha test by visiting one of the following pages and submitting the application:
• http://entry.ffxiv.com/alpha/index.html (Japan)
• http://entry.ffxiv.com/alpha/index_na.html (America)
• http://entry.ffxiv.com/alpha/index_en.html (Europe)