Square Enix Party ’07might be over, but that’s no reason forthehypetrainto stop rolling. The fine folks at Destructoid have gathered more new information, images, and Famitsu scansthan you can shake a stick at — new info onCrystal Bearers,Final Fantasy IV,Dissidia, andCrisis Coreahead.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers (Wii)
Japanese ubermagFamitsuhas the very first images of Sqaure Enix’ upcoming Wii title (which you can seehereandherein the gallery) as well a itsy bitsy smidgeon of information. Executive producer Akitoshi Kawazu and director Toshiyuki Itahana shed a little bit of light on the setting of the game, which seems to be pretty standard: magic, monsters, adventures, and crystals. Interestingly, however, players start off with a powerful, heroic character, as opposed to a weakling who must grow into a hero as in most otherFinal Fantasygames (and indeed, RPGs in general). The goal, Kawazu said, is to portray truly heroic actions in various situations.
Another interesting topic is that of the controls.Crystal Bearesrswill use the Wii-mote and the nunchuk to control players in and out of battle. The controls are still being fine-tuned, with an emphasis on simplicity, said Itahana. Call me prosaic, but I don’t know anything more simple than a D-pad and the X button. That being said, there’s one RPG tradition that I won’t be upset to see left behind. New controls? Yes, please.
[viaNGCandIGN; thanks, BlindsideDork!!]
Final Fantasy IV (DS)
Again,Famitsuhas the scoop onFinal Fantasy IV, with the first images (hereandhere) and another interesting interview with Takashi Tokita, lead game deigner for both the SNES original and the DS version. Matrix Software, the team responsible for the DS port ofFinal Fantasy IIIwill also be in charge of FFIV — consequently, the same graphics engine will be used.
However, it won’t just be bells and whistles. The original version apparently only included about 25% of the intended script. Thankfully, the DS version will include the remaining 75% of the original concept. I kind of wish the rest of the Square Enix rerelease team would take note: this is arerelease done right. Don’t justrepackage itandmake it shiny!
Also, make sure to check out aShonen Jumpscan, as well asFinal Fantasy IV‘s recently-openedofficial site.
[viaJeux-FranceandNGC, thanks BlindsideDork and Matthew!!]
Dissidia: Final Fantasy (PSP)
Unfortunately, there’s not exactly a lot of information availble aboutDissidia, which is understandable since it was onlyannounced a few days ago. There are, however, someShonen Jumpscans (hereandhere) andFamitsuscans (hereandhere).
What we do know is that it will be a 3D action game based on “Dramatic Progressive Action” (whatever that means), and that Tetsuya Nomura will be the character designer. Furthermore, in a move reminiscent ofKingdom HeartsorEhrgeiz, the game will feature characters from throughout the Final Fantasy series, especially the Light Warriors and Garland (fromFFI) and Zidane and Kuja (fromFFIX, my personal favorite). There will also be up to 10 playable heroes to keep you occupied.
[viaJeux-FranceandVidegamerX, thanks to eddy dj for the tip and special thanks toDick McVengeanceand hisJapanatorteam for translation help!!]
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP)
Not much in the way of new information forCrisis Core, just a Japanese release date of September 13. There will also be a limited edition “Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary” package that will include Ayaka’s “Why” (the theme of the game) and a neato-burrito replica Potion (pictures of which can be foundhere,here,here, andhere).
To keep with thetheme of the post (and to further hype a game thatlooks amazing), there are someFamitsuscans in the gallery (here,here,here, andhere).
[viaJeux-France]
