FFXIII-2 Discussion Thread

[Fusionist]

asdfghjkl

I have such a huge lady boner for Lightning. I need to see more of her. Gimme, gimme, gimme!

Actually, on a related note, I'm really diggin' Serah's new outfit. Not that I didn't like what she wore in FFXIII, but it came off so loli-school-girl-esque. Serah looks down right hawt this time around

 

[Onion Knight]

I kinda like the idea of Lightning in a Valkyrie costume.

 

[10th Doctor]

New screen shots sure are purty. If nothing else, this game will surely be a work or art. I do like my eye-candy.

 

[C i d]

I just made a breakthrough. Umm not really, because part of it is speculation. Here it goes (there are two parts)

1. about recruited monsters

I am going to use this video here to explain:

Now go to 4:19. Watch it till 4:40, BUT pay close attention to the recruited monster's HP bar and Feral Link bar. Also pay attention to the numeral value of the monster's HP.

Things I noticed:
-HP PERCENTAGE of monster remains when monster is changed (i.e. RAV flanbanero changed to COM warhorn)
-If you look at flan's and warhorn's NUMERAL HP values, they are different (382 compared to 581). But the percentage over their max HP is the same as the HP bar is at the exact same spot.
-I think this is to prevent cheating when players notice a monster has critical HP. Changing the monster to another one won't affect the HP percentage of the new monster. But these monsters have different max HP. so the numeral values slightly differ.
-Also notice how feral link bar is not united. Flan's is fully filled, warhorn's is half-filled

This aspect is significant as it was confirmed we can customize and level up recruited monsters in some ways. And it's an evidence for the following:

2. New party system theory

I am going to assume a lot of things here, so bear with me.

What if:
-Just like recruited monsters, in battles, characters in the current party can be changed to other characters by switching paradigms
-Paradigm role combinations is not limited to the current three-member party that you have currently.
-Let's say we have 5 playable characters + 100 monsters, later in the game.
-For the purpose of easy explanation, imagine them to be Serah, Noel, Lightning, Purple and Alyssa. Let the monsters be warhorn, flanbanero and stonefist
-For the first paradigm slot, let's say you want a ravager. You can select either RAV lightning, RAV Serah, RAV Noel and Rav Flan and so on. Say you chose RAV Serah
-Let's say you also want a ravager for the second slot. You can no longer chose RAV Serah since she already took the first slot. So you can choose the remaining characters/monsters who possess RAV role.
-For the third slot, you want a commando. Likewise, you can choose any characters who possess a COM role as long as they are not selected in the previous 2 slots.
-A possible rule: only 1 monster per combination

So let's imagine this is the paradigm deck we have:
1. RAV Serah, RAV Lightning, COM warhorn
2. SEN Noel, MED Serah, SEN stonefist
3. SYN Alyssa, SAB Purple, RAV flanbanero
4. etc

As you can see, just by changing paradigms, you are actually able to change characters, and change the party leader you can control.

This system is likely not broken because like what we see in part 1 (about HP percentage retained in monsters), when characters/monsters are switched, they retain the HP percentage of the slot they are in. Probably, buffs and debuffs also stay constant for characters in the same slot. i.e. if RAV Serah got Faith and Deprotect, Noel and Alyssa will have the same status when they are switched out.

Let's say you are using paradigm 1. Their current HP are:
Serah HP 100/500
Lightning HP 300/1000
Warhorn HP 70/700

Then you switch to paradigm 3. The HPs of the switched out characters will be:
Alyssa HP 200/1000
Purple HP 150/500
Flanbanero HP 10/100

I am assuming the max HP for the characters, but I am sure you get my point. HP percentage for each character slot remains the same. Only the numerical values of the HP are changed, depending on the difference in max HP.

This prevents cheating of 'healing' a particular character slot significantly. The whole system also makes the gameplay far more strategic and customisable.

Probably characters switch animation can look like FFX. The current character runs off screen and the new character runs towards his/her previous position. It may be too weird for them to switch like the monsters (i.e. disappear and materialize out of nowhere)

Another evidence to character switching in the game:
http://www.andriasang.com/galleries/2011/06/20/ffxiii_2_screens/2132451697_full.jpg
http://www.andriasang.com/galleries/2011/06/20/ffxiii_2_screens/2132451694_full.jpg

Look at the character names at the bottom right hand. The first names for both screens, Serah's names are on top (Check wiki for Serah and Noel's japanese characters). Yet, the camera focuses on Noel. Of course this may as well mean that it just happens the camera is focusing on Noel. But they are promotional screenshots. It's likely that they want to focus on the characters being controlled currently.

Then again, it's speculation based on the recruited monster system that we already know. Take this with a pinch of salt.

 

[Setzer Gabbiani]

FFXIII-2 will sport more unrevealed new characters

It seems that Final Fantasy XIII-2 will introduce more new characters in addition to Norah, among other interesting bits of news.

According to Andriasang‘s translation of a summarised Famitsu interview, art director Isamu Kamikokuryo has promised other “main characters” besides Noel and Serah.

Previous coverage has suggested that Noel And Serah will be the only permanent party members, with tamed monsters filling the third slot in battles. Lightning, Snow and members of NORA have previously been confirmed as appearing in-game.

Kamikokuryo also revealed that the development team remains largely unchanged from Final Fantasy XIII’s. Characters’ faces have been designed by Tetsuya Nomura, but other staff took care of clothing and body art, although Yusuke Naora designed a mysterious figure seen in Lightning’s company.

Lead art designer Toshitaka Matsuda created the monsters found in New Bodham, which apparently differ from those seen before. Matsuda also designed Serah’s Moogle weapon, Lightning’s sword, NPCs, backgrounds, and summons.

Due to a short production schedule, not a lot of pre-production sketches were created, with staff relying on other resources like photographs to grasp designers’ ideas. Designers have been given free reign to build levels as they please with shortcuts and branching paths.

One final mysterious snippet: a pattern seen on Lightning’s shield and Serah’s clothing will be explained by the game’s story. Ooh!
Final Fantasy XIII-2 is due on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with a December Japanese release and early 2012 expected internationally.

Thanks, GameInformer.

http://www.vg247.com/2011/06/23/ffxiii-2-will-sport-more-unrevealed-new-characters/#more-181718

Update#1

A Couple of New Final Fantasy XIII-2 Screens

If this were any other game, I wouldn't bother writing a whole story about two darn screenshots. But, it's Final Fantasy XIII-2, so here you go!

​

At top is an event scene showing the bizarre creature that appeared in Neo Bodhum. Below that is a battle scene with main character Noel.
Square Enix also released a direct feed version of the key visual that was shared at E3.

​

http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/24/ffxiii_2_screen/

 

[Steve-O]

just found this on the internet XD just throught i would share it on here... it shows lightning and sarah... this is the artwork square were using to promote the game during E3

 

[C i d]

I am really liking the background this place. It's so fantasy-like, with the crystals. The buildings look like Memoria from FFIX. It's likely that we get to explore the place some point in the game, since they say the place is important. And of course, Lightning and Serah look gorgeous as always.

 

[10th Doctor]

This is a beautiful image, I really do like it. (Minus Serah's shoes, but whatever.) Getting a more fantasy world than technology would be totally awesome.

 

[Setzer Gabbiani]

This is going to be the shortest update you ever read about Final Fantasy XIII-2. In fact, you've already read it! The usual flying get sources are reporting that a magazine, possibly Famitsu Xbox 360 (which provided these hilarious sales figures), reveals that Final Fantasy XIII-2 will let you move the camera around during event scenes.

Whether or not this is important depends on if Vanille is present in the game, if she follows Serah's path of showing more skin, and if she shuts the hell up.

http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/29/ffxiii_2_event_scenes/

 

[Steve-O]

Fresh off-screen Final Fantasy XIII-2 Gameplay Footage, Composers Confirmed

Some Final Fantasy XIII footage we saw at E3 behind closed doors has finally been made available to the public thanks to the fact it was demoed on stage at today's Japan Expo in France.

The footage shows Lightning battling 'Chaos Bahamut' from Odin's back. It's a scene we talked about in our two extensive Final Fantasy XIII-2 E3 Hands-On Previews. (1, 2) We also interviewed the game's Director and Producer out at E3. You can check out the footage below.

Square Enix also confirmed the composers for the game during the show. Final Fantasy XIII's original composer Masashi Hamauzu is set to return, but he'll also be joined by the very talented and underrated Naoshi Mizuta (Final Fantasy XI) and Final Fantasy newcomer Mitsuto Suzuki (The 3rd Birthday).

UPDATE: We've got a better quality video. Thanks a bunch to Jonttutan for sending it our way

Via UFF Site

 

[Setzer Gabbiani]

Final Fantasy Xiii-2 - Over 20 Minutes Gameplay Demo From Japan Expo

http://gamenyusu.com/component/cont...0-minutes-gameplay-demo-from-japan-expo-.html​

 

[Ohri-Jin]

Old new Im not sure.....

 

[C i d]

Ohri-Jin
old pictures, sorry >_>

Spawn
the new gameplay footage is more or less the same as the E3 one BUT, this time, it's a different person playing through, so there are some new things noticeable. NPC conversations, etc.

It also confirms the random encounter nature of this game. But it seems that random encounter is now time-based instead of the number of steps taken. The player was jumping on the spot but the monsters suddenly materialize. or it could be that jumping=taking a step? Nevertheless, I like how you can 'escape' even before initiating the battle. I also like the free manual jumping in this game.

About composers, I am glad they are adding more people, so there will be more variety. Too bad Uematsu isn't in

 

[Steve-O]

Final Fantasy XIII-2: More New Screens

Three (profanity removed) days after releasing two (profanity removed) screen shots and a single (profanity removed) piece of artwork, Square (profanity removed) Enix has finally released a substantial amount of images. I mean, it’s still not a whole (profanity removed) lot or anything, but it’s more than two.

They’re also in full English, though that sadly doesn’t stretch beyond a kid saying his own name and another with the line, “Give me a chance and I’ll prove it’s true.” This is no doubt someone in the company totally trolling the media. With articles like Johnny’s recent editorial becoming the voice of the majority, the company does indeed have something to (profanity removed) prove with this game, and needs to bring its (profanity removed) A-game in order to keep its fan base from checking out early. Here are the (profanity removed) screens.

In case you missed them, here are the ones from a few days ago, with a shot of a big monster, a battle shot from the side, and some artwork that could probably be used in a poster or perhaps the back of the box.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is expected to release by the end of 2011.

…
(profanity removed)
…

Via PlayStationLifeStyle.net

I think the screenshots are the same as Spawn showed yesterday but these are in english XD also you have Google+ to thanks for this XD

 

[Rey]

That Lightning and Chaos Bahamut scene is really interesting. It looks like Lightning is not just trapped in the middle of nowhere. It looks like an ancient city or civilization. How Noel and Serah will get there.. intrigues me. For sure the Rival of Lightning will either accompany Lightning.. or fight her.. whenever.

 

[Linnaete]

"Because only one disappointing Final Fantasy wasn't enough"

The more I see of this game, the less interested I am for some reason, the reverse of what should be happening. Sorry but, despite the improvements they're putting in, it's not setting my world alight at all. Quite a few other games have already caught my attention a while ago and this one is pretty low down. I want to give them a chance with this sequel, but if I can't get myself to feel remotely excited about it, then I can't do that. It just makes me wish to see Versus even more, as well as the next, proper new FF installment. Seeing direct sequels spawn up like this is not doing the trick for me.

 

[Eight]

So like there is gonna be battles where we auto battle isn't gonna be avaliable? Cool beans. But I gather this'll be a one off and only occur in special fights like that Chaos Bahamut one? Sorry, I'm not gonna re-read all the updates since there's been a few since I last checked and yeah, that's long.

Also, pretty location is pretty.

 

[Steve-O]

a new trailer was shown at japan expo.. and guess what... it been leaked

liking the new music

 

[Roland_Deschain]

"Because only one disappointing Final Fantasy wasn't enough"

The more I see of this game, the less interested I am for some reason, the reverse of what should be happening. Sorry but, despite the improvements they're putting in, it's not setting my world alight at all. Quite a few other games have already caught my attention a while ago and this one is pretty low down. I want to give them a chance with this sequel, but if I can't get myself to feel remotely excited about it, then I can't do that. It just makes me wish to see Versus even more, as well as the next, proper new FF installment. Seeing direct sequels spawn up like this is not doing the trick for me.

Oh don't be a negative nancy =P. With that attitude of course your gonna hate it hehe.

On another note though I hope they unleash the world upon us! I want to GO EVERYWHERE!!!!!...And take my hot babes with me!The ice cream store and the grand canyon.

I think it would be cool if they added another paradime class, I don't know perhaps a ninja, or more damaging tank/healer.

Either way it will be nice to see the new characters in action.

 

[C i d]

The new trailer shows very little new footage But I like the music.

I think it would be cool if they added another paradime class, I don't know perhaps a ninja, or more damaging tank/healer.

Yeah. I am hoping they are including new roles. There are like 200 monsters. It may be too repetitive for 50 monsters to have the same roles. They also said something about changes to the paradigm system, if I remember correctly. Anyway, I posted this in another thread not too long ago, about a new fictional role I created:

THE FOLLOWING IS FICTIONAL:

Paradigm role name: mugger (MUG)
Main function: stealing from enemies
text colour: orange (this shade of orange: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_orange)

Mugger role, like the existing roles, level up. As the role levels up, self and the party can evade attacks easily. This evasion is represented by a 'miss' instead of the normal 'block'

Auto-abilities:
-agility - 10% chance of being missed from enemy attack.
-bandit- increases chance of stealing success by 20%
-avarice - increase the chance that one or more items may be stolen at one time
-desperation - increases chance of stealing by 50% when HP is critical
-dexterity - increases chances of stealing rare items
-exploit - higher chance of stealing from staggered enemy
-mugsiphon - recover 1 ATB when stealing successfully
-gillionaire - if stealing is successful, gil is also stolen along with the item

Command Abilities:
-steal - steal from an enemy. Low chance of success. ATB: 1
-stealga - steal from an enemy. high chance of success. ATB: 3
-rob - steal gil from an enemy. Low chance of success. ATB:2
-robga - steal gil from an enemy. High chance of success. ATB: 4
-mug - steal and damage enemy at the same time. Low chance of success, moderate damage. ATB: 2
-mugra - steal from all enemies in battle at once. very low chance of success, low damage. ATB: 3
-mugga - steal from an enemy. moderate chance of success, moderate damage. ATB:4
-mugja - steal from all enemies. high chance of success, high damage. ATB: 5
-smoke bomb - increases chance of being missed by an attack for a period of time. It also increases chance of stealing. ATB: 5
-Assassinate - steal from an enemy, dealing high damage, but moderate success. Low chance for instant death. ATB: all

Theoretical assumptions:
-attempted stealing also increases stagger bar, but to a lesser extent. Successful stealing increases bar even more.
-but in order to have distinguished roles compared to commando and ravager, the damage dealt is relatively much lower, and stagger bar increase is also lower.
-Monsters now have items to steal. Different monsters have variable numbers of items/gil that can be stolen. Some have very rare items/weapons
-Stealing does not affect drop rates of items/gil.