Square Enix announces Final Fantasy XIII sequel

by: Tina - posted: 1/18/2011 10:08:00 AM

Square Enix has just revealed that next winter will introduce the sequel to Final Fantasy XIII on the PS3 and 360. Final Fantasy XIII-2 will have a completely new storyline, and said to feature an evolved battle system from the first title.

Not much else is so far known, besides the fact that Tetsuya Nomura – who has been with Square Enix working on the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts series for roughly 20 years now – will be the character designer on the project. You can also check out the official (and currently bare) website here.

Read on for a rough summary of the storyline of Final Fantasy XIII.

LOS ANGELES (January 18, 2011) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360®™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is a sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII, which released in North America in March 2010 and has shipped 6 million units worldwide.


“Why does mankind defy its fate?”

Production on FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is underway, and builds upon the best aspects of FINAL FANTASY XIII. In particular, a brand new story and evolved battle system promise to stand out markedly against the standard for high-quality content established by the previous title.

Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. The series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of over 97 million units worldwide (as of September 2010).

Product overview　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Title: FINAL FANTASY XIII-2
Platform: PlayStation®3, Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
Release date: Available Next Winter
MSRP: TBD
Copyright: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All rights reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
Website: http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2

Story summary from the previous title, FINAL FANTASY XIII　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Cocoon – a utopia in the sky.
Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum's rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.

Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal'Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.

Their tranquillity was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal'Cie.

The moment that fal'Cie from Pulse – the feared and detested lowerworld – awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.

Fal'Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.

They become l'Cie – chosen of the fal'Cie.

Those branded with the mark of a l'Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.

A prayer for redemption.

A wish to protect the world.
A promise to challenge destiny.

After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. For more information about FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, please visit the official website at: http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2.