Last week we reported on Yoshinori Kitase discussing how western game critics don’t truly know how to appreciate a Japanese RPG. Motomu Toriyama also spoke last week detailing how the opening linear path for FFXIII is necessary in order to tell a compelling story. However, this week, Final Fantasy XIII director Motomu Toriyama, has issues a statement on the official EU website for FFXIII in regards to the linearity and how it improves the game overall.
“In order to allow the player to become absorbed in the drama of the storytelling and the new and exciting world of Cocoon and be drawn to the characters without getting distracted or lost we have deliberately used a linear game design for the introduction sections so they can be enjoyed in the same manner as watching a film,” he said.
“We are aiming for a vibe while playing that is similar to the experience of an FPS style game, where the player rapidly progresses through a series of dramatic events and experiences one after the other on an imposing and atmospheric battlefield.
“This kind of design is also very beneficial for the player in allowing them to gradually and systematically learn the brand new battle system that this instalment brings to the series. It is set up such that the player will experience and try out each character’s possible roles in battle and naturally internalise the intensely tactical nature of the paradigm shift system.”
Regardless of how you feel on the subject, Final Fantasy XIII is looking like a sure fire hit for RPG fans world wide. Make sure to pick up your copy on March 9th, 2010.
Oh man…they should have stayed on what works. This is probably the reason why Japanese didn’t like the game as much.
I dont like how japense style games are trying to become more western as the reason i like japanse games is because they are japanese!
Why the fuck does this generation have to be FPS based?
I don’t like it. Perhaps Square doesn’t realize that Final Fantasy pretty much sells itself an so, instead of trying to “convince” western gamers to buy FF they should focus on bringing new ideas to the established formula. . . . . . .
This game is more FPS based? Wtf kind of bullshit is that, its a “JRPG” not an FPS wtf……
The fact that they fail to realize that FPS games usually don’t have good stories because they’re so rushed just goes to show how far Square has fallen. That’s exactly the opposite of what you want in an RPG. I don’t think anyone wants and RPG that’s like a movie or an FPS, they want and RPG that’s like an RPG.
I think the whole FPS comparison is being blown out of proportion, at least in the comments so far.
The way I took it is that the story and gameplay at the beginning is very straightforward, much like a FPS. It shoves the player down a linear path so that you’re immediately thrown into the action without being sidetracked with useless quests or other filler content.
Whatever it is, it’s hard for people to understand and correctly interpret it without actually having played the game which I’m sure many of us here haven’t. I’m personally waiting on it myself, having been a huge fan of Final Fantasy in the past but an RPG really needs something special these days to hold my attention from beginning to end for 40+ hours. My money will be going towards Heavy Rain and God of War III which are shorter gameplay experiences but certainly deliver just as well.
@Jinkinator:
Exactly that. I want to play Final Fantasy BECAUSE it’s Final Fantasy (With all that comes from it),
I wonder if I can cancel my pre order :\ Not much into the FPS “vibe”
FFUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
seriously ? FPS based ? Screw yourself Squenix
Even our JRPGs are going FPS? Something’s wrong with that.
Nope, fine with me.
@Blinky – He didn’t say the game was FPS-based. He’s just making an excuse for the linearity.
Oh, and FPS’s also don’t have towns, lulz.
I’m not sure that’s the right approach. I mean, while JRPGs certainly play an important role in the industry, Western reviewers seem to think that they’ve grown to be predictable, be it the story, characters, voice acting, or the gameplay. Meanwhile, Western RPGs like Mass Effect, Fallout 3, and Borderlands are praised for finding new ways to indulge the player by streamlining the gameplay (tho Borderlands obviously doesn’t have much going story-wise).
Rather than use Western conventions to pander to a demographic that isn’t really interested in the game, JRPGs should focus on improving what fans of the genre enjoy about it while also moving it forward.
I think the game will get about 90% average because of the linearity
No…. FPS will kill FF! Let FF be FF and FPS be FPS! Unless they made it so it’s an intense and action-y (is that a word?) RPG, that be awesome!
I agree with Loki. This is a dumb move in trying to appeal to non-JRPG fans by making the game less like a JRPG.
Urggg, FPS is really getting really really, stale for me, everything seems to go over into that direction. I rather have FF be its normal self then have itself have the countless vibes of FPS’
oh i hate this game so much……. i feel like ripping my arm off and throwing at Motomu Toriyama, why can’t they just admit that coz of 360’s limitation they weren’t able to achieve what they set out to. FFvsIIX should better stay exclusive, or else i would have to rip my leg off, watch out Tetsuya Nomura.
^ What happens when you run out of arms and legs?
@taus90 – Not sure I see the connection between the game being released on 360 and this design decision.
@ Nick Good question, but i think there aren’t developer left who would screw us so maybe i would have to sacrifice only one leg and hand
@ WonsAuto…. any clarification from SE feels like a cover up for 360 mess. why can’t it just be a Final Fantasy game from PS and PS2 era
@WonsAuto: Agreed.
But yeah, I think the linear gameplay is because of the 360 development. An open world like FF XII would be next to impossible to make in multiple dvds.
What?!?! BS!! Everyone was “absorbed” in the past FF’s storytelling! I personally blame 360 for this. Cant explore?? Its an rpg for crying out loud. FFvs13 better have a open world map then.
I haven’t been keeping up with this much, but I don’t think the linear gameplay is because of the 360. I think it was Square’s decision and they were just trying to make a product to satisfy wider audiences and not just its JRPG fans. I personally don’t think it’s such a great decision to make this FPS “move”, but I’m still going to get this game despite all the negativity I hear about it. I’m sure I won’t be too disappointed.
I think that it is good that the developers of the new Final Fantasy 13 going is trying a new approach with gaming the gam more linear. It will be easier to tell the story of the game and the path in the game will be easier to figure out.