The People vs: Final Fantasy XIII

The PlayStation community put their questions to Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama.

When Final Fantasy producer and designer, Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama, went to London to speak to media about their latest title, our mates in our UK office went along armed with questions from the PlayStation community.

What would you say to someone that has never played a Final Fantasy game before? (DrJones_PhD, United Kingdom)

Yoshinori Kitase: Those that haven't tried RPGs might fear that the game is too complex, but if you take an interest in the story rather than feel apprehensive about the depth, then you will discover how to play the game gradually and naturally. Just take an interest in the story and let that guide you.

Motomu Toriyama: The overall theme of the story is determination to fight against one's own fate. fal'Cie is a deity that uses Lightning and the other members of the party like slaves; in a way, they are bound to an unreasonable destiny. So really the story is about these characters fighting off the unfairness of their own fate.

Why the more action-based approach to combat? (Sand_Snake, solid_sammy, SSeifer, KARASU-NULL, France)

MT: It's partly true that Final Fantasy XIII takes a more action-based approach to combat. The main concept behind the battle system is combining action with the traditional turn-based strategy to create something new. In view of making an RPG for a High Definition console like PS3, we realise that this approach might be better received by the wider gaming audience, and perhaps easier for them to warm to.

Will the PAL version feature a Japanese language option, with English subtitles? (fantasyfreak, Netherlands)

YK: No, it will not. I had heard at other media presentations that this was a popular request, and I have to say it came to me as a surprise.

Are you considering releasing the game in 3D? (Ruy-o, Germany)

YK: We don't know how possible it is to build the game in 3D but we are interested in it. In fact, we have already created a 3D Final Fantasy XIII trailer, which is currently showing in Japanese cinemas alongside the film Avatar.

Currently, that's only available in Japan, but there might be an opportunity for a wider release in the future.

Will Ultima Weapons return in Final Fantasy XIII? (Npod, Portugal)

MT: We're not quite sure exactly what you mean as we don't know the translations, but if you mean Ultimate Weapon in that you can upgrade each weapon until it is at its most powerful, then yes you can.

Does the game require a data install before playing? (European_Gamer, Denmark)

MT: For the comfort of the players, no, this is not necessary.

Which are your favourite, Chocobos or Moggles? (Domino2097, United Kingdom)

YK: [Laughs] I prefer Chocobos, definitely. In Final Fantasy XIII you will be encountering baby Chocobos, Cocoon Chocobos and grandpa Chocobos. As for Moggles, they will just be making a cameo appearance in this particular title.