Final Fantasy XIII Release Date, New Details Announced

Surprising the stateside public, Square Enix announced today that Final Fantasy XIII wouldn’t face the interminable translation delays that have often plagued their flagship series. Final Fantasy XIII will release in the United States on March 9, 2010, only about four months after its Japanese launch.

[Update] After the initial tease earlier this morning, Square Enix dropped more details about Final Fantasy XIII in order to further fan the fire. First, quotes from those closest to the project.

“We know that our fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installation of the franchise – Final Fantasy XIII will exceed all expectations,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. “Coming simultaneously to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for the first time, Final Fantasy XIII will be available to all players who are looking for the most immersive gaming experience of 2010.”

"When Square Enix approached Leona about including her song, "My Hands," in Final Fantasy XIII, she was honored to be partnered with such an iconic and groundbreaking video game series," said Tom Corson, EVP/GM, RCA Music Group. "Leona is a natural fit with the game’s powerful themes and strong female protagonist. We’re delighted to be part of this effort, bringing great musical artistry to Final Fantasy XIII which is a riveting and dynamic gaming experience."

We were also treated to a cryptic update on Final Fantasy XIII’s narrative, which you can read below.

Story

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 tranquility 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.

Last, the press release included new details and further clarification about several integral aspects of the game – namely the battle system.  

Active Time Battle System
The system, a much evolved version of similar ones implemented before, allows players to execute numerous commands in one turn via a multi-slot ATB gauge. The player can input singular commands for consecutive attacks, or expend multiple slots for a more devastating blow.

Paradigms
A brand new gameplay mechanic, Paradigms, allow players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, resulting in a Paradigm Shift. The shifts can be various combinations of the game’s six roles, such as the Commando – the offensive specialist or the Medic – the standard healer. Paradigm shifts let players respond to situations as they see fit.

Eidolons and Gestalt Mode
Summons were also addressed, although details about them have been less reclusive than other aspects of the game. We already knew about the Gestalt mode, which allows the summons – called Eidolons – to fight as one in a vehicle/passenger capacity. We use the term “vehicle” loosely, as the transformation isn’t by default mechanical. Odin transforms into a horse, Shiva a motorcycle and Bahamut an undetermined flying transport. A new summon, named Brunhild, transforms into a hotrod and spews flames from its exhaust pipes. Cool.

Trailer Breakdown
[Original Announcement] We know most of you are going to skip right past this wall of text and watch the video. As you should. But if you’re stuck at work or have an unreliable internet connection, you may be wondering what all the hoopla is about. Unfolding through a guided mini-documentary of Final Fantasy XIII’s development, Square Enix dropped a pair of bombshells on fans this morning.

The trailer starts with comments by producer Yoshinori Kitase, who confirms that they have completed Final Fantasy XIII. He also touches on how this is the first time that Square Enix has been able to use HD in a Final Fantasy game and that the vast improvement has allowed them to deliver a new, clearer image and attractive characters. Kitase also touches briefly on the new battle system, stating that he hopes it will appeal to seasoned and novice Final Fantasy fans alike.

Next up to bat is Final Fantasy XIII director Motomu Toriyama, who talks about the characters in the game. Toriyama explains that he feels Lightning is the most powerful woman in the entire series, that Snow is hot-blooded, Vanille is vulnerable and Hope sensitive. He promises a dramatic story where emotions and characters are paramount.

Isamu Kamikokuryo, the art director for Final Fantasy XIII, used his short allotment of time to describe his vision – a blend of futuristic technology and the wild of nature into a singular ecosystem.

The Battle Director, Yuji Abe, moves along the presentation, touching briefly on battle and explaining that the paradigm shift is at the center of the system, which he described as “giving a real-time impact to the player’s strategy.” He also challenges players to master the system. 

Ending the string of appearances is John Yamamoto, the president and CEO of Square Enix, Inc. Yamamoto announced some surprising news – Square Enix has partnered with Leona Lewis to present her song “My Hands” from her upcoming album Echo as the North American and European theme song for Final Fantasy XIII. This is the first time a Final Fantasy game has had theme songs unique to specific territories.

Most of the video peppered throughout the trailer has been released before, but at the end of Yamamoto’s screen time we see the battle system in action, complete with translated menus, for the first time.

Then there is the big announcement. The one you all are waiting for. But we’re not going to spoil the fun for you. Watch the video for yourself below.

[View:http://media1.gameinformer.com/media/video/2009/FinalFantasy13/ffxiiitrailer/ffxiiitrailer.smil:610:343]

Need to catch up on our past Final Fantasy XIII coverage? Check out our information hub below.

Breaking Down the Cast of Characters [Link]
Joe breaks down the core cast of characters that drive the narrative in Final Fantasy XIII

TGS Trailer Analysis [Link]
Meagan breaks down new details learned in the impressive seven-minute Tokyo Game Show trailer.

Bonus Content: Final Fantasy XIII Japanese Theme Song w/Translated Lyrics [Link]
GI Community member and Final Fantasy Fan Collision236 shared a blog post with the full FF XIII Japanese theme song, complete with translated lyrics for your convenience. Definitely worth a listen.

Final Fantasy XIII Gallery
Hit the screenshot tab below to check out our full FF XIII gallery, including two entirely new screens.

Did the release date catch you off guard? How about the announcement of separate theme songs for eastern and western audiences? Sound off in the comments below!