Squaresoft restructuring, more remakes on the way

[Ender]

From PSU (http://www.psu.com/node/9941):

Huge news today in Japan as Square Enix announced it reformed business model, and a significant rise in the likelihood of a Final Fantasy VII remake.

Late Wednesday night, on their Japanese web site, Square Enix announced that it will be working under a new business model, focused more on re-releasing existing titles and creating sequels to older games.

This change is no doubt due to the overwhelming success of its latest projects, which have all be remakes of Final Fantasy games for the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance platforms. These remakes have done surprisingly well and have prompted Square Enix to look into the remade games further and for other systems as well. As a result, the company has decided that remakes and sequels will do well enough to keep the company in the green for quite some time.

This news will no doubt start an uproar in Final Fantasy VII remake rumors that have slowly lost their credibility since E3 of 2005. But even more exciting news to some is the possibility of other Square Enix franchises being dug up from the grave and re-released on next gen platforms.

[ADC]

I guess that's one way to get around those $30M+ production costs on new games … And yes, if they ever get around to putting FF7 on a modern system (or even the PS2), I'll be ready.

[Ender]

If they can remake some of their SNES/PS1 era games without fucking them up, this could be great. Those were some of the best games ever, and could really benefit from improved translations and graphics. I'm cautiously optimistic about this news.

[Lovely]

I'm sure this will work phenomenally for Square for a while, but what will they do when they run out of FF's to remake?

Ah well. Though I'm not in love with their plan, I have to admit that it's sort of brilliant in a way. I mean, it will work wonderfully for a little while at least.

....and who knows, maybe they'll get drunk one night and make a sequel/remake of Dewprism/Threads of Fate ^^ . (As long as the cute look is retained, I'd be thrilled!)

[pete5883]

I'm pretty sure Square Enix has been working on a FFVII remake for awhile now. I remember a few months ago a translated quote on RPGFan from Nomura (I think) saying that he's working on a project that will only make sense if it's released this year. FFVII was released in 1997, so releasing this year would be a good way to mark the 10th anniversary. I can't really think of any other reason a game would have to be released in a certain timeframe, or any other Nomura games made in 1997.

Edit: link: http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2007/1027.html , maybe it's not for PSP after all.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah well. Though I'm not in love with their plan, I have to admit that it's sort of brilliant in a way.

For me it depends on what they remake. If they were to remake certain games properly I'd probably celebrate. A remake/sequel of Threads of Fate would be tempting. Heck maybe make it both in a remake and sequel packaged together. There's no way I could say to a remake of Romancing SaGa 3. Just to give a couple of examples.

....and who knows, maybe they'll get drunk one night and make a sequel/remake of Dewprism/Threads of Fate ^^ . (As long as the cute look is retained, I'd be thrilled!)

Granted the real reason they did just that is they thought the title was "Final Fantasy: Threads of Fate". That's it! That's how we get Square Enix to remake none FF titles. We find a way to make them drunk enough to think they are FF. Or maybe not. Darn it I hate when reality sets in.

[Ender]

Granted the real reason they did just that is they thought the title was "Final Fantasy: Threads of Fate". That's it! That's how we get Square Enix to remake none FF titles. We find a way to make them drunk enough to think they are FF. Or maybe not. Darn it I hate when reality sets in.

Maybe we can even get them drunk enough to make a non-shitty FF IX remake. :>

[Greywing]

Maybe we can even get them drunk enough to make a non-shitty FF VIII remake. :>

Fixed.

Seriously, VIII was dire. How could anyone not like IX though? O.O

[ADC]

Maybe we can even get them drunk enough to make a non-shitty FF VIII remake. :>
Fixed.

Seriously, VIII was dire. How could anyone not like IX though? O.O
Improved. Only because I was too slow to fix it for him in the first place. :)

I wouldn't mind a remake of FF8, so long as it's a complete rebuild that actually improves the game instead of a remaster that just bumps the graphics. Otherwise, I think Greywing had it right.

[Ender]

Seriously, VIII was dire. How could anyone not like IX though? O.O


VIII had a good story, and a great battle system. IX was boring, repetitive crap. The story was nothing but running to save some place, arriving just as it is destroyed, then running somewhere else and seeing it blow up, on and on. The ability system was irritating too, being forced to use shitty equipment way longer than you should just to learn abilities. I could go on, but I think you get the picture, FF VII, VIII, and Tactics are made of win, IX was made of lose. At least it had pretty graphics, I guess you really can polish a turd. :D

[Nosredna]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing Chrono Trigger remade or even another game in that series.

[Kaikou]

Seriously, VIII was dire. How could anyone not like IX though? O.O


VIII had a good story, and a great battle system. IX was boring, repetitive crap. The story was nothing but running to save some place, arriving just as it is destroyed, then running somewhere else and seeing it blow up, on and on. The ability system was irritating too, being forced to use shitty equipment way longer than you should just to learn abilities. I could go on, but I think you get the picture, FF VII, VIII, and Tactics are made of win, IX was made of lose. At least it had pretty graphics, I guess you really can polish a turd. :D

I agree 100%. I didn't hate IX, but it definetely had moments where it bored me to tears.

I was thinking about replaying FFVII on my PSP, but now I might take a wait and see, as I'd prefer to play an updated remake.

[MKVarana]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing Chrono Trigger remade or even another game in that series.

My sentiments exactly. With all of the Final Fantasy remakes that have been coming out recently, I've been eagerly awaiting them to announce CT...

[Suwako Moriya]

I agree 100%. I didn't hate IX, but it definetely had moments where it bored me to tears.

I think the main problem I had with FF9 if anything was the game felt slow in general. Both in terms of the story and gameplay. It doesn't help that even the loading felt a bit on the slow side. Or heck maybe it was. It has been awhile since I played.

In the case of FF8 let me say this much. I am a fan of customization. However I prefer customization with restriction. Especially if characters have to earn their own power. Thus the whole let's swap GFs to become auto-gods feels like a negative.

In conclusion I think both FF8 and FF9 have room for improvement. Granted the same can be said about any game. There is also the question of what should be changed so it can be improved on and what should remain the same.

[ADC]

I think the main problem I had with FF9 if anything was the game felt slow in general. Both in terms of the story and gameplay. It doesn't help that even the loading felt a bit on the slow side. Or heck maybe it was. It has been awhile since I played.
For this reason among others I think Square erred in putting this game on the PS One instead of delaying it a year (which they could, as it dropped only 14 months after FF8) and upgrading it for PS2. FF9 was slow. Loading was slow. Battles were slow. Part of it is that they made a game with graphics beyond what the PS One was capable of maintaining.

[Leon_Belmont]

I guess Square should just make an FF VIII versus IX and call it a day then. In this game, you pick your side, and then you proceed to lose no matter what.

It's kind of like arguing on the internet, but people engage in that anyway. Good lord VIII was awful though. Truly an FF game usually captivates me at some point, but in the case of VIII, it felt like I was forcing myself to play every time I turned it on.

[EmperorBrandon]

Seiken Densetsu 3????!!!! Please???

Well, at least this leaves me a bit more hopeful in that regard...

[DesignedOne]

Seiken Densetsu 3????!!!! Please???

Well, at least this leaves me a bit more hopeful in that regard...

YES!!! Please?! Where is this?! Seiken Densetsu 2 aka Secret of Mana while you're at it!

[cxt217]

Too bad they are never going to remake Parasite Eve. An interesting departure from the norm for Square at the time.

I always thought they erred by making Parasite Eve 2 for the original Playstation instead of the PS2 (Which was entirely possible, since PE2 came out 3-4 months before the PS2 launch.).

C.T.

[rainking187]

I'm hoping they're saying "We will be remaking and releasing sequels to Square Enix games." and not "We will be remaking and releasing sequels to Final Fantasy games.". My dream is still to have Star Ocean 2 ported to the PSP.

[ADC]

I'd like to see a new (probably Wii Remote controlled) Chocobo Racing game. The courses and characters they had in the first one were quite good, but there were other flaws in it (especially the graphics, which was never the Playstation's strength) and it lacked a proper Battle Mode to allow it to compete with Mario Kart. So that, along with FFs 7 and 9, Parasite Eve, and Brave Fencer Musashi would be my wish. And Dragon Quests 1–6, though those can go just nicely on the DS.

[Greywing]

Maybe we can even get them drunk enough to make a non-shitty FF VIII remake. :>
Fixed.

Seriously, VIII was dire. How could anyone not like IX though? O.O
Improved. Only because I was too slow to fix it for him in the first place. :)

I wouldn't mind a remake of FF8, so long as it's a complete rebuild that actually improves the game instead of a remaster that just bumps the graphics. Otherwise, I think Greywing had it right.

Thanks for the back up. :neko:

I think a lot of people were simply wowed by FFVIII visually - it was easily the best looking game to have hit the PS1, arguably even gaming as a whole, when it was released. That initial 'Wow!' factor is what has carried it through so many years of nostalgia.

The battle system was the most annoying I've ever played. The Draw system turned what should have been two minute random battles into epic-length bores just to stockpile your magic. Junctioning always struck me as an overcomplicated management system compared to the sleek yet customisable Materia of VII or individual specific skills of IX and others, made worse by characters developing an 'allergy' to GFs of an opposing element to one they'd already been using.

Plot-wise, I found it a directionless mess. It starts out too episodic - go here, do this mission, here's a new SeeD member for your squad, etc. Parts of the plot contradicted - Zell's parents later ignored in favour of them all growing up in an orphange they don't remember thanks to GFs, for example - while Altimecia seemingingly came from nowhere at the last moment just to have a final boss after Edea was redeemed relatively early on in the game.

I can't think of another FF game with a cast as wholly unlikable as VIII. While Cloud was emo for most of VII he at least seemed to grow to care about the people he was with. Squall seemed as cold, uncaring and aloof at the end as he did at the beginning. Rinoa was an irritating love interest that never once displayed either competance running her organisation or any personal qualities that could be considered attractive. Laguna's team were more interesting but you played them for so little of the game compared to Squall's that they only served to highlight how annoying or distasteful Squall's group were.

Much like Hot Otak above, I felt I was forcing myself to complete it while insisting to myself I did actually like the game and not just wanting to complete it because I'd enjoyed its predecessors so much.

[Lego]

Hey I know, lets make the same game that we've been making for ten years but wait for it... LETS MAKE IT PRETTIER!

[Super Saiyajin Joshua]

I would like to see remakes (hell DS ports would be just fine too) of the 7th saga games. I didn't play two a whole bunch but I really got into the first one. I just liked the cast of main characters that you could choose from and each one had a different story and would team up with or battle the other main characters through out their story.

Edit: I was apparently imagining there being a sequel to The 7th Saga. There was one but only in Japan.

[GetterBeam]

The best thing they could do with this is a mass assault on all the titles in their vaults that never got an English release way back when along with the cult favorites.

Early FF's remade for say PSP...AGAIN...wouldn't interest me. Early FF's remade for the Wii using some kinda DQ: Swords style...now THAT'D BE INTERESTING.

[dejr8bud]

Wow Square's new business model sounds so...innovative.

Sequels and remakes...oh boy..

Actually I wouldn't mind seeing an updated version of Parasite Eve or Vagrant Story. But since the main characters of those games aren't angst filled teens out to save the world, Square probably won't do it.

[SlavikCC]

As much as sequels and remakes sound appealing, I'm really annoyed with all the Final Fantasy series sequels and remakes and crap like that. I won't forgive Square for not releasing Front Mission 5 to North America and I'm currently boycotting their products for their sheer neglect. :sigh: :angry: :angry:

[Suwako Moriya]

Hey I know, lets make the same game that we've been making for ten years but wait for it... LETS MAKE IT PRETTIER!

To be fair the consumers are partially to blame for this. People claim to want something different. They claim to want innovation. So on and so forth. Yet they expect every game a company makes to be a clone of their favorite. Even so much as adding a number of the title makes it too different.

However to be fair I myself would be partially to blame for this as I am one who has gotten some remakes. Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song, Final Fantasy 3 DS, Wild Arms Alter Code F, and so forth. Granted if not for remakes the first two would have never come out here.

As for making them prettier. Obviously they're going to attempt to that. It's a given. You don't take SNES game and put on the PS2 for the sole purpose of making it look like it's meant for the Atari 2600. Although that would be kind of funny to see.

However in at least some cases that's not all that's done. Final Fantasy 3 DS has a vastly improved Job system compared to the original. Classes that were just there to fill space are now actually useful. They may not be the most useful depending on your play style, but at least they're now an option. Dare to compare. In the original version all the Scholar does is Scan. That's it. In the new version the scan will also remove positive status effects on the enemy. The scholar can use some low level white magic. A bit of MP to heal outside of battles. The scholar has double effectiveness with items on top of a good intelligence score to do awesome damage with attack items.

Another example would be Romancing SaGa. The system in the PS2 is a vast improvement over the original. It's like they just threw out the old system and created a new one for it. Not only that the amount of playable characters has been increased. You could never play as Captain Silver in the original. You can play as here in the remake. Thus making it superior.

Granted the reason I know this is because I actually played the original version of both Romancing SaGa and Final Fantasy 3 all the way through. Okay granted I only played as Aisha in the original version of RS, but at least it was a full play through. Thus because I actually played them I know that it's more than just making the games prettier.

However it can be denied that in some cases that's all that happens. That a prettier version of the older game is made and nothing more. Even so one has to realize it is a case by case basis. That you can't assume either.

Plus as I hinted at earlier one of the hard parts to remaking is what do you actually change? Sure some want a remake of FF7. However depending on what improvements Square Enix decides to make some of those asking for it will suddenly hate it. It's a tough call.

I know what change I'd make. I'd make sure the ending actually remembers that Vincent and Yuffie exist. Either by making the required members instead of optional or by realizing there should be enough space for alternate endings.

[jecca-neko]

I'm sure this will work phenomenally for Square for a while, but what will they do when they run out of FF's to remake?

They won't. They can remake ones they already remade. Look at FFI+II.

[mighty_vespa]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing Chrono Trigger remade or even another game in that series.

Chrono Trigger Remake + DQVIII graphics = SOLD!


Too bad they are never going to remake Parasite Eve. An interesting departure from the norm for Square at the time.

I enjoyed Parasite Eve quite a bit. I might've gotten more of a kick out of it because of its NYC setting; the game's designers did their homework on some of Manhattan's better-known landmarks. If the original team can be re-assembled, then I'd welcome it.

[Suwako Moriya]

They won't. They can remake ones they already remade. Look at FFI+II.

Which begs the question. If they're that intent on remaking FF1 and FF2 then why not go all the way? By that I mean take FF1 for example. They should at least add new classes and maybe allow for some clearly female vs male sprites. In other words do more than just add a bonus dungeon or whatever.

[ADC]

They won't. They can remake ones they already remade. Look at FFI+II.
Coming soon: Final Fantasy I-2! And all the Square fanboys/girls look at each other and say, "WTMFF?"

Which begs the question. If they're that intent on remaking FF1 and FF2 then why not go all the way? By that I mean take FF1 for example. They should at least add new classes and maybe allow for some clearly female vs male sprites. In other words do more than just add a bonus dungeon or whatever.
I think I'm fine with the classes as they are, though the Black Mage is practically useless in the "standard" version of FF1 and über in the GBA version, but I absolutely agree that they should add gender options to the game, as Enix did with Dragon Quest III way back in the day. Subtle alterations to stats and growths should accompany, of course.

[Ender]

Plot-wise, I found it a directionless mess.

I loved the battle system, but I do agree that the plot was a bit disjointed. I suspect they rushed it out the door to cash in on VII's runaway success, hopefully if there is a remake they will be able to present a more polished storyline.

[Ender]

Chrono Trigger Remake + DQVIII graphics = SOLD!

I'll take two. :virgin:

[Lego]

To be fair the consumers are partially to blame for this. People claim to want something different. They claim to want innovation. So on and so forth. Yet they expect every game a company makes to be a clone of their favorite. Even so much as adding a number of the title makes it too different.

It needs to be said more. I can't count the number of the times that I've seen new game A being compared to new game B and having it get a lower score because it's not as good or different then the other game. "This is good but this isn't a ______", insert game here. Thats why I'm waiting when it comes to the PS3 and 360(Wii is cheap) until I see something that I want other then "WWII FPS #534343". Of course I won't lie, sometimes it's nice to have a familiar game and experience and sometimes it works. But look at something like the Resident Evil 4 button system which tons of games have copied sicne then.

So in the end you usually have one or two "innovative" games and games that are basically remakes of one another. The sad thing is I don't even know the difference between Call of Duty and Medal of Honor anymore :cry:

[PhilipReuben]

Coming soon: Final Fantasy I-2! And all the Square fanboys/girls look at each other and say, "WTMFF?"

I think a sequel is the only thing that could possibly make FFI's ending make even less sense. It'd be awesome :D

[EmperorBrandon]

Geez... lots of moaning and groaning about the remake strategy. Frankly I think it's better if Square Enix focuses on getting some of its excellent games from the past a proper re-release, particularly if they're of limited availability (or to get them on a new system). Even better still if games previously not localized in English get to come over here. I'm sure Square Enix will have the time to work on some awesome new games as well, but there's certainly nothing wrong with this strategy in my mind.

[Suwako Moriya]

Seiken Densetsu 3????!!!! Please???

I wouldn't get your hopes up about it sadly. The last set of Mana games didn't do that well. Children of Mana did poorly in Japan. Dawn of Mana bombed. It bombed badly enough that apparently people weren't willing to give Heroes of Mana a chance. Now take this with a grain of salt because I'm stating what others have said a few times.

Also I have not played either Dawn of Mana or Heroes of Mana so I have no real opinion on them either way. I can say that I quite enjoyed Children of Mana so I'm not sure what to think here. I do have to remember that just because I liked one does not mean I'll like the other two.

Still the point is this does not void well for Mana in general. Both in terms of new games in the series and remakes. Square Enix may ultimately conclude people simply hate the series and go back to deciding what system to port FF1 to next. Granted I know what I'm saying is partially speculation, but it's because I'm extremely worried in general due to what I keep hearing.

[Suwako Moriya]

Even better still if games previously not localized in English get to come over here.

Even if the chance is increased to only 5% that's still better than 0% chance that some games had. I highly doubt Square Enix would translate a Super Famicom game and release it in the U.S. when we're in the PS3/Wii/360 era now. I doubt it would have happened during the PS2/Cube/Xbox era.

I'm sure Square Enix will have the time to work on some awesome new games as well, but there's certainly nothing wrong with this strategy in my mind.

In a very real sense they're already making new games along side the remakes. Granted at least some of those new games are sequels, but really it's a bit late for people to be shocked over sequels in this day and age.

[cxt217]

I'm hoping they're saying "We will be remaking and releasing sequels to Square Enix games." and not "We will be remaking and releasing sequels to Final Fantasy games.". My dream is still to have Star Ocean 2 ported to the PSP.

Well, I would love to see Star Ocean: Blue Sphere released in the US for the PSP, but that properly belongs to the Enix/Tri-Ace side of the game.

C.T.

[fates]

Y'know, I actually see Seiken Densetsu 3 as a possibility. The latest SD title (the tactical RPG) on the DS was based on the world of 3 and leads into the events of Seiken Densetsu 3.

I just hope they port the game, and not give it a bizarre treatment or anything.

[Mark]

They should resurrect Tobal, or at least it's fighting engine or something so they could release a mascot fighting game.

[EmperorBrandon]

I wouldn't get your hopes up about it sadly. The last set of Mana games didn't do that well. Children of Mana did poorly in Japan. Dawn of Mana bombed. It bombed badly enough that apparently people weren't willing to give Heroes of Mana a chance. Now take this with a grain of salt because I'm stating what others have said a few times.

:cry: Surely this remake strategy extends beyond FF, I hope, though? Ah well, I wonder how the older Seiken Densetsu games were perceived in contrast to the newer ones. Did they sell better? Hopefully there's some nostalgia for them in Japan - I'm not the only one I'd think. Bring back Riesz!!!

[EmperorBrandon]

Y'know, I actually see Seiken Densetsu 3 as a possibility. The latest SD title (the tactical RPG) on the DS was based on the world of 3 and leads into the events of Seiken Densetsu 3.

I just hope they port the game, and not give it a bizarre treatment or anything.

That's interesting. With a possible remake, though, I hope they stay with Nobuteru Yuuki's designs...

[Suwako Moriya]

:cry: Surely this remake strategy extends beyond FF, I hope, though?

In the best case scenario it will, but I think the best we can actually hope for is the more cherished none-FF titles to get a remake. While the ones that just sold decently at best will be ignored.

Ah well, I wonder how the older Seiken Densetsu games were perceived in contrast to the newer ones.

Honestly I wish I knew myself. People seem to argue back and forth about how well any given game did. Just take SD3 alone. Some will claim the game was well received and others will say it did poorly. Granted most likely both sides are letting their intense love or hatred for the game cloud the issue. It also doesn't help the sources of some information is questionable.

Even then sales numbers are partially misleading. Sure game X may sell less than Y. However it could turn out that X ends up being more fondly remember by it's user base while Y ends up being a passing fad for most of those who bought it.

Then you have to wonder how the previous game effected things. Any given game can convince people to try other games in the series, but it can also convince people to avoid any other game in the series.

[ADC]

I couldn't find complete sales data for the Seiken Densetsu series, but the biggest shifter in Japan was Secret of Mana at 1.5 million sold. While that's nothing to sneeze at, I don't think any of the others have come close to duplicating that success. I'd put any remaster of a Seiken Densetsu title at no better than 50 percent, and a US release at perhaps 25 percent.

Of course, they did the PS2 version of Romancing SaGa, so anything's possible. I would not expect to see a major push on either SD or SG, though. Even if Square didn't have better properties to work on (and they do, no matter what Reirei tells you), Enix have more valuable titles as well.

[pete5883]

I really hope they do port and not remake SD3, because after how the remake of SD1 (Sword of Mana) turned out, I rather they just leave it how it is.

[fates]

Seconded on the port and maintaining Yuuki's style on it.

Indeed, I *really* hope they are not redone in the current SD style. While I'm probably in the minority here... I really dislike those character designs. Not having Nobuteru Yuuki's designs there would make it an entirely different game.

[EmperorBrandon]

While I'm probably in the minority here... I really dislike those character designs.

The newer SD designs are OK IMO, but I don't particularly like them either. At the least, I would be quite disappointed if they redid SD3's character designs.

[Magus427]

Much like Hot Otak above, I felt I was forcing myself to complete it while insisting to myself I did actually like the game and not just wanting to complete it because I'd enjoyed its predecessors so much.

FF VIII had arguably the worst story of any FF IMO. I never finished the game because the story was so bad. When I got to the orphanage portion I was like 'That's it, I'm not playing this anymore. It's waaaayy too contrived'. I thought VII was ok and had its moments which is why I got VIII and was sorely disappointed. FFIX was less of a disappointment to me overall and while it had it's slow moments, I definitely had more fun with it than the other 2.

Quisty is still my favorite character from VIII though. I wish they would've done more with her in the game. I feel like the character designs in VIII were pretty good overall, it's just a shame that the story was written so poorly, it didn't even do the character designs justice.

-Magus

[Suwako Moriya]

One thing I will say about remaking SaGa games is this. If they were to remake a few more SaGa games, but only a few. Then I'd hope the first two choices would be Romancing SaGa 2 and Romancing SaGa 3. Because at least the rest did manage to come out here in some form.

[beatmania]

Stop putting out FF remakes! DQ needs some too!

[Relwarc]

FF VIII had arguably the worst story of any FF IMO. I never finished the game because the story was so bad. When I got to the orphanage portion I was like 'That's it, I'm not playing this anymore. It's waaaayy too contrived'.

Well, FF VIII was my gateway RPG so that means it'll always have a special place in my heart. I didn't feel that it was that contrived at all. Some of it was spotchy, certainly and the ending felt tacked on and the romance with Rinoa came out of nowhere, but I still loved it. :sd:

I have yet to play VII, which is heralded as the best thing to have ever happened to RPGs, so I really hope they'll remake it. It's almost impossible to find a copy of VII these days... :(

[NickFalzarano]

I have yet to play VII, which is heralded as the best thing to have ever happened to RPGs, so I really hope they'll remake it. It's almost impossible to find a copy of VII these days... :(

Its not.

Personally, I felt the story was too random, going off on one tangent and never getting back to the original point.


"Shinra Corp. is Evil!""Destroy Shinra!""Oh there's Sephiroth-- Kill him!""What's a Shinra?""Who cares, we gotta beat Sephiroth!"


The game has not aged well, and while I can see how influencial for the time it was, now it simply doesn't hold up. They'd have to do a lot for a remake, IMO.

[jecca-neko]

Regardless of FFVII's story, I loved 3 things about FFVII:

1) Chocobo Breeding/Racing: Best side quest in a game ever in my opinion.
2) Gold Saucer: I loved how they plopped a bunch of mini-games in the middle of a casino/amusement park setting.
3) Materia system: Yes, I know there are downsides in that you could easily make all of the characters the same. However, I did enjoy mixing and matching them for different effects.

[ADC]

"Shinra Corp. is Evil!""Destroy Shinra!""Oh there's Sephiroth-- Kill him!""What's a Shinra?""Who cares, we gotta beat Sephiroth!"
The game has not aged well, and while I can see how influencial for the time it was, now it simply doesn't hold up. They'd have to do a lot for a remake, IMO.
I think your list, while somewhat severely comically simplistic, doesn't show a scattershot plot so much as an evolving plot. Shinra was a red herring. And I think what they'd need to do is just bring the graphics up to code, maybe have The Black Mages re-record the soundtrack, and completely upgrade the translation. Everything else is aces.

[EmperorBrandon]

Well, as far as the Chocobo side quests go, I was addicted to Hot & Cold in FFIX. I might have been playing through that more than the normal game :sd: , but you do get good stuff from it (unlike the worthless card game).

I don't have FFVII, though I've played some of my friend's before. I will probably get to playing through it eventually - and a remake coming out would be a good time to do so.

[Leon_Belmont]

I have yet to play VII, which is heralded as the best thing to have ever happened to RPGs, so I really hope they'll remake it. It's almost impossible to find a copy of VII these days... :(

Its not.

Personally, I felt the story was too random, going off on one tangent and never getting back to the original point.


"Shinra Corp. is Evil!""Destroy Shinra!""Oh there's Sephiroth-- Kill him!""What's a Shinra?""Who cares, we gotta beat Sephiroth!"


The game has not aged well, and while I can see how influencial for the time it was, now it simply doesn't hold up. They'd have to do a lot for a remake, IMO.

You'll find games don't age as well as you'd think in general, but the way you simplified things, games that came out even a week ago would be royally fucked.

[beatmania]

I think what they'd need to do is just bring the graphics up to code, maybe have The Black Mages re-record the soundtrack, and completely upgrade the translation. Everything else is aces.

And leak a rumor that you can resurrect Aeris. :P

[Greywing]

I think what they'd need to do is just bring the graphics up to code, maybe have The Black Mages re-record the soundtrack, and completely upgrade the translation. Everything else is aces.

And leak a rumor that you can resurrect Aeris. :P

And get Zack and Sephiroth's Clone in your party. :neko:

Oh, on that note, what were the '1/35th Soldier' items you could get in FFVII? I heard a rather outlandish rumour that the Japanese version allowed you to create a clone of Sephiroth if you collected all 35...

[Noodle]

Regardless of FFVII's story, I loved 3 things about FFVII:

1) Chocobo Breeding/Racing: Best side quest in a game ever in my opinion.
2) Gold Saucer: I loved how they plopped a bunch of mini-games in the middle of a casino/amusement park setting.
3) Materia system: Yes, I know there are downsides in that you could easily make all of the characters the same. However, I did enjoy mixing and matching them for different effects.

I loved the Materia system, too for the mix and match, but unlike most other people, also because it let you homogenize a little. (*ducks the rocks being flung*) Sometimes I get bored with dividing players into specific roles, regardless of the fact that you're supposed to make the perfect team of varied classes to compliment each other. Because sometimes, you know, I just want a bunch of asskickers who can cure and light off a fire spell and no wussy mages. :P

I actually didn't get a ton of love out of the Chocobo parts of VII, but I loved the Hot and Cold in IX. :sd:

Personally, I love VII a lot, and think a remake would be cool -- along with some other titles heh -- but I won't be buying a new system any time soon (and if I did, it would probably end up being a Wii) so it's unlikely I'd even be able to get any kickass remakes they do. :(

[shynra]

Definetly more re-makes on the way... in a recent interview Squaresoft basically said that they are limiting there Virtual Console release as basically they can make more money re-releasing/re-maling then they can then releasing them on the Virtual Console..

[dunno001]

Well, as far as the Chocobo side quests go, I was addicted to Hot & Cold in FFIX. I might have been playing through that more than the normal game :sd: , but you do get good stuff from it (unlike the worthless card game).

Or as I call it, "Rape the Moogle." After all, I have about 75,000 points in reserve, and I'm determined to break my record score of just over 1700 points. Half my game's timer is spent in that place...

(And if you're going to ask why I have so many points and not spending them, everyone who can wear a robe of lords has one, I got the Vigilante card, etc on downward...)

[dejr8bud]

bah Square is the Japanese version of EA...if there is another videogame crash I hope Square goes first..

FF13 spinoffs planned for 10 years (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158965)

Japanese developers wonder why the Japanese video game market is shrinking.. :sigh:

[jecca-neko]

bah Square is the Japanese version of EA...if there is another videogame crash I hope Square goes first..

FF13 spinoffs planned for 10 years (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158965)

Japanese developers wonder why the Japanese video game market is shrinking.. :sigh:

I don't mind spinoffs. I mean, I love FFX-2 and FFXII Revenant Wings looks interesting. But that long? Come on Square Enix. This is worse than milking. This makes it seem like you're just plain running out of ideas and that's not cool.

[Suwako Moriya]

FF13 spinoffs planned for 10 years (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158965)

So to make a long story short they want Final Fantasy 13 to be its own series? Now that in of itself is not so bad, but it begs the question. Why even call it Final Fantasy 13 then? Why not just give its own "subtitle"? You know like for example Final Fantasy Tactics. If anything that would be far more effective.

You'd still have the FF name used to drive sales, but at the same time you'd have a subtitle to make the idea of this being a new series more acceptable. It would also make it easier to transition people from FF13 to FF14. Because if FF13 is supposed to be this massive project that will last ten years. Then well what are they going to do for FF14?

[jecca-neko]

So to make a long story short they want Final Fantasy 13 to be its own series? Now that in of itself is not so bad, but it begs the question. Why even call it Final Fantasy 13 then? Why not just give its own "subtitle"? You know like for example Final Fantasy Tactics. If anything that would be far more effective.

I like this idea. Why can't they do that? It makes more sense to me.

[Suwako Moriya]

I like this idea. Why can't they do that? It makes more sense to me.

A possible theory for that real quick. Perhaps they feel by making the first game in this spin-off series the 13th game in the main series they feel consumers would be more willing to test the waters. In short they decide "Fine I'll play at least the main game because it's part of the main series"

Some will decide the game sucks. Heck some without even playing it. Others will decide the game was good, but not good enough to dedicate themselves to anymore of the story. However others will be impressed and decide they want to learn more. These are the people Square Enix is hoping to profit off of.

Honestly I've seen several wish their favorite FF would get a sequel or spin-off multiple times over the years. Something Square Enix has definitely noticed. However rather than pick and choose from an older FF, they may feel it's better to start with a new one.

Note that this is just a theory. Still in the long run the best we can do is this. Just relax and don't get too worked up over it. Because in reality it all boils down to a naming scheme anyway. Take it one game at a time. If the game sounds interesting enough try it. If not then pass on it. I mean in my case I definitely went for playing FFX, but passed on FFXI for example.

[ADC]

I expect that part of the idea behind this FF13x10 years thing is amortization of development costs across however many games. Just as they were able to put out FFX-2 sort of on the cheap by recycling previous development on FF10, they'll be able to pay themselves back for FF13's development by kicking out several games from the same development here. Games are expensive to make, is all. And Sony's doing nothing to change that.

I'd like it better if Square hadn't already chosen a realistic graphics style for FF13. There hasn't been much whimsy to the series since its move to the PS2. They could really stand to put out another FF9-type game which brings the Fantasy back.

[pete5883]

So to make a long story short they want Final Fantasy 13 to be its own series? Now that in of itself is not so bad, but it begs the question. Why even call it Final Fantasy 13 then? Why not just give its own "subtitle"? You know like for example Final Fantasy Tactics. If anything that would be far more effective.
You mean something like "Fabula Nova Crystallis"?

[rainking187]

I have yet to play VII, which is heralded as the best thing to have ever happened to RPGs, so I really hope they'll remake it. It's almost impossible to find a copy of VII these days... :(

Its not.

Personally, I felt the story was too random, going off on one tangent and never getting back to the original point.


"Shinra Corp. is Evil!""Destroy Shinra!""Oh there's Sephiroth-- Kill him!""What's a Shinra?""Who cares, we gotta beat Sephiroth!"


The game has not aged well, and while I can see how influencial for the time it was, now it simply doesn't hold up. They'd have to do a lot for a remake, IMO.

Not really. Honestly, besides the graphics I never really thought this game had anything going for it. It always pretty much sucked. It was kind of sad how fast the FF series hit rock bottom right after VI, one of the greatest games ever. Most of the people that were fawning over it in the first place were doing so because of the graphics, not the story. Stick some PS3 graphics on it and people will eat it up. Again.

[Suwako Moriya]

You mean something like "Fabula Nova Crystallis"?

Heh I admit to having forgotten about that part to be honest. :sd:

[Johnny]

Hopefully they'll be punished for this decision in a drop in sales. Not that I want anything particularly bad to happen to the company, but in an age when the likes of Capcom are putting out what seems like quality IP after quality IP, remakes of "classics" just doesn't quite cut it anymore. As far as I'm concerned, Capcom are the forerunners of the industry at the minute and have been for the last few years and as long as that continues, the appeal of Square Enix and the Final Fantasy games for me anyway, will just drop.

The Final Fantasy XIII thing disgusts me to be quite honest. The franchise has been milked to death at this point and after what was, in my opinion, a terrible 12th entry to the series, I've more or less given up on SE.
At least with the Dragon Quest series, while the formula hasn't changed that much from the first game in the series, it hasn't been milked dry anything like the FF series has.

[PhilipReuben]

Capcom??

Capcom who have released countless versions of Street Fighter II and continue to do so? Capcom who have released at least four versions of the original Resident Evil, and who just announced another port of Resident Evil 4?

Square-Enix are hardly alone in the trend of rereleasing classics over and over.

[Johnny]

Capcom??

Capcom who have released countless versions of Street Fighter II and continue to do so? Capcom who have released at least four versions of the original Resident Evil, and who just announced another port of Resident Evil 4?

Square-Enix are hardly alone in the trend of rereleasing classics over and over.

Yes, but if you read my post I was refering to the fact that while they do cash-in on franchises, for the most part they are releasing fresh, new stuff and there is some sign of progression. Onimusha, Devil May Cry, Okami, God Hand, Lost Planet, Dead Rising etc etc over the past few years are what I'm talking about.

[shynra]

I think were missing the point here, simply by giving the game a subtitle rather than the main name is really just re-lableing the game and nothing else. The major problem with spin offs is the fact that they are bound to the main games universe/logic and settings. The game may have a unique way to play/style but it can actually limit the breath of how the new mechanics can be used as play with due to the attachement to the main title.

What would be best is for the spin off just to be seprate games altogether with there own settings and stories (not even a final fnatasy game even)- thats what would be truely great for each individuals gameplay.

Then again there are a few benifits of being a sister title to a main game - but i wouldnt go into that :P

[Suwako Moriya]

Square-Enix are hardly alone in the trend of rereleasing classics over and over.

That's certainly true, but you're forgetting the most important rule. If company X does it then they should be praised, but if company Y does it then they should be bashed. It's always been like that. I'm still of the mindset that I'll take each remake/port on a case by case basis. It's about all I can do.

[Suwako Moriya]

Then again there are a few benifits of being a sister title to a main game - but i wouldnt go into that :P

There will always be advantages and disadvantages to just developed by the same company. Never mind being a sister title. Granted it depends on which fans you get. Those who throws a fit if every game made by a company aren't complete clones of each other or those throw a fit if two games in a series share even just one feature. Granted I don't feel either side deserves to be counted as fans so I use the term very loosely.

[EmperorBrandon]

That's certainly true, but you're forgetting the most important rule. If company X does it then they should be praised, but if company Y does it then they should be bashed. It's always been like that. I'm still of the mindset that I'll take each remake/port on a case by case basis. It's about all I can do.

I agree. Frankly I see this strategy could be a good thing or could be a bad thing. Just have to see where it leads. If all we get is remake after remake and spinoff after spinoff of the popular FF games of the post-16-bit era, then I will be very disappointed. If it means shinier new ports of Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3, and Chrono Trigger, then I'm all for it. :D

[Suwako Moriya]

I agree. Frankly I see this strategy could be a good thing or could be a bad thing.

Even if turns out to be a bad thing the problems can easily be limited by us the consumer. Pass on games that don't meet your criteria to try them. Rent games you're undecided on if possible. If worse comes to worse then sell a game. Again just be selective and take it one game at a time people.

If it means shinier new ports of Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3, and Chrono Trigger, then I'm all for it. :D

Thus again I say to Square Enix if you're going to be remake happy then remember there are other series besides FF. Heck there are others FF besides FF1 and FF2. :P :D

[ADC]

Thus again I say to Square Enix if you're going to be remake happy then remember there are other series besides FF. Heck there are others FF besides FF1 and FF2. :P :D
Lies! The only games are FFs 1 and 2! (I say, who firmly believe that FF7 is the best of the series despite its graphics shortcomings.)

[jecca-neko]

Thus again I say to Square Enix if you're going to be remake happy then remember there are other series besides FF. Heck there are others FF besides FF1 and FF2. :P :D
Lies! The only games are FFs 1 and 2! (I say, who firmly believe that FF7 is the best of the series despite its graphics shortcomings.)

I'm glad that isn't true. I started playing FFII again today from the save I left off back in November. Even though it's the FF Origins version and has the nice SNES style graphics it's still very much a chore to go through.

I hate Hill Gigases. Or is that Hill Gigii? I'll just call 'em Hill Gigas x 2. :P

[ADC]

I hate Hill Gigases. Or is that Hill Gigii? I'll just call 'em Hill Gigas x 2. :P
Not in the dictionary I have, but I think Gigas works for plural. "I fought two Hill Gigas and it sure did suck. Now I have to go back to town to buy Potions."

[Ender]

(I say, who firmly believe that FF7 is the best of the series despite its graphics shortcomings.)


Word. Though, this display of good taste makes me wonder how your infatuation with IX came about. :P

[ADC]

Word. Though, this display of good taste makes me wonder how your infatuation with IX came about. :P
Two words: Princess Garnet til Alexandros XVII.

…
Wait a minute.

(On a side note, it is true that you have about a 1 percent chance of seeing Selphie's knickers during a victory celebration in FF8. I think that's the part of that game that I do like.)

[jecca-neko]

Word. Though, this display of good taste makes me wonder how your infatuation with IX came about. :P
Two words: Princess Garnet til Alexandros XVII.

It was a bit depressing to me when she cut her hair and wanted to change her name.

[Arcturus]

Let the deluge begin! (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3159326)

[Shale]

Word. Though, this display of good taste makes me wonder how your infatuation with IX came about. :P
Two words: Princess Garnet til Alexandros XVII.

It was a bit depressing to me when she cut her hair and wanted to change her name.


I always thought "Dagger" was a stupid name, so I just had her change her name to Garnet. Makes for some amusing dialogue on occasion.

[SilverLuz]

Now this leaves me in a dilemma. FFIV has slowly been percolating higher on my list of games to re-play, but I hadn't bought the GBA port yet. Do I wait for the new re-make? Go for the GBA version for the more classic experience? Ignore both of them and deal with PS1 load times? (I do have that version already) I did really enjoy the FFIII DS remake, but compared to IV it seems like very different starting material. The SNES era games have retro/nostalgia appeal to me, but the NES era ones just seem old :P

[Suwako Moriya]

Let the deluge begin! (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3159326)

Poor Final Fantasy 3. You were kicked out of the GBA club by FF1, FF2, FF4, FF5, and FF6. You found a sense of belonging by being the only member of the DS club. However FF4 being the bully that is wants to take away some of your turf? Will the light warriors stand up to Cecil and his thugs?

All I know is this certainly creates a tangled mess. The GBA has 1-2, and 4-6, but is missing 3. The PSP only has 1-2 right now. The DS has only 3 and will apparently soon have 4? It's like Square's being random about the whole thing. Next thing you know the PSP will get 7, but the DS will get 8. Wait 8 on the DS would be good. Boost your GF by touching it with the stylus at the right time. :P

In any case I guess this means the rumor is officially confirmed then. Either way I'll wait until more information comes out before deciding how I feel about this. The most important thing here is how they handle "Rydia". The remake better do her justice or else an army of summons will whack Square Enix.

[Suwako Moriya]

In all honesty I have yet to buy the GBA ports of any of the FF games and that includes FF4. Also I've already replayed FF4 twice on the PS1. Well the second was to restore lost data and such. Part of my problem is I'm not sure if a bonus dungeon and a new translation is really enough motivation for me to go out and buy any of the GBA ports when I already have enough stuff to decide between. With the news that FF4 is getting a remake for the DS I may be even more hesitant. In reality it looks like unless things change the chances of me getting the GBA FFs are rather low right now.

[Kevinroc]

Let the deluge begin! (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3159326)

Sad truth. I love Final Fantasy IV. I know I'll buy the DS remake, despite having purchased the game 3 times already (the original SNES release, the PS1 rerelease and the GBA rerelease).

[Nosredna]

Let the deluge begin! (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3159326)

Sad truth. I love Final Fantasy IV. I know I'll buy the DS remake, despite having purchased the game 3 times already (the original SNES release, the PS1 rerelease and the DS rerelease).

I'm with you. That would be the fourth "different" version I'd own as well. But don't you mean GBA rerelease? I wonder what kind of new scenarios will be added? (I'm sure some of the people here will have some crazy ideas ;) ).

[Kevinroc]

Let the deluge begin! (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3159326)

Sad truth. I love Final Fantasy IV. I know I'll buy the DS remake, despite having purchased the game 3 times already (the original SNES release, the PS1 rerelease and the DS rerelease).

I'm with you. That would be the fourth "different" version I'd own as well. But don't you mean GBA rerelease? I wonder what kind of new scenarios will be added? (I'm sure some of the people here will have some crazy ideas ;) ).

Yes, I meant the GBA rerelease and edited my original post to correct my mistake.

Four versions of FF 4, there's something fun about that. :)

[Suwako Moriya]

Okay Square Enix is currently remake happy. The trademark for Makai Toushi SaGa (Final Fantasy Legend) was renewed. Finally the Square Enix party draws near. So I have a very simple and reasonable request of Square Enix. Announce something SaGa related at the Square Enix party! Be it a remake or something new. It is your destiny! Yeah so I'm getting impatient. :D

In any case some have speculated that Makai Toushi SaGa will either be remade for the DS or the PSP in part due to the fact the trademark was renewed. Still until Square Enix officially announces something, I'll just have to continue to wait and see what develops. Personally if they're going to remake GB SaGas then they definitely have to remake FFL2. I mean come on we need to see Arsenal launch the smasher in more detail.

[Suwako Moriya]

In any case while we're on the subject of Final Fantasy 4 for the DS. RPGamer (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4ds/ff4ds.html) has a scan in the propaganda section as it were. Remember if you can't stand the change from 2D to 3D there's always still the GBA version for example.

[Ty]

These remakes better not preclude the possibility of 4-6 getting full-on 3D remakes for the 360/PS3/Wii. Square needs to put out here. That they're finally putting real effort into their handheld remakes is well and good, but us nostalgia mongers who like to play on their tvs need some goods too.

[Johnny]

Finally the Square Enix party draws near. So I have a very simple and reasonable request of Square Enix. Announce something SaGa related at the Square Enix party! Be it a remake or something new. It is your destiny! Yeah so I'm getting impatient. :D


Good luck on seeing something new. I'm holding out for lots of pics/vids/info about following:

Dragon Quest Swords - Getting my JP preorder in in the next couple of days, want more gameplay vids.
Dragon Quest Monsters J - Hoping a US release is announced. If not, I'm caving in and going with the Japanese version.
It's a Wonderful World - Anything. Pics, videos, new info. Looks like SE's most original new game and yet there's been very little info made available since it was announced. Highly anticipating this one.
Crisis Core - The new pics recently have this looking better and better. I'm expecting the best game on the PSP and I don't want to be disappointed.
Dragon Quest IX - More general info and confirmation of LE DS Lite bundle for the games release.

The rest, for me, is pretty much meh.

[Kevinroc]

These remakes better not preclude the possibility of 4-6 getting full-on 3D remakes for the 360/PS3/Wii. Square needs to put out here. That they're finally putting real effort into their handheld remakes is well and good, but us nostalgia mongers who like to play on their tvs need some goods too.

I'm such a fanboy of those games that I would buy them if they got DS remakes AND one of the remakes for the new generation of systems.

[Kevinroc]

In any case while we're on the subject of Final Fantasy 4 for the DS. RPGamer (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4ds/ff4ds.html) has a scan in the propaganda section as it were. Remember if you can't stand the change from 2D to 3D there's always still the GBA version for example.


Cecil's in 3d. It just looks so strange...

[ADC]

In any case while we're on the subject of Final Fantasy 4 for the DS. RPGamer (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff4ds/ff4ds.html) has a scan in the propaganda section as it were. Remember if you can't stand the change from 2D to 3D there's always still the GBA version for example.
Cecil's in 3d. It just looks so strange...
And the filthy bugger still wears his armor to bed. I bet that stuff stinks to high heaven. Poor Rose probably hates it when he's on top, too, because that's heavy! :sad:

The worry I have is that FF3DS has always felt kind of slow, and it has only four Light Warriors instead of FF4's five. I would hope that they just used FF3 as cannon fodder for DS development and, having learned the ins and outs of the hardware, they'll churn out a game that's as awesome in 3D as it was in 2D.

[Suwako Moriya]

Poor Rose probably hates it when he's on top, too, because that's heavy! :sad:

Actually that's the real reason Cecil ended up changing his class. See Rosa refused to have sex with him because of that armor. Also little known fact. The armor is cursed and can't be removed unless Cecil has a class change. This fact is so obscure even the people who wrote the story for the game don't know about it. I wonder if that means I'm making this up. :>

[GetterBeam]

Heh, best part about the FFIV announcement is that it makes the existence of a similar FFV remake even more likely.

Oh, and the now coming FFXII-International should make for some interesting material considering all the stuff they could add License wise and otherwise.

[jecca-neko]

In all honesty I have yet to buy the GBA ports of any of the FF games and that includes FF4.

I've only got the FFVI port for GBA, but that's because I love FFVI. :D

Not too interested in the FFIV remake. If I want to play FFIV I've still got it on PS1. Now if a FFVI 3D remake comes out? It really depends but I may have to bite. Darn you Square Enix.

[EmperorBrandon]

I'm with you. That would be the fourth "different" version I'd own as well. But don't you mean GBA rerelease? I wonder what kind of new scenarios will be added? (I'm sure some of the people here will have some crazy ideas ;) ).

I probably will be quadruple-dipping as well :sd: I don't own the original SNES release anymore, but I did have it at one point.

I wish Square Enix would release the FFT remake on DS, and then I wouldn't have to bother trying to buy both of the new portable systems. :P

[jecca-neko]

I wish Square Enix would release the FFT remake on DS, and then I wouldn't have to bother trying to buy both of the new portable systems. :P

I agree, but I'm thinking it's not going to happen. The DS gets FFTA2 and that's it probably.

It's not so bad though. It'll be worth buying a PSP for FFT. :D

[Suwako Moriya]

I probably will be quadruple-dipping as well :sd: I don't own the original SNES release anymore, but I did have it at one point.

In my case it would be double dipping. Since in the case of the SNES version it was only rented. It was the PS1 version that was bought. Also as stated I have not gotten the GBA. Granted it will only be double dipping if I actually go for the DS version.

[ADC]

I probably will be quadruple-dipping as well :sd: I don't own the original SNES release anymore, but I did have it at one point.
In my case it would be double dipping. Since in the case of the SNES version it was only rented. It was the PS1 version that was bought. Also as stated I have not gotten the GBA. Granted it will only be double dipping if I actually go for the DS version.
It would actually be my fifth bite off the FF4 apple (SNES, PS1-JP, PS1-US, GBA, DS), and each one has been an improvement over its predecessor. Because my copy of FF4A is the US version with the severe lag in parts of the battle system, I'll probably be first in line to get a truly definitive version of the game for portables.

I think I'd rather see the 3D versions of these games on the PSP, though, just because the DS is a bit underpowered in the 3D department. I wonder if Square feels compelled to make them 3D just because everybody bitches about the graphics being dated.

[Shale]

In this case, I'd imagine that Square's making it 3D because if it weren't then all but the most insane collectors would just content themselves with playing FFIVa on their DS. You can't port the same game to the same system twice.

[TheGreenMan]

Woo Hoo! (http://psp.ign.com/articles/787/787043p1.html)

The IGN has two separate articles for both games. I just posted the article for 2nd Evolution.

[EmperorBrandon]

Good to know this strategy is targeting some things outside the FF franchise, and hopefully they'll come over here (isn't the original Star Ocean a Japan-only game?).

[Suwako Moriya]

I just posted the article for 2nd Evolution.

So from Second Story to 2nd Evolution. Well that's one way to separate the two versions. *Does a quick check* Ah so the first games gets the subtitle "First Departure"

[Suwako Moriya]

Good to know this strategy is targeting some things outside the FF franchise, and hopefully they'll come over here (isn't the original Star Ocean a Japan-only game?).

I can't speak for other countries, but at the very least Star Ocean 1 was never released in the U.S. Either way as stated in the news threads this will increase the chances of Star Ocean 1 coming out here. Which has always been the possible benefit to remakes.

[Kevinroc]

Good to know this strategy is targeting some things outside the FF franchise, and hopefully they'll come over here (isn't the original Star Ocean a Japan-only game?).

I can't speak for other countries, but at the very least Star Ocean 1 was never released in the U.S. Either way as stated in the news threads this will increase the chances of Star Ocean 1 coming out here. Which has always been the possible benefit to remakes.

I definitely want to play the first Star Ocean game. I'm very happy with this possibility. :)

[fates]

^ Not a possibility, but evidently a reality.

http://www.jeux-france.com/news20153_square-enix-conference-de-presse.html

[hub]

Ah, so their new game is a DW clone. I hope that they can at least manage to make this game *fun* (I still have bad memories from N3).

[Kevinroc]

^ Not a possibility, but evidently a reality.

http://www.jeux-france.com/news20153_square-enix-conference-de-presse.html

I can't read French. Are we getting an English language version of the first Star Ocean game?

[fates]

Remakes of both Star Ocean 1 and 2 are in the works. No word on english release though... but given how we get most of Squenix's games, we'll probably get these too.

Oh yeah, they are for the PSP too... might need to buy one myself sometime soon. (for SRW MX Port too >.>)

[Suwako Moriya]

I definitely want to play the first Star Ocean game. I'm very happy with this possibility. :)

Sometimes I regret the fact I really can't afford to get a PSP right now. Still regardless of that this right here is the very reason that unlike some I see no need to throw a fit if a game gets remade. The chance to finally play certain games in English is awesome.

Okay granted since I don't have a PSP that won't apply to Star Ocean: First Departure for me. Although if I had a PSP, I'd definitely go for it. However it sure as heck applied to Final Fantasy 3 DS and Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song.

[LimePie]

Good to know this strategy is targeting some things outside the FF franchise, and hopefully they'll come over here (isn't the original Star Ocean a Japan-only game?).

I can't speak for other countries, but at the very least Star Ocean 1 was never released in the U.S. Either way as stated in the news threads this will increase the chances of Star Ocean 1 coming out here. Which has always been the possible benefit to remakes.

I definitely want to play the first Star Ocean game. I'm very happy with this possibility. :)

Looks like I have a reason to dust off my PSP. :)

[HitokiriShadow]

Let the deluge begin! (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3159326)

Awesome. I just got a DS Lite today and I never got the GBA remakes. I'll wait until I have more info to decide for sure, but I will most likely be getting this. The article didn't mention a U.S. release, but I think its a pretty safe bet.

[HitokiriShadow]

Woo Hoo! (http://psp.ign.com/articles/787/787043p1.html)

The IGN has two separate articles for both games. I just posted the article for 2nd Evolution.

Interesting. Alas, I don't have a PSP and won't be getting one anytime soon. Fortunately, I have the PS1 version of SO2 and I have a translated ROM of the first game (not that I've played it or will be anytime soon). But interesting news nonetheless and, should they get a U.S. release, will be one or two more reasons I wish I could afford a PSP.

[SlavikCC]

Parasite Eve 3 has been announced as well but it's for the fscking cellphone!!

Oh, and there's going to be Front Mission 1st for the Nintendo DS. Here's an English screenshot as proof from the Front Mission staff blog site (in Japanese), http://frontmissionproject.cocolog-nifty.com/fmpb/2007/05/post_89bf.html

But WHERE'S FRONT MISSION 5 FOR NORTH AMERICA?!?! Does S-E have NO SHAME?!?! :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr:

[Suwako Moriya]

RPG Fan (http://rpgfan.com/news/2007/1157.html) has some additional news regarding the Final Fantasy IV remake for DS. This should be rather interesting to some.

"In addition to new character designs, 3D graphics, and improved event scenes, the remake apparently will also feature voice acting."

That's right if things go as planned then there is a very good chance we'll finally hear the lovely and divine Rydia speak to us. Of course it will likely be in English in the case of a U.S. release, but that just means hoping the game gets a decent dub. Which can and has happened before.

[Ty]

I just can't picture voice acting in FFIV. First off it destroys whatever voice we've imagined the characters having all these years.....

[Arcturus]

That's right if things go as planned then there is a very good chance we'll finally hear the lovely and divine Rydia speak to us. Of course it will likely be in English in the case of a U.S. release, but that just means hoping the game gets a decent dub. Which can and has happened before.

More importantly, we will finally hear Tellah say "You spoony bard!"

[HitokiriShadow]

Except it will likely have a 'faithful' translation, which would almost certainly mean changing that line to something else (whatever it was in the GBA remake; I'm pretty sure it wasn't 'spoony bard' in the GBA remake).

[Suwako Moriya]

I just can't picture voice acting in FFIV. First off it destroys whatever voice we've imagined the characters having all these years.....

Maybe so, but I'm willing to pay that price. Also to be honest it's not exactly something I'm worried about. It wouldn't be the first time a none voiced character gains a voice. It tends to happen a lot when manga gets adapted into anime. I love stating the obvious example. :P

So I don't see any point in worrying about my imagined voices for FF4 being destroyed when one could easily point that a lot of imagined voices get destroyed repeatedly over the years. Although to be honest they don't have to be destroyed completely. You could always consider them the imagined alternatives. I mean people are always imagining alternative versions before and after the official version. Be it a different voice, different story path, or whatever.

[EmperorBrandon]

Except it will likely have a 'faithful' translation, which would almost certainly mean changing that line to something else (whatever it was in the GBA remake; I'm pretty sure it wasn't 'spoony bard' in the GBA remake).

Umm... they did keep "spoony bard" in the GBA remake - at least if I'm remembering correctly.

[EmperorBrandon]

Maybe so, but I'm willing to pay that price. Also to be honest it's not exactly something I'm worried about. It wouldn't be the first time a none voiced character gains a voice. It tends to happen a lot when manga gets adapted into anime. I love stating the obvious example. :P

So I don't see any point in worrying about my imagined voices for FF4 being destroyed when one could easily point that a lot of imagined voices get destroyed repeatedly over the years. Although to be honest they don't have to be destroyed completely. You could always consider them the imagined alternatives. I mean people are always imagining alternative versions before and after the official version. Be it a different voice, different story path, or whatever.

I agree. It will be nice hearing voices from the FF characters of the SNES-era. If Square Enix chooses a competent dubbing studio (say, New Generation Pictures), I think things would turn out really nicely indeed.

[Arcturus]

Except it will likely have a 'faithful' translation, which would almost certainly mean changing that line to something else (whatever it was in the GBA remake; I'm pretty sure it wasn't 'spoony bard' in the GBA remake).

Umm... they did keep "spoony bard" in the GBA remake - at least if I'm remembering correctly.

They did indeed. And if they change the line in the DS remake, there will be merry hell to pay.

[ADC]

There's nothing about voice-acting in the Gamespot report (http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/finalfantasyiv/news.html?sid=6170682), so I tend to call bullshit, especially in light of the fact that the other site is called RPGfan and the guy posting the article uses Keel Lorenz instead of a real photo. Just saying. Anyway, voice files are big enough that, unless there's a 512-MB DS card just waiting to be introduced (current cards top out at 128 MB), I don't see it happening even considering that FF4 is among the shortest in the series. When you wipe away the fanboy spooge, Tellah still says "You spoony bard!" in FF4A and the Rydia in my head is voiced by Kawasumi Ayako.
:P

[PhilipReuben]

Umm... they did keep "spoony bard" in the GBA remake - at least if I'm remembering correctly.

Indeed. The GBA FF games got entirely new translations, but most of the "classic" lines from the original translations got left intact. Another one is Garland's "knock you all down" line in FF1.

[pete5883]

FFCC for DS is getting voice acting, so I don't see why FFIV couldn't.

[Suwako Moriya]

FFCC for DS is getting voice acting, so I don't see why FFIV couldn't.

Ah yes I've seen a video FFCC DS with the said voice acting awhile ago. So you're right if FFCC can do it then so can FF4. There is also the matter of just how much voice acting will be in the game. Some games have it so everything is voiced. Others will have it so only select scenes are voiced. Which FF4 will fall under is anyone's guess until it's revealed one way or the other.

[Johnny]

Well, waddaya know? DQ Monsters J did get it's US release confirmed after all. That should wash away the horrible aftertaste of the Parasite Eve 3 situation and ten years of FF XIII...

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS - Joker
Platform: Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Q4 2007

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS - Joker is the latest installment in the venerable RPG franchise that has sold more than 41 million units worldwide. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS and arriving in North America in Q4 2007, players assume the role of a monster hunter as they capture, train and breed a powerful army from more than 200 classic DRAGON QUEST creatures in order to become the world's greatest monster trainer. Already achieving sales of more than 1 million units in Japan, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS - Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic DRAGON QUEST RPG with the addictiveness of a monster catching adventure.

[HitokiriShadow]

Umm... they did keep "spoony bard" in the GBA remake - at least if I'm remembering correctly.

Indeed. The GBA FF games got entirely new translations, but most of the "classic" lines from the original translations got left intact. Another one is Garland's "knock you all down" line in FF1.

I see. I've yet to play it but I figured that would have been changed. Didn't the Kefka's "Son of a submariner" line get changed in FF6A? I thought several infamous lines in the GBA remakes got changed and I figured the spoony bard line would have been one of them.

[PhilipReuben]

Didn't the Kefka's "Son of a submariner" line get changed in FF6A?

Yes, though I forget what to. There was discussion about it here when the game came out.

[ADC]

Didn't the Kefka's "Son of a submariner" line get changed in FF6A?
Yes, though I forget what to. There was discussion about it here when the game came out.
"Son of a sandworm." Not quite as witty as the original. And yes, "You spoony bard" is one of the classic lines that was kept — and inspired a small revival of the use of 'spoony,' which appeared in the SuperGALS! Season 2 DVD subtitles twice.

[SpaceButler]

"Son of a sandworm."

That's what they changed it to? That seems kind of pointless, but I don't really care either way as I don't see why "Son of a submariner" would be considered a classic line...

[Ty]

"Son of a sandworm."

That's what they changed it to? That seems kind of pointless, but I don't really care either way as I don't see why "Son of a submariner" would be considered a classic line...
I think it's a reference to an old saying that doesn't have meaning anymore. It's more interesting than what they changed it to.

[jecca-neko]

"Son of a sandworm."

That's what they changed it to? That seems kind of pointless, but I don't really care either way as I don't see why "Son of a submariner" would be considered a classic line...

As a kid it was mildly amusing. You know, Figaro castle going under the sand... submarines... Technically sandworm can fit too, but I liked submarine better. Like a submarine, a castle that can submerge is an artifical machine.

[Suwako Moriya]

Official Site (http://www.square-enix.co.jp/ff4ds/) for Final Fantasy 4 DS. By the way when the page loads clicking on the blue button leads to a trailer which has voice acting in it by the way.

[EmperorBrandon]

Official Site (http://www.square-enix.co.jp/ff4ds/) for Final Fantasy 4 DS. By the way when the page loads clicking on the blue button leads to a trailer which has voice acting in it by the way.

Cool, I'm guessing that was just Cecil and Rosa we heard in the trailer. It looks neat - I can't wait to get this game for the fourth time. :D

[ADC]

Cool, I'm guessing that was just Cecil and Rosa we heard in the trailer. It looks neat - I can't wait to get this game for the fourth time. :D
Nobody else is going to call him 'suki na Seshiru,' so that's a good guess. While I'm never a fan of voice-acting in video games (because it's usually not done all that well in my experience), I could live with it. I do think it's doubtful that voice-acting will make the cut in FF4DS just because DS cards don't have a whole lot of capacity (1 gigabit, or 128 MB for those who don't speak Geek), especially if they really mean to make the graphics look that good.

I mean, I'll buy it pretty much regardless. I wonder if having a clear file on FF4A will open up the programmers' room with the porno mag?

[Suwako Moriya]

Cool, I'm guessing that was just Cecil and Rosa we heard in the trailer. It looks neat - I can't wait to get this game for the fourth time. :D

I'm waiting to hear what Rydia will sound like myself. Assuming only part of the game is voiced, but not the whole game they must make sure at least a few voiced scenes include her.

In any case here is an interview (http://www.gamebrink.com/news/989-Final_Fantasy_IV_DS_Interview.html) related to Final Fantasy 4 DS. Make of it what you will, but what they say does have me interested.

[Nosredna]

Official Site (http://www.square-enix.co.jp/ff4ds/) for Final Fantasy 4 DS. By the way when the page loads clicking on the blue button leads to a trailer which has voice acting in it by the way.

Cool, I'm guessing that was just Cecil and Rosa we heard in the trailer. It looks neat - I can't wait to get this game for the fourth time. :D

I'm with you, fourth time's the charm :cool: . Pretty interesting looking graphics as well. And playing "Theme of Love" in the background was a nice touch.

[EmperorBrandon]

I'm waiting to hear what Rydia will sound like myself. Assuming only part of the game is voiced, but not the whole game they must make sure at least a few voiced scenes include her.

They need at least a few scenes with Rydia as a child and a few with Rydia as an adult. ;)

[ADC]

In any case here is an interview (http://www.gamebrink.com/news/989-Final_Fantasy_IV_DS_Interview.html) related to Final Fantasy 4 DS. Make of it what you will, but what they say does have me interested.
They didn't say anything about voice-acting. Wouldn't that be, like, the biggest topic? I was interested in their plans for the increased detail and articulation in the character models, something which can be done more easily in FF4, with its handful of characters who almost never change clothes, than in FF3 or FF5 (begging the question) with all the job classes.

Now they just need to make sure that the game doesn't get all slow when I'm trying to cast White Holy on those frickin' Evil Heads.

[PhilipReuben]

They didn't say anything about voice-acting. Wouldn't that be, like, the biggest topic?

Why on earth would voice acting be a bigger topic than changes to the gameplay and story?

[ADC]

They didn't say anything about voice-acting. Wouldn't that be, like, the biggest topic?
Why on earth would voice acting be a bigger topic than changes to the gameplay and story?
Changes to the gameplay seem not to be that significant (the battle system, for example, seems to be ATB with some of the strategic elements from the CTB system in FFX), and the story isn't changing so much as expanding. It does not appear from that article to be a significant departure from the FF4 I've been playing these past 15 years. Putting voices to a game that old would be an huge change, and it's nowhere to be seen in the article. It leads me to wonder if the voices were added to that trailer just because it is, in fact, a trailer.

I wonder, on a related topic, if anybody at Square Enix Japan knows what 'Red Wings' is slang for here in the States. Ever since I found out, I've always had a wise-ass grin when I start playing FF4.

[Suwako Moriya]

It leads me to wonder if the voices were added to that trailer just because it is, in fact, a trailer.

If that were the case then the chances of hearing a lot of the characters speak would lower drastically. Heck sometimes voiced trailers really only have a random narrator speak or whatever. Still I get the feeling that even if the finished version does have at least some voice acting and you were to end up completing the game yourself, you'd probably just shrug it off as a massive hallucination or whatever. :P

[ADC]

Still I get the feeling that even if the finished version does have at least some voice acting and you were to end up completing the game yourself, you'd probably just shrug it off as a massive hallucination or whatever. :P
I still wish the dude who did Tidus was just a fig newton of my imagination, so that I could play FFX after a few shots of scotch and not hear the voice. Wouldn't matter, though, because the dialog's still onscreen, and Tidus just reads arrogant and self-absorbed. I don't care if it's your story, emo girl, just go sit with Kimahri and Wakka where you can't fuck up my gaming experience any more than you already do.

[Suwako Moriya]

I don't care if it's your story, emo girl, just go sit with Kimahri and Wakka where you can't fuck up my gaming experience any more than you already do.

Where he'll force Kimahri and Wakka to suffer because he'll ramble about how apparently everything is his story because Tidus is the center of the universe. Remember it was Tidus that defeated the One Winged Angel. It was Tidus that stopped the absolute dark substance. Tidus that stopped the crest of annihilation. Tidus that destroyed the Knights of the Roundtable. Yes every story is Tidus' story.

I'm sorry I just can't take the joke any further than that because I truly despise that "It's my story" line. It remains one of the low points to FFX for me. On a side note my main party in FFX ended up being the three girls anyway. So yeah it was mainly Yuna, Rikku, and Lulu for me.

[ADC]

On a side note my main party in FFX ended up being the three girls anyway. So yeah it was mainly Yuna, Rikku, and Lulu for me.
Never finished it, but by the time I just got too pissed off with emo-girl, I'd gone pretty much to Yuna, Lulu, and Auron. Rikku was the main backup, and emo-girl only came off the bench when I only had three living characters. It's the same addition-by-subtraction situation as FF8 had: Get rid of the main dude and the whole game improves.

Of course, in FF8 it was, Get rid of the main dude, the other dude, the other other dude, and the main chick and keep Edea in your party as long as you can and the whole game improves. Especially when she's wearing that dress. :bignosebleed:

[Greywing]

It's the same addition-by-subtraction situation as FF8 had: Get rid of the main dude and the whole game improves.

Of course, in FF8 it was, Get rid of the main dude, the other dude, the other other dude, and the main chick and keep Edea in your party as long as you can and the whole game improves. Especially when she's wearing that dress. :bignosebleed:

FF8 is a game that, should it ever get a remake, drastically needs a massive infusion of plot, coherency, continuity and charm, all of which the original lacked. A complete re-working of some of the characters' individual story arcs would be appreciated - Squall was just as aloof and emotionless at the end as he was at the beginning - and there needs to be a clear reason for Altimecia's existence. The existing game just sort of drops her in towards the end when they realised there's no main villain after redeeming Edea. Oh, a decent battle/magic system would be nice too.

Of course, this would all be a massive amount of work, akin to making it a whole new game. I prefer to just think FF8 doesn't exist...

[jecca-neko]

Squall was just as aloof and emotionless at the end as he was at the beginning

That's why I didn't get the sudden love scene with him and Rinoa. Yes, I understood that Rinoa had been crushing on him since day one, but it felt like that love scene came out of nowhere.

I'm still pissed that I missed hearing the first half of Eyes on Me in that scene because the music was irritating me so I'd muted it. Halfway through the CG I wondered what music was playing and turned it on, surprised to hear vocals. I have tried to replay the game again a couple of times but never got anywhere close to that before I stopped. I don't care for the story or the battle system in that game. Typically in Final Fantasy games at least one of those two is good to me. :sigh:

[Ben Phillips]

So will I be the first to mention Enix's SNES masterpieces "Soul Blazer" and "Illusion of Gaia"? I'd love to see either or both of these resurface. Perhaps even a new game along the same lines.

[EmperorBrandon]

So will I be the first to mention Enix's SNES masterpieces "Soul Blazer" and "Illusion of Gaia"? I'd love to see either or both of these resurface. Perhaps even a new game along the same lines.

This reminds me that I've had Illusion of Gaia for many years now and never finished it. Not really certain what it was, but I think I got stuck somewhere in the game when I was first playing it. :sd: Need to get it back out again.

[PhilipReuben]

FF8 is a game that, should it ever get a remake, drastically needs a massive infusion of plot, coherency, continuity and charm, all of which the original lacked. A complete re-working of some of the characters' individual story arcs would be appreciated - Squall was just as aloof and emotionless at the end as he was at the beginning - and there needs to be a clear reason for Altimecia's existence. The existing game just sort of drops her in towards the end when they realised there's no main villain after redeeming Edea. Oh, a decent battle/magic system would be nice too.

I agree completely - but the odd thing is, I'm really attached to lots of aspects of FF8. I think this is because I started playing it when it came out, when I was young and impressionable, but didn't play it all the way through until just recently by which point I had become cynical and opinionated: The result is that I love the characters and world setup, and would dearly love to play a version of the game that kept these but had a story and battle system that made any kind of sense.

So here's hoping an eventual FF8 remake actually improves the game instead of just rehashing it.

[Greywing]

I agree completely - but the odd thing is, I'm really attached to lots of aspects of FF8. I think this is because I started playing it when it came out, when I was young and impressionable, but didn't play it all the way through until just recently by which point I had become cynical and opinionated: The result is that I love the characters and world setup, and would dearly love to play a version of the game that kept these but had a story and battle system that made any kind of sense.

So here's hoping an eventual FF8 remake actually improves the game instead of just rehashing it.

Another improvement I'd like to see is much more time spent with Laguna et al. I found these flashback sequences far more enjoyable than the main game.

The ridiculous "We all grew up together in an orphanage! Guardian Forces made us forget! Oh, hi Zell's parents!" contradiction can go too. I swear, it seemed as if the story was being made up as they went along...

[PhilipReuben]

Another improvement I'd like to see is much more time spent with Laguna et al. I found these flashback sequences far more enjoyable than the main game.

I just hope they let you choose which of your main party corresponds to which of your Laguna party EVERY time in future, instead of occasionally forcing you to play without any junctions for one character and cutting off access to all your other magic and junction settings.

The ridiculous "We all grew up together in an orphanage! Guardian Forces made us forget! Oh, hi Zell's parents!" contradiction can go too. I swear, it seemed as if the story was being made up as they went along...

rofl. Oh so true...

[dunno001]

So will I be the first to mention Enix's SNES masterpieces "Soul Blazer" and "Illusion of Gaia"? I'd love to see either or both of these resurface. Perhaps even a new game along the same lines.

If you bring those up, you're also required to bring up Terranigma, the 3rd in the series. Why this came out in the UK and not in the states baffles me, but if there's a remake of it, there's a much better chance we'll finally see it over here.

[ADC]

Looks like Square Enix aren't restructuring quite that much. Per IGN UK (http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/794/794164p1.html), Square's plans for Final Fantasy games on the Xbox 360 include … nothing at all!

For the Wii, we have FF Crystal Chronicles in production. As for FF on the Xbox 360, it's currently a completely blank page.
Since Square's remasters seem entirely geared for handhelds right now and they're making 10 years' worth of FF13 on the PS3, I guess that means Xboxers are SOL for the time being.

Hey, I have a question. Which game interests you more?
1. Final Fantasy Anniversary Edition (PSP)
2. Final Fantasy IV DS
3. Final Fantasy XIII

Right now I have to say that FF4DS is the one I really want to play, and it's not just because I have more DSs (1) than PS3s and PSPs combined (0).

[Noodle]

Which game interests you more?
1. Final Fantasy Anniversary Edition (PSP)

I'd pick this, but...I don't have a PSP. I'm not buying one. except we all know that when crisis core comes out I will. fooooo.

I don't think I need to buy IV again. (Who knows.) I dont' mind remakes in general, but my backlog rpgs is too big to get crazy over remakes right now. And I'm not loving the XIII plan, personally. Of course, I don't plan to buy a PS3 anyyyyytime soon, either so, that could be why. :sd:

[juliant59]

I would have to say FFXIII out of those choices ADC. But if I had to pick one FF game in the coming years, it's gonna be FF Tactics PSP. My favorite FF game of all time. I can't wait to revisit it on the PSP. :)

Ramza, Delita I can't wait til it's time to kick some ass again! :D

[Suwako Moriya]

Honestly if forced to choose I'd probably default to FF4 DS for the following reasons besides the fact I don't have PSP or PS3. I at least have access to a DS.

1. Rydia

2. I'm curious as to what is going to be added and removed story line wise.

3. Rydia

4. I've already replayed FF4 a few times so it's not a game I'm incapable of replaying.

5. Rydia.

There are other reasons perhaps, but you can probably guess every other one.

[Ty]

If I had a DS I'd want FFIV, but really none of those for me. I want FFVI and FFVII ground up remakes for the PS3/Xbox360. I want....... the world! :D

[Zeta26]

Well, the FFIV DS seems promising. As it also will be having voice acting. Which wasn't possible for GBA due to game data limitations. Not only that -- but the game will also sport some really cool FMV scenes (like in FFIII DS).

PS3 though -- I'd buy it for FFXIII and Versus XIII and many other RPGs that're similar.

[kaiyouske]

Has it been confirmed that the remake will have voice acting?

[ADC]

Has it been confirmed that the remake will have voice acting?
There was voice-acting in the trailer, but who knows if that'll actually mean anything? I still think it's unlikely for one reason in particular, which is that DS cards top out at 1 gigabit (128 MB). Even considering that FF4 is the shortest of the story-driven FFs (15 hours or so), it's still a lot of dialog to store on such a small medium.

[Kaikou]

Has it been confirmed that the remake will have voice acting?
There was voice-acting in the trailer, but who knows if that'll actually mean anything? I still think it's unlikely for one reason in particular, which is that DS cards top out at 1 gigabit (128 MB). Even considering that FF4 is the shortest of the story-driven FFs (15 hours or so), it's still a lot of dialog to store on such a small medium.

That's why most likely only certain story sequences will be voiced and/or the cutscenes.

[Suwako Moriya]

That's why most likely only certain story sequences will be voiced and/or the cutscenes.

That's what I've been saying for awhile. I highly doubt they are going to voice something like the Ant Lion scene. However they may want to voice something like I don't know the dialog the final boss gives when it first appears.

[EmperorBrandon]

That's what I've been saying for awhile. I highly doubt they are going to voice something like the Ant Lion scene. However they may want to voice something like I don't know the dialog the final boss gives when it first appears.

Hah, yeah, we definitely need to hear the final boss. Or we at least need some dialogue from Golbez in there, as that's bound to be interesting (I thought when it started playing his theme in the trailer that we were going to hear him...)

[EmperorBrandon]

Not sure if this is ancient news or not, but somehow I stumbled across this interview (http://www.gamesradar.com/us/psp/game/features/article.jsp?releaseId=2006121311445774055&articleId=200705136467215034&sectionId=1003) which had some interesting comments about the FFT remake. The US version will have voice during the cutscenes while the Japanese does not? Hmm.... The completely redone translation is no surprise - looking forward to that. It seems the translator is the same guy who did Final Fantasy VI Advance too.

[ADC]

I got a good feeling as well. I guess it's almost time to break down and pick up a PSP after all. On that note, I went to Circuit Shitty because they're throwing in a free Greatest Hits game with any PSP purchase, but the options were lousy. I think Hot Shots Golf was the only one of the five that interested me in the slightest. But with FF just three days away and FFT set for October, maybe it's all right. I'll probably drop by on Wednesday and see about it.

Just don't much care for Circuit Shitty. Wish Amazon.com would run promotions like that.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ever since Square Enix renewed the trademark for "Makai Toushi SaGa" there was always speculation and hope that it would mean a remake/port for DS or PSP. At the very least GBA. Well apparently the WSC version is being ported to..... MOBILE! *Slaps Square Enix* Yeah so I'm a bit bitter, but ah well. At least they're porting the WSC version which from what I can gather has multiple saves instead of just one.