Square Enix has released a grandiose promotional video for its forthcoming blockbuster Final Fantasy XIII. Seven minutes in length, it offers a generous preview of both cinematics and gameplay. Although it was previously unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Game Show, this version of the trailer features the English-language voice cast. Of course, this renders the trailer only marginally more comprehensible than the Japanese edit…

It may be but the latest instalment in one of the industry’s longest running franchises, but newcomers need not be intimated. The story, characters and setting of Final Fantasy XIII are entirely new. Even the battle system has undergone something of an overhaul. In my mind, this is one RPG that practically qualifies as a new IP.

The game is set in a vibrant techno-fantasy world known as Pulse. It explores the conflict between a harsh militaristic regime and the magical beings it blames for the world’s impeding doom. Though the latest trailer is imbued with an almost palpable sense of desperation, Square Enix reserved room for a glimmer of hope and a hint of romance.

The western version of Final Fantasy XIII is due for release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010.

“It’s been years since The Spirits Within bombed. It’s time for you to get over it.”

In this episode: The Last Guardian, Hydrophobia, WET, Halo 3: ODST, PS3 Motion Controls, Natal Patches, Disgruntled Pigs and more! 

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Recent episodes of The Black Panel

07.09.09 l 21.09.09

Welcome to the Black List, our regular Friday afternoon retrospective on the week that was.

Monday

On Monday we took a look at new media for Gyromancer and Dragon Age: Origins.

Tuesday

On Tuesday, the latest trailer from Team ICO’s The Last Guardian left us gobsmacked.

Wednesday

On Wednesday we revealed that Natal controls were unlikely to be added to existing Xbox 360 games.

Thursday

On Thursday we discovered that the long awaited Hydrophobia had undergone something of a metamorphosis.

Friday

On Friday we reported that ACE Team’s Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition was on the way to XBLA.

Thanks for reading.

Erin Marcon

Editor

Recent editions of The Black List

11.09.09 l 18.09.09 l 25.09.09

It's like that dream I had...

One of 2009’s most celebrated indy titles is poised to reach a new audience in March 2010. As reported by 1UP, Atlus and ACE Team are preparing a special edition of the previously PC exclusive Zeno Clash for release on the Xbox Live Arcade. A single player fantasy action title, Zeno Clash features brutal first person combat and a distinctly alien setting.

According to Atlus, Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition will be an “improved, enhanced and expanded” version of the Source Engine powered original. Though a range of revisions are mooted, the most significant addition is the all-new online or splitscreen cooperative mode for the Tower Challenges. Perhaps we were all a little hasty in lamenting the seeming demise of splitscreen gaming?

Though a welcome announcement, particularly for Xbox 360 owners, ACE Team fans are probably more eager to hear about the recently announced Zeno Clash II. More news as it develops.