Poster campaign for FFIX

FFIX

The latest in the series of high-selling RPG’s (Role Playing Games) Final Fantasy IX is now available in stores across Europe. Developers Squaresoft have decided to take the style of the game back to its roots, for a medieval style and storyline akin to the first three games. There is talk of graphics that will make your jaw drop, with cinematics, animation and pre-rendered backgrounds that you will have to see to believe. Characters follow the older style with more magic based weapons and attacks and the evil villain is supposed to really be sinking his teeth into his role! Overall gameplay brings old and new aspects together. The party size is up to four, like the older games and the five equipment slots signify a return to the more complex equipment systems of the earlier games, but graphics and monsters will be new and improved. Some things however will never change, for example the random battle, an aspect of Final Fantasy that has never strayed. The classic ‘woosh’ followed by the swirly colours and unmistakable battle music will give you that old warm feeling inside, and remind you of what you’re playing. Of course, it will begin to niggle when the encounter rate gets extraordinarily high and you are sick of fighting the same monsters over and over. Still, the pluses outnumber the minuses, and this will be a big hit for all RPG fans.

Screen shot of FFX

FFX

Even as FFIX fills the stores, much talk of FFX abounds. A few screen shots have been leaked out and show images of the two main characters who look quite similar to Squall and Rinoa from FFVIII, who we all loved and adored. Square has released some information on the main two characters however. Firstly the hero’s name is Tida, a 17 year old boy who’s personality falls into the happy optimistic range of FFIX hero Zidane rather than lonely, torn Squall. He fights with a sword, and is a fan of the interestingly named Blitzball. The heroine is currently known as Yuna, a 17 year old summoner. She seems to be under the same FF princess syndrome which means she wants to escape from all her material trappings. Her protection is her staff, and it's likely it also comes in useful for her summoning abilities.

A still from the movie

Final Fantasy – The Spirits Within FF

The Spirits Within is Square’s first step into animated film, and already has been put forward as one of the most likely contenders for best animated feature, a new Oscar that will be introduced in 2002. Sony have joined with Square to create the first story to be told with human characters totally in CG. Hironobu Sakaguchi is guiding the piece in his directorial debut, however he is the producer of the last eight FF games, so he is on familiar turf.

Information on the film has been minimal, but so far the storyline info available shows that the film is set in the year 2065 and the Earth has been attacked by aliens and most of the world has been devastated. The few remaining survivors get together, and a hero rises named ‘Grey’ who may be able to save them all. Many famous actors are putting their voices to the piece, including Alec Baldwin, Donald Sutherland, and Steve Buscemi to name but a few. Early movie clips are available on the official website, and are pretty amazing. Its planned release is over the summer in the US, so Brits can hope to see it hit their shores at the tail end of the year.

Keri Allan