Yes, the long awaited arrival of Final Fantasy VIII is actually within our reach, in stores on March 9th you can, as always, pre-order from amazon and this is one game that will be worth the price tag of $59.99, at least to the thousands of Final Fantasy fans like myself.
Amazon.com-Exclusive Pre-order Bonus:
Pre-order Final Fantasy XIII and get a PDF of select pieces from the game’s official strategy guide. A link to the PDF will be emailed within 10 business days after the release date. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Promotion valid on all existing pre-orders. Amazon reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time.
Read below for even more detailed info on the game.
The Story:
Cocoon — a utopia in the sky. Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.
Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.
Their tranquility was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.
The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse — the feared and detested lowerworld — awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.
Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.
They become l’Cie — chosen of the fal’Cie.
Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fateharsher than death itself.
A prayer for redemption.
A wish to protect the world.
A promise to challenge destiny.
After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.
Features:
* Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards – The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, FINAL FANTASY XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.
* Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system – The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.
* Adapt to the Ever-Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms – A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game’s six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.
* Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System – Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.
* Delve into an Emotional Experience – An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?
Product Description:
From the Manufacturer: From the creative minds behind FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY X comes the latest installment in the critically acclaimed series. As FINAL FANTASY VII was for PlayStation, and FINAL FANTASY X for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the first numbered FINAL FANTASY title for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360, and will look to once again reestablish the series as the RPG brand. Players will follow Lightning, Snow, and the other heroes who are dealt a hand of fate by the god-like fal’Cie. Cursed and regarded as enemies of society, they have the world against them and nobody to rely on but each other. Will they find the strength within themselves to break free of their curse and determine their own fates, or will they succumb to this higher power? With a story that is sure to connect with players’ hearts, diverse new characters from world-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, and exciting new gameplay features centered around an evolved Active Time Battle system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the pinnacle in gaming experiences.
The Characters:
Lightning:
This solitary young woman speaks little of herself – even her true name is a mystery. She is known to others simply as “Lightning.”Vanille:
Vanille is an endearing young woman with a relentlessly sunny disposition. Her bright personality gives no hint of the dark resolve that lies within.Hope:
Hope has enjoyed a markedly uneventful youth on humankind’s haven of Cocoon. His life is turned upside down at the hands of the Sanctum’s Purge.Fang:
Fang is a mysterious woman who is working with the Sanctum military despite bearing the mark of the detested l’Cie. She has a strong-minded personality and is unconcerned with trivialities.Snow:
An irrepressible, fiery young man, Snow dives headfirst into danger using nothing but his powerful physique as a weapon.Sazh:
Sazh is a friendly, cheerful man who is never without his curious companions – a chocobo chick and a pair of pistols. He is quick to banter, but also keeps a mature perspective on matters.Sera:
Sera is Lightning’s younger sister and Snow’s fiancee. Always showing concern for Lightning, she has an inner fortitude that allows her to make her own decisions without relying on her older sister.I look forward to playing this one shortly and I may just write the walkthrough on this one, I don’t think this Final Fantasy is going to be disappointing, it’s been too long in the making and the video footage i’ve seen of it so far, it just looks awesome and very much lives up to previous Final Fantasy Titles.
Tony 🙂