Why Final Fantasy XIII just didn't work

This is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that.

On January 31, Square Enix will release Final Fantasy XIII-2, a direct sequel to Final Fantasy XIII, which the developer shipped several years ago to mixed reactions. Some fans adored the game's gorgeous aesthetics and flashy combat; others cursed Square Enix for daring to defile their beloved series.

Perhaps because of that fan ambivalence, a large part of Square Enix's marketing plan for Final Fantasy XIII-2 has revolved around the message "This is not Final Fantasy... (Continue Reading...)

I Am Alive receives free iOS companion app

Ubisoft has released a free I Am Alive companion app for iOS devices ahead of the game's impending XBLA release. The app features area maps, hints from the developers regarding points of interest, an achievement checklist and a compendium of in-game resources and their effects. It also contains concept art, developer diaries and the game's soundtrack, six tracks of which are exclusive to the app.

The companion program even has a photo mode, which lets you take pictures of your friends eating and then make it look like they're eating in a dystopian ruin. Cell phones probably don't work in I Am Alive's post-apocalyptic future, but they do work in our pre-apocalyptic present, so why not take advantage of that while you can? If anything, you'll be able to impress all of your trendy hipster friends with a photo... (Continue Reading...)


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