Answering the question: "When do you put an end to..." and the October 2012 update

First off; sorry for this post's lateness!

A lot has been going through this mind of mine after seeing and reading the extensive life of so many franchises. To name a few in the gaming world; there's Mario, Pokemon, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, FIFA and so on. In movies too there are franchises that go on like 007, Paranomal Activity, Saw (albeit that one thankfully ended after the sixth (6th) sequel) and perhaps many more that I cannot think of (because movies aren't my thing really). TV, music, technology companies, the Ford Mustang, heck even the world's many gripes such as Euthanasia and poverty. Simply put it; there is an awful lot that goes on, for better or worse.

Let's take the latest entry in the Resident Evil series; Resident Evil 6 as an example. The game tries to blend in the old school peek-a-boo survival horror that the first few Resident Evil titles exhibited with the ability to go nearly guns blazing and all the while offering a single player or a multiplayer online or offline experrience. The term used by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear: "Ambitious but rubbish" comes to mind, although "rubbish" may be considered a little harsh (another way of putting it through my words is that there are undoutably better Resident Evil titles out there and there are games that seperately nail all the ambitions of Resident Evil 6 far better (i.e. if you want a frantic multiiplayer or single player first person shooter then turn to any of the Gears of War games)). It might be too early to call but I think Capcom will be disapointed by this latest entry in a series that has spanned over 15 years. Truth be told I think Capcom need to knock some better sense into their heads with anchors because Resident Evil titles of late have been far from expectations (Operation Racoon City for instance). Is this then going to be the last Resident Evil game? Heck no! There's a better chance of the Queen of England turning into the Pink Panther! Should Resident Evil end though?

Final Fantasy is in the same boat. How much longer will Final Fantasy as a series be remembered, how many games, movies, concerts and cosplay will there end up being and how can the series continue to generate business? 

The horror franchise Saw has hit an assumed stop movie wise after entry number seven (7). Does this mean Saw is put to rest for good? Regrettably I don't think so.

I won't condem the continuation of franchises or TV programs but the question remains: "How do you put an end to whatever it may be?" When will people feel like enough is enough. Do BBC watchers want to watch Only Fools and Horses again in the afternoon instead of something more original? Would someone in a suffering relationship be able to put a full stop to the hardship de;ivered by the partner or be helpless, vainfully hopeful and clingy to the relationship despite the sometimes overbearing odds and difficaulty?

Yes or no really have no bearing because ultimately if there is a cash cow or a potential gold mine within the continuation of a franchise or series then that's what those who run the said franchise or series are going to do. Everything inevitably comes to an end, its just a matter of when and how.

Regarding the FFX-3 concept as a whole, the endings are almost already done but does this mean that that's it? Having created this concept for half a decade now, I know what I intend to do, but I can be distracted by possibilities and the allure of one's imagination. Hyperthetically if FFX-3 is made into a video game as desired and based on this concept then it would serve as a conclusion to Final Fantasy X and X-2. But the way my thoughts work and how I've constructed this concept leads the potential for exploitation and futher plots and games or anything related such as action figures.

Apprently I could be a producer according to a dear friend of mine due my "creativeness". It is incredibly flattering but I am already aware that my creativity is a monster in the form of many things such as 'Jes XXIV- The Nightfall Of Penance' and this concept for Final Fantasy X-3. Regardless of my objectivity I still make monsters and complete nonsense even though I am afraid of what is to become...the inability to put an end. Perhaps its not just me who feels this way, perhaps even the staff behind francises are saddled with the same guilt and wariness.

As for "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story"; Kilika Island plays more interesting parts then previously intended and involves a 'Legendary Guardian'. That's about it I'm afraid. The 'Writer's wall" is still in the way. I can only hope this wall get's torn down and destroyed so then I can return to FFX-3 with full spirits.

Until then however, I nust bid you all reading this; farefell for another month.See Ya.

"Writer's wall", FFXIII-3 and the September 2012 update

Its official, the Final Fantasy X-3 concept has hit a brick wall. This is "disasterific" bad and I won't make no bones about it; I have been struggling to contribute the same consistent input and passion every day like I have been doing for the past three to four years. Its not like I can't progress with new ideas for plans; I've had the same plots and details in my head for a couple of years now and I still think of new ideas even now. Its just that reality has been rather cruel and getting the better of me. I'm sure people choose to play video games or engage in pastimes (fictional or no) to escape the reality of stress, work and so on. This for me is no different but even my escapes from reality have become wearisome, like reality itself. Sure the increased hours in the kitchen of the Asda Cafe play a significant factor in my fatigue but ultimately life for me has grinded to a halt because of its repetition and as long as I'm in this state of boredom; the FFX-3 concept will be at a near standstill waiting for the writer to overcome the wall.

I don't intend to abandon the FFX-3 concept like Activision cancelled the True Crime Hong Kong game (which is now known as Sleeping Dogs published by Square Enix) after so much development (Activision must be and should rightly be kicking themselves for their decision). Work is still being done to "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" since it is September (2012) and come October (2012), the focus will return  to "The Final Chapter". Its just disheartening to admit that the level of progress will be lower than expected. Perhaps when I have broken the cycle of boredom I will be able to return to the FFX-3 concept refreshed and rejuvenated. Let's hope this happens soon eh?

With that being established, I will state that there have been significant changes and revisions made to Chapter 4 of "The Final Chapter", notably as the consisting party of Wakka, Lulu, Rikku, Paine and Kimahri are navigating through the Bikanel Desert. Not only has the Fahrenheit airship crashed and is completely unusable and they must get the remaining Kinderguardians (Hana Taro and Shinra), Buddy Brother and Cid to the safety of the new Al-Bhed Home but now there is a menace known as "Omega Cactuar" storming the Bikanel Desert engaging the party to critical battles almost relentlessly whilst the party are outside the new Al-Bhed Home. the idea of "Omega Cactuar" incorporates the Giant Cactuars found in other Final Fantasy titles and Nemesis from Resident Evil 3. Sorry if this is Copyright infringement, this is merely a concept afterall and is subject to change and one of the ambitions for Final Fantasy X-3 is to be revolutionary and the first for Final Fantasy titles.

Which brings me to a rather sour note regarding "Lightning's Returns: Final Fantasy XIII". Let's not beat around the bush here; its essentially "Final Fantasy XIII-3" and to many a black eye to those fans of Final Fantasy who were hoping to hear anything about "XIII Versus Final Fantasy" or "Final Fantasy XV". Personally I'm not thrilled about this unveiling, especially after the confusion of the whole plot and story of the FFXIII saga created by FFXIII-2's time travelling plot. Sure it does come together and tells a story but its not an easy story to get to grips with and I for one prefer linear gameplay and storytelling that complies with its predecessors. 

My biggest gripe however is as you all imagine is that this is all wrong and the honor should belong to Final Fantasy X for spawning two sequels (Final Fantasy X-2 and Final Fantasy X-3). Afterall, Final Fantasy X is the first in the main series to have a direct sequel, the first in the main series to have voice actors and so on. In my opinion (and it is perhaps only my opinion) Final Fantasy X-3 should come before Final Fantasy XIII-3. Alas Square Enix has become clearly obsessively in love with Lightning and is going to go down its chosen path. That's fine, I'm not about to throw petrol bombs at Square Enix headquarters or do anything  stupid and I know this is very early days and too soon to be making judgments about Final Fantasy XIII-3 (it may prove to be superb in the end and I will undoubtedly give it a chance) but like the wearisome reality I find myself in; I hoped for better things.

Of course I'm aware that what I've been saying can just as easily apply to my concept to Final Fantasy X-3 and I accept that. I accept that not everyone is as tickled pink as I am about Final Fantasy X-2 and may gripe with grinding teeth at the sound of anything regarding Final Fantasy X-3. In the end though this concept for Final Fantasy X-3 is only the work of fictiion created by a fan of Final Fantasy X and X-2 and it won't be the end of the world if that's all it is and will ever be. If I can however make someone smile and enjoy the concept then I know I have succeeded in achieving my goal in life (to enrich someone's life for the better). And maybe if one can put aside the whole business and making money element of Square Enix then it can be argued that Square Enix is setting out to do the same thing with Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.

Who knows what goes on? All I can say is thank you for reading and I'll be back with a new post in due time. See ya!               

Nostalgia vs climatic and The August 2012 update for FFX-3

The August 2012 blog post begins with a peculiar thought. If you compare Final Fantasy X cutscenes to those of Final Fantasy XIII, you could say that Final Fantasy X is more subtle and more traditional with previous Final Fantasy titles whereas Final Fantasy XIII is climatic and action orientated in comparison. Now that isn't surprising at all when you consider the differences in the characters and story but perhaps more than anything the advances in the game engine, software, art, technology, budget and so on. Just like using voice actors for the characters for all main installments of Final Fantasy titles since Final Fantasy X, it is safe to assume that future Final Fantasy main installments (Final Fantasy XV for example) will have more climatic cutscenes and gameplay.

What does this have to do with Final Fantasy X-3? Well... Final Fantasy X-3 has the possible dilemma of having to choose between being as faithful to its sequels or evolve and become obviously different. While the concept for Final Fantasy X-3 is only a collection of Word documents, it is clear that Final Fantasy X-3 tries to be both these things, an honor and nod to Final Fantasy X and X-2 as well as revolutionary. Typically games that have been remade to boast more capable and detailed graphics like Metal Gear Solid The Twin Snakes have gameplay that is reminiscent to its original counterpart with subtle tweaks such as aiming in first person view and interacting with lockers and reenacted cutscenes showing Solid Snake doing flips to avoid being killed by the likes of Gray Fox, a Hind D and Sniper Wolf. The problem is that this creation of faithfulness and climatic action is contrasting, the gameplay feels anticlimactic and old fashioned. 

Final Fantasy X-3 is foresighted with potentially the same problem; gameplay and story wise; it could be reminiscent to Final Fantasy X (through battles allowing character switching and linear plot) but almost entirely different in its presentation of its cutscenes and Situation Critical events. To give an example of this in chapter three (3); Yuna, Baralai and Gippal are searching for Tidus in the Bevelle Underground and along the way encounter fiends, machina  and the aeon Bahamut in battles. In these battles since there are no other active party members to switch to, the gameplay is reminiscent to battles in Final Fantasy X-2, albeit with some unique circumstances and gameplay additions such as body wear and Stamina. Outside these battles (in cutscenes), Yuna is shown to be able to walk on air and disappear through the surrounding walls and then traverse into a recreation of Dream Zanarkand. In another cutscene, Tidus' Brotherhood sword is disposed off by Raphas which flies straight for Baralai in the Gaol of the Bevelle Underground, Yuna pushes Baralai aside and is inflicted horrendously by the Brotherhood sword. 

In reference to "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story", Yuna and Tidus do something very uncharacteristic by pulling Lenne and Shuyin off the peak of Yadonoki Tower. Lenne and Shuyin though shocked hit the sea below without any harm inflicted due to the fact that both Lenne and Shuyin are already dead. Subsequently Yuna and Tidus gracefully dive into the sea from the same peak of Yadonoki Tower. This example of a cutscene is evident of Final Fantasy X-3 being different and climatic. While this maybe welcome, it may also be dismissed because it promotes noticeable contrasts in gameplay and cutscenes and unfaithfulness. Should Final Fantasy X-3 become a reality then potential imperfections like contrasts cannot and mustn't exist. The solution? To establish a balance, which is easier said than done but something I am addressing to both "The Final Chapters" and "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story". 

"Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" throughout the previous month of July (2012) has had its share of altercations. One of which I will share for free is that the Kelvin airship which Lenne and Shuyin along with Lord Zaon are on-board no longer get struck my Sin's charging attack because if that were to happen it would be unacceptably difficult to believe Lenne, Shuyin, Lord Zaon and the Kelvin airship could survive. To amend this, the Kelvin airship instead plummets into the sea between Yadonoki and the Moonflow after the turbulence created by Sin disables the airship's ability to sustain itself in flight. 

There are more changes implemented in "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" of course but there is no need to explain everything or else this post will go for an eternity. I'll finish off this post be stating that throughout August (2012), the development focus turns to "The Final Chapters". Come September (2012), I will have a new update for all readers to view and read.

Until then, see ya!                     

The hastiness of game development & the July update for FFX-3

"What the shoopuf?!" Is this the question your asking (or at least along those lines)? If you are a constant viewer or reader of the Final Fantasy X-3 concept blog then you must be scratching your head after reading the title of this post and seething at the latest of this post. For either circumstance I apoligise. I merely entitle this post differently from the rest of the posts because I've had multiple views and opinions as well as experiences occupy my mind.

I started have theses thoughts and opinions over the last month or so whilst playing some of the anticipated games of 2012 so far. I've been playing Silent Hill Downpour and have achieved "Ending A "Forgiveness"" and recently Dragon's Dogma and the exclusive Resident Evil 6 demo only for Xbox 360 owners who purchased Dragon's Dogma. I have to say that theses games all have one thing in common; the effects of hasty development. While the Resident Evil 6 demo can be excused because it is a demo and not the completed game, I find it hard to ignore my disappointment when I experience the roughness of these games, games that I must stress aren't from development companies and publishers that no one has heard of. Capcom and Konami are two of the most well known and respected game companies on the planet and yet it disapoints me when I play a game with rough edges and bugs. Konami in particular is accountable for the number of issues encountered in Silent Hill Downpour (and Silent Hill HD Collection for that matter). My main gripe is that popular titles like Silent Hill, Resident Evil and so on have a long and thorough development . Silent Hill Downpour for example was hinted (albeit not known as Downpour then) in the early days of April 2010 and took near enough two years to come out. Two years give or take and it has more holes than Swiss cheese! I won't go into detail with what these holes/glitches/bugs/freezes are but if your interested then search the internet or play Silent Hill Downpour and find out for yourself.

And yet despite these disappointments, I do enjoy playing Silent Hill Downpour and its the same story with Dragon's Dogma regardless of its flaws and the Resident Evil 6 demo despite the collision issues when striking an enemy, the camera which needs to be controlled to keep up with the character's movements and the uselessness of firing weapons when a character can easily defeat hordes of enemies with punches, kicks and grapples (didn't Chief Irons in Resident Evil 2 state to Claire Redfield that putting a bullet through a zombies' brain or dismembering the body completely were the only ways to stop the T-Virus infecting the host and turning it into a zombie?). Regardless this isn't a review on IGN.com or the point.

"What is the point then?" you might ask. The point is that gamers hunger for entertainment and "more" doesn't  subside with time. While there are those who boast they can play their favorite game or watch their favorite film back to back, again and again and so on, others will yearn for more and different experiences or even more of the same thing. Picture a Call of Duty fan if you will, he or she may have Modenr Warefare 1, 2 and 3 and the first Black Ops and after hearing the news about Call of Duty Black Ops II (2), he or she is eager to get his or her hands on a copy, play it, love it and then eagerly wait for DLC or the next Call of Duty to appear one year later. This applies to any fan of any game franchise; Hitman, Fifa, Final Fantasy, Oddworld, Pac Man, Mario, Dino Crisis etc. Heck this applies to a fan of anything; even fans of Kellog's cereals. The hunger for more or even just interest in the next installment of whatever grows and in order for game publishers like Konami, Capcom, Square Enix and so on, to keep and maintain their fan base, popularity and  ultimately their company going, they must oblige to demand and give the customers what they want or are seeking for.

This has multiple effects on the development of games, one of which I will explain. A popular franchise like Silent Hill must satisfy the existing fans and at the same time introduce new elements to invoke interest from new gamers and keep gameplay fresh and exiting, hence why Silent Hill Downpour has new elements like the Void and side quests while fitting around the familiar psychological horror of which the Silent Hill franchise is known for.If it didn't have these and stuck to the series traditions only, Downpour woundn't stand out from previous installments and be reviewed as uninteresting and unoriginal which in turn can put off fans and casual gamers which effects the companies expectations in terms of profitability and revenue (just look at the difference in reviews, sales and popularity between Resident Evil Outbreak File 2 and Resident Evil 4). While in many instances there is no serious problems fulfilling these requirements, the outlook is increased development which takes more time and time is money. Now if the eagerly awaited next installment is rushed in order to get the game finished and out to stores worldwide then it has the potential to come off buggy and flawed which can put of gamers and invoke disappointment and frustration. Silent Hill Downpour is a prime example of this dilemma, it feels rushed and far from being as great and exciting as it could have been. The solution would be have delayed the games release and gave more time to iron out the bugs and fix problems before releasing the game to the public. Though Konami are saying they will develop patches for both Silent Hill Downpour and Silent Hill HD Collection, its merely like adding a doubler plate over the crack of the fuselage of a 22 year old Boeing 747-209B (reference to China Airlines flight 611 of 25 May 2002), its an improper repair covering up the mistakes that shouldn't have been made in the first place. The patches may fix some of the problems or even all of them (although I'm not that optimistic), but it will come as little too late as the potential for those said titles has gone and passed and little will change the experiences that gamers have of the said titles.

Unfortunately its the "insatiableness" manner which means games have to come out in a hurry and at the same time fulfill the gamer's desires, otherwise the game will come off as a disappointment and not perform as well as predicted. Now I'm well aware that this topic has gone on way too long and that this doesn't necessarily threaten a gaming company like Square Enix, Square Enix has so many hands in different businesses besides games that it won't go down because of the hasty approach taken to games like Final Fantasy XIV or the Kane and Lynch series. That said its not like Square Enix is a selfish egotistic company interested in just money the fatest way, I think it goes to show how dedicated the company are as a whole to prolong the inevitable Final Fantasy VII remake, XIII Verses Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts 3 and so on presumably to properly develop these games so that these titles won't be disappointing and I for one would rather wait patiently for these games to be developed and completed to the finest and best qualities rather than rushed in order to meet the quarterly financial time span like the countless Need For Speed titles, WWE simulators, Call of Duty titles and so on. Then again even the long and methodical development cycle can go wrong, just look at Duke Nukem Forever (ouch!)

"What does this have to do with the concept of Final Fantasy X-3?" You must be asking anxiously. I know I'm taking my sweet time with "The Final Chapter" and "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" and the whole documentation of this concept as a whole because I hate being rushed and this concept, even if it will only be a concept and my pipe-dream means more then words can describe so I don't want to mess it up. If and when the day comes when I submit this concept to Square Enix, I want to be able to show how much thought, care, love and respect I have for the concept and how their work with the Final Fantasy series and Final Fantasy X and X-2 in particular inspired me to create this concept. This entire project has a special and irremovable place in my heart just like the entirety of Final Fantasy X and X-2 that I will carry with me always.

The fear is however that should this concept be given the green light and the fantasy becomes a reality in the gaming world for all of the gaming world to experience and enjoy, I don't want the entire process rushed and executed with any performance and effort beneath the very best. Final Fantasy X-3 has a tremendous legacy to live up to after Final Fantasy X and X-2 and I wouldn't allow myself to degrade the legacy (that is if the concept becomes Final Fantasy X-3 and not a different game). I won't...I can't allow this Final Fantasy X-3 concept come off as a missed opportunity at creating the next greatest gaming moment in history and instead list among the worst games of the respected year. Ultimately I cannot fail Yuna, I can't!

If your thinking I'm a few spheres short of a Garment Grid or just completely and utterly obsessive then your probably right.

Anyway, to the update regarding the development of "The Final Chapter" during June (2012). To be honest; progress has been as slow as ever unfortunately but then as I've explained above I want to take my time and not mess up. Yuna and Tidus are still in the Hotspring in Mt. Gagazet taking a much needed break and coming to terms of what is alienating them both and what they can do to solve their problem, besides not wanting to step outside in the bitter cold instead of being in the Hotspring together (Would you leave a hotspring if you had the choice?) Wakka, Lulu, Rikku, Paine, Kimahri and Sparky have at long last reached Bikanel Desert after crashing the Fahrenheit airship with Brother, Buddy and Cid (I know its not that new but this time around the remaining Kinderguardians; Hana, Taro and Shinra are choosing to accompany the party and dub the new airship the Kinderguardian Headquarters). Lenne and Shuyin arrive on Spira's surface, albeit in the Bevelle Underground next to where Vegnagun was once stood. And the Fayth are suggesting to Tidus that his hopes for peace and unity with Yuna are doubtful.

Now that its July (2012), the focus shifts to "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story"; the objective is to resume from where I left off in May (2012) and allow Lenne and Shuyin their much sought for freedom from the inside of the yet unnamed Sin by using the Kelvin airship. Already I've expanded the scenes prior to Shuyin flying the Kelvin airship so that Lord Zaon continues to mistake Lenne for his wife; Lady Yunalesca until Lenne knocks some sense into Lord Zaon. Don't worry, Lenne doesn't hit Lord Zaon needlessly, its redemption for Lord Zaon leaving his wife in Zanarkand prior to its demise with a cut from an encounter with broken glass (some husband huh?) Development will continue until the first (1st) of August (2012) (01/08/2012) when the focus shifts back to "The Final Chapter".

"Phew!! That was a long read! Is it over?" Almost...I apoligise for the long winded and off topic discussion. Until the next post, see ya!      

FFX-3 "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" June 2012 update

If the intention for Final Fantasy X-3 was to implement more realism and to take Final Fantasy game styles to a different level then the progress made with Final Fantasy X-3 "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" in May 2012 defines this intention. The question however is whether its going too far with the time paradox endings and gore.


Throughout FFX-3 "The Final Chapter" and "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story", "Situation Critical" events are supposed to put the respected characters in tremendous jeopardy where if the correct command prompted on screen isn't met, the involved characters are killed and the game ends. If you have been playing Final Fantasy XIII-2 then you should be familiar to the "quick time events" and "Live Trigger system", Final Fantasy X-3 implements the same systems dubbed as "Situation Critical" events.


What's different (besides the name) is in FFX-3, the consequences of failing "Situation Critical" events are "Disasterific!" One "Situation Critical" event in "The Final Chapter" in particular throws Yuna and Tidus in disaster deep in the depths of the Via Purifico Sewers, Tidus must shoot the chain wrapped tightly around Yuna's mouth off in order to let Yuna breath. The consequence of failing is Yuna's assumed death which Tidus cannot accept and "Game Over" follows.


In "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story", the time spent in the yet to be named amour of Yu Yevon called "Sin" throws both Lenne and Shuyin in numerous "Situation Critical" events. The consequences of failing ultimately lead to a time paradox and "Game Over" but the consequences of failing are shocking. For Shuyin there is  one "Situation Critical" event where he is on the verge of committing suicide. Believing Lenne is dead and realising the exceedingly little progress he's made, Shuyin loses it and holds his sword towards his abdomen. Only the echoes of Lenne's voice can coax Shuyin to drop his sword and stop committing suicide. The player must persist by matching the prompted command on screen to coax Shuyin's thoughts with the echos of Lenne's voice. Failure however will result in Shuyin committing suicide and subsequently Lenne's death. This time paradox is very graphic and disturbing, you have to imagine Shuyin pulling his sword upwards through his abdomen, chest and across his neck and then picture Shuyin's neck and head slide off the rest of his body whilst kneeling in a pool of his own blood. Horrific and unlike Final Fantasy isn't it?


That sums up the progress made to "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" in May 2012. Acknowledging this, this may be too different and gruesome for a Final Fantasy title and may be rejected by Square Enix and Final Fantasy fans. This would be depressing if true but it needn't mean the end of the world beause Square Enix could still implement the this FFX-3 concept under a different title with different characters, in a different world and so forth. 


Maybe I'm being delirious, maybe I'm psychopathic but I remain hopeful for this concept for Final Fantasy X-3 and will continue implementing ideas and concepts and providing posts on this blog. 


With it now being June (2012), my focus shifts to "The Final Chapter". Until next month's update, see ya!               

FFX-3 "The Final Chapter" May 2012 Update

Penance, by definition and as known by fans of Final Fantasy X who have spent near hours striving to defeat is punishment. In Final Fantasy X-3 "The Final Chapter", this is no different. The significant difference however is whereas Penance is an optional super boss in the PAL and International versions of Final Fantasy X, in Final Fantasy X-3 "The Final Chapter" battling Penance is compulsory in chapter three (3) during mission "Farplane Break". For the non-die hard fans of Final Fantasy, battling Penance will be a nightmare but for those who strive to perfect the available party and achieve everything, Penance will be a satisfactory challenge (provided the command "Escape" when prompted is ignored).

While development of "The Final Chapter" over April (2012) hasn't been as significant as hoped, chapter three (3) is benefiting from an overhaul and mission "Farplane Break" as a result is significantly grander than its previous incarnation. Previously "Farplane Break" consisted of Lenne and Shuyin intending to escape the Farplane and go in search of Yuna and Tidus and offer their help. Involving a battle against Braska's Final aeon with Auron on the side of Lenne and Shuyin, success in defeating Braska's Final aeon was necessary in order to achieve the perfect epilogue and unlock "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story".

While this is still pretty much the objective and plot of mission "Farplane Break", nearly everything including the dialogue between Lenne and Shuyin and the settings of the Farplane has been changed and expanded. Now Lenne and Shuyin must battle Braska, Jecht and then Braska's Final aeon without Auron and even after succeeding, Lenne and Shuyin must find Auron and when they do, are forced to compete against Penance and overcome the odds in order to complete mission "Farplane Break" successfully. Overkill? Perhaps but now mission "Farplane Break" is better fitting and no longer seems like a distraction from the main plot and focus of "The Final Chapter".

Alas, that is the meat and substance of the update to "The Final Chapter" in the duration of April (2012). There is still so much left to implement in "The Final Chapter" but it has to wait until June (2012). Until June (2012), development will focus on "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" throughout the course of May (2012). With nothing else to share, I will say "see ya!"    

Final Fantasy X-3 "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" April 2012 update

Okay...I'm not fooling around when I say the development of "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" over March (2012) has been painstaking yet woeful. While I find it compulsory to rewrite and correct previously existing plot and dialogue, it is a major time consumer which means progress and major developments are held back. This can be due to my approach to my work also but one shouldn't be mixing personal matters with professional matters, it usually doesn't work too well.

Lenne and Shuyin are inside the yet to be called Sin and confront Yu Yevon and the Yu Pagodas. Fighting Yu Yevon grows impossible and will not accomplice anything should Lenne and Shuyin continue and ultimately perish. The idea therefore is for Lenne to sacrifice her aeons to hold off Yu Yevon and the Yu Pagodas long enough for Lenne to escape whilst Shuyin has already gone off ahaead to prep the the Kelvin airship for their exodus from Yu Yevon and the yet to be called Sin.

Now the plot and dialogue for this part of "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" is already in existence as are following events leading to Lenne's and Shuyin's demise in the Bevelle Underground (see Final Fantasy X-2 "1000 Words" concert for evidence). My problem is however is that as I have been revisiting and reviewing (and rewriting) the entire story from start and onwards. I find the existing material no longer fits for purpose and so I go through the process of reevaluating and changing aspects or splicing in new material in order for the event to comply. In truth I am doing this throughout the FFX-3 concept and I have been doing this for the last couple of years so its not news and nor is it a troublesome ordeal (I like doing reevaluating my work and its good overall for the development and finalised concept). Unfortunately this does eat a fair amount of FFX-3 concept time and puts ideas and oncoming developments on hold indefinately.

Oh well...no bigi. Now that it is April (2012); the focus shifts once again to "The Final Chapter". I can't make any promises or bold statements on how much work and development will be embedded into "The Final Chapter" but I will always give it my best and who knows maybe "The Final Chapter" will be finalised with Japanese translations and graphical illustrations.

Okay that was a joke, I'm sorry. Until next time...see ya!

FFX-3 "The Final Chapter" March 2012 update

Question:

Is it a bad idea to focus Final Fantasy X-3 "The Final Chapter" primarily on the unfolding and twisting story of Yuna and Tidus as Yuna and Tidus have to overcome Spira's latest antagonist (nut job), restore the Eternal Calm and in the process try to strike a balance for themselves and the world of Spira of which all its population relies upon their High Summoner and see Yuna as a God (or Goddess)? Okay...perhaps envisioning Yuna as a God (or Goddess) is going too far but the impression is unquestionably there (after all where or what would Spira be if it weren't for Yuna and her Guardians and friends vanquishing Sin, Yu Yevon and two years later prevent the destruction of Spira via the destructiveness of Vegnagun).

The answer to that question is "probably". From many (assumed) perspectives; Final Fantasy X-2 was enough and "Final Fantasy X-3" would be overkill or pretty much predictable. I can't argue with anyone who has a negative view regarding the concept of "Final Fantasy X-3" (I should know, I think of many all the time). I won't go into the long winded explanations and "buts" this time but I'll be frank the plot outline implied in the question above is the approach I have taken for FFX-3 "The Final Chapter" and the simple answer to why is because I'd rather play a Final Fantasy sequel that doesn't get lost in the central plot and story like it does in Final Fantasy XIII-2. (Here comes the backlash...)

It was going to happen wasn't it? I would compare FFX-2 and FFXIII-2 and be in favor of the first direct sequel (FFX-2). I'm not saying FFXIII-2 is bad, its good...but its not great either. Oh sure in many ways FFXIII-2 is better than FFX-2... "it has superior graphics, sound, battles" and so on. And while I wasn't sold on the idea of using monsters as allies on battle initially, it does work and feels fresh. But the most important aspect of any Final Fantasy that I look for is for a unforgettable and well told story. That's where FFX-2 succeeds and FFXIII-2 doesn't. The plot for FFXIII-2 couldn't be any different than in FFX-2; Serah is in search for her sister Lightning who has disappeared and has dreams to forward Serah's determination to find Lightning and just so happens to get caught up in trying to do the right thing and correct the future so that humanity and the world doesn't die out. In FFX-2; Yuna is in search of spheres which Yuna hopes will lead to her beloved Tidus and in the process happens to be caught up (doing the right thing) in the process of saving Spira from a man called Shuyin and a machina capable of destroying Spira known as Vegnagun and restoring the Eternal Calm which has been entangled by the political feud between the fractions ruling Spira.

Sure; there's A LOT MORE to these respective plots than what's described above but there similarities aren't non-existent. Both FFX-2 and FFXIII-2 even divert from the initial plot (or the main protagonist's purpose for journeying) to focus on something more pressing and potentially word ending. Even so, FFX-2 manages to maintain its story from start to finish whereas the story in FFXIII-2 falls into a black hole created by a tearing in the space time continuum (ha, ha wasn't I clever there). I'm not saying FFXIII-2 doesn't have a story but I think the over obsessiveness to create a non-linear story by giving so much freedom and (almost irreverent and AI crippled mini-games) kind of destroys the effectiveness of telling the story. I generally prefer linear game play and story telling with some flexibility, hence why I value FFX-2 so highly.

That being said; this concept for Final Fantasy X-3 in terms of story telling and game play has more in reference with FFX than FFX-2. There is so much linearity and scenes in "The Final Chapter" that it may put fans and game players off, and with so much of it focused on Yuna and Tidus, it may come across more of a love novel than a Final Fantasy. If you're familiar with the WWE and John Cena and are nearly sick to death of the WWE running John Cena down your throat then you can picture how fans of the Final Fantasy series may react negatively to this concept of Final Fantasy X-3. The unfortunate truth in the world though is that there is never anything everyone likes, the best game developers can do is develop a game that will appeal to a majority of the target audience. From my perspective with FFX-3, I'd hope that those who loved Final Fantasy X, the characters, locations, game play and embraced Final Fantasy X-2 without bitter regret will be interested in Final Fantasy X-3.

If I were asked how to describe this proposed concept of Final Fantasy X-3 using references to previous Final Fantasy titles then I would answer it by saying this: "In terms of game play structure, Final Fantasy X-3 borrows from FFX and FFXIII linear game play and shifting from main characters and locations from FFXIII, with a balance of non-linear quests and activities apparent in Final Fantasy X-2 and comprehensible offline and online mini-games within the universe of the Final Fantasy X series."

Reading this far into this post; I think I should rename this post as "Final Fantasy X-2 Press Conference". But I won't forget to update those who follow and read my posts with the development undertaken in February 2012. In a nutshell; Yuna and Tidus have conflicted with Raphas upon the avalanche prone Mt. Gagazet and are trying to break the wall of division and hindrance between them in the hot spring above Fayth Scar. While it works, the scene ultimately validates what Tidus is afraid of. In the struggling Fahrenheit airship meanwhile; Wakka, Lulu, Rikku, Paine, Kimahri, Hana, Taro and Shinra along with Buddy, Brother and Cid continue to search for Yuna and Tidus with no success. It comes to the point where the party must consider whether Yuna and Tidus are in the Farplane and hesitantly fly with great difficaulty to Guadosalam to proof or disproof their worse case scenario.

Doesn't sound like an awful lot I know but there is so much focus on the significance of how every member of the full playable party is coping in what would seem to be the darkest moment of their lives. With the exception of Yuna and Tidus battling Raphas and the party on-board the struggling Fahrenheit airship ending up in the dangerous Thunder Plains, there isn't much in terms of game play. In comparison to the Metal Gear Solid series, FFX-2 is Metal Gear Solid (PSone), regarded as the more playable from their respected series, FFX is Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater with more empathesis on story telling but with its far share of game play, and FFX-3 is Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of The Patriots which is more cinematic and story then game play. Don't worry though, I'll make sure game play is as important as the story in FFX-3.

Now that its March (2012); development shifts from "The Final Chapter" to "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story". I wish I could leave some insight of what to expect by the time of the next post in April. But I've just seen the sworn of angry fans from outside my window and they're carrying pitchforks, machina and flaming 2x4s. I think I also see Motomu Toriyama (the director of Final Fantasy XIII-2) with a real life replica of the Blazefire Saber Gunblade! They want to get own back for my remarks on this post. If I make it to next month then I'll see ya then with an update on "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" from presumably a hospital bed with much of by being heavily bandaged and prosthetic arms.

Until then, see ya!

FFX-3 "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" February 2012 update

Following from the aftermath of January (2012), plans leading into the following month have hit a bit of a roadblock. But this FFX-3 concept hasn't! While things outside FFX-3 stutter and fall to pieces, the FFX-3 concept goes on strong. That said; I think a new name is required for Final Fantasy X-3 "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" because while the primary focus stays on Lenne and Shuyin, there is growing involvement of Yuna, Tidus and Spira in general as it stands in the present.

Confused? The way "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" plays out is that it is set after Final Fantasy X-3 "The Final Chapters" providing the correct conditions are met to unlock "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story". Therefore this is a direct follow-up or a direct sequel as it were and in significance "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" takes place in the present Spira (i.e. Lenne and Shuyin died 1000 years ago and Spira has been saved for the third time by Yuna and her friends). However "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" also plays out from the past perspective of Lenne and Shuyin from when they were alive and the Machina War was raging. To define when "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" changes from past and present; different font style is used and the past is referred as "Reflection" (because it is Lenne and Shuyin essentially replaying their live up until their deaths) and the present (where Lenne and Shuyin interact with Yuna and Tidus in the present Spira) is referred as "Unsent Privilege" (because Lenne, Shuyin, ,,,, and ..... are unsent and are using the privileges of being dead (to explore Spira and so on).

Why? Despite having died 1000 years ago and being reunited thanks to Yuna and her friends in the events of Final Fantasy X-2, Lenne and Shuyin cannot rest or be themselves because the lingering story of their past still haunts and prevents Lenne and Shuyin. So despite what Lenne said: "That was all a thousand years ago, we've come too far to look back now", neither Lenne or Shuyin cannot find respite even after helping Yuna and Tidus and their friends at the near end of Final Fantasy X-3 (The Final Chapters". Lenne and Shuyin feel by sharing their story with Yuna and Tidus can bring solace and help Lenne and Shuyin from guilt and the shackles of their past.

How? How can Yuna and Tidus help? Feeling closer then brothers and sisters, the endless similarities and experiences make it easy for one another to understand and feel for each other. Not lovers in that Lenne, Shuyin, Yuna and Tidus exchange partners and mate, hell no! Yuna is entirely devoted to Tidus and vise versa while Lenne and Shuyin are entirely devoted to each other. The fact that Lenne and Shuyin have helped Yuna and Tidus and know their story makes it strikingly compelling in relation to Lenne's and Shuyin's yet untold story. Additionally Lenne and Shuyin see Yuna and Tidus as inspirations and helpers to help break the wall of which Lenne and Shuyin feel is dividing one another from each other (or stopping Lenne and Shuyin from being as close as they want to be).

So one can see; "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" is focused on Lenne and Shuyin but there is as much regard to the present with Yuna and Tidus and Spira in general. While I can't think of a better title then "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" at this time, I will state that the later paragraph regarding how Lenne and Shuyin feel towards each other and admire Yuna and Tidus as inspirations has been central to the development of "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" during January (2012). Seeing as how Yuna and Tidus coexist happily and creatively despite life's tragedies and bad times, Lenne (more so) and Shuyin aren't envious (unlike Rikku) but aren't ignorant either and share their dilemma with Yuna and Tidus in the need of some help or guidance. But Yuna and Tidus aren't partner councilors and they do not have any publication that gives advice and suggestions to deprived couples (i.e Lenne and Shuyin). While Yuna and Tidus will help in what ways they can, "Lenne's and Shuyin's problems are Lenne's and Shuyin's problems".

In terms of the "Reflection" part of "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story", there has been a revision on how Yu Yevon creates Sin and there is an additional "Situation Critical" event where Shuyin is on the brink of falling off the Kelvin airship and falling to his time paradox death. Lord Zaon has more to say and express though pain and torment before blacking out.

That's the development of "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" through January (2012) in a nutshell, a rather big nutshell but hey. Now that its February (2012), focus reverts to "The Final Chapters" and I think chapter three will have a significant amount of intense action flying over Yadonoki Tower.

Until next time, see ya!

The Ambitious Nature of FFX-3 (2011 Review)

First off, hope to all of a satisfying 2011 Christmas and New Years Day.

Secondly, my sincere apologies for the delay in providing this post.

While normally I would have a post with the heading: "FFX-3 (The Final Chapters) January 2012 update", I have been doing some reflecting and come to the conclusive nature of the Final Fantasy X-3 concept. Here is a defining statement which sums up the nature of the FXX-3 concept: "Final Fantasy X-3...Is it too ambitious?"

If you are familiar if the ideas and processes of this FFX-3 concept then you ought to know there are a lot of implentations (spelling!) that are supposed to make a gaming experience like no other Final Fantasy title to date. To name a few; visual damage appearing on characters (i.e. blood, cuts etc.), stamina, intimidation, pounce, multiple endings and greater exploration. Needless to say the list goes on and then you must factor the story, plot and all the practical developments needed to make this concept into a reality such as voice acting, soundtrack, motion directing and so much more! There is so much going on and so far Final Fantasy X-3 is all but a pipe dream and blogs, videos on YouTube and other fan made material. While "The Final Chapters" and "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" and the related documentation continues to grow (in page numbers), it is at the moment only a library of Word documents with these ideas and plot recorded word by word in English (and Al Bhed).

This is not to say I am going to give up on the Final Fantasy X-3 concept, oh no. I want Final Fantasy X-3 to exist and I will help to through ideas into the circle (even if they go unnoticed).

To sum up on development on "The Final Chapters" throughout December 2011, there now lies a nonphysical wall between Yuna and Tidus, made up from their emotions of despair, frustrations and many traumatic emotions and experiences. This wall divides Yuna and Tidus mentally though it does not stop either from proceeding to their goal together or working together. That's really all that can be said (I'm keeping my cards close to chest this time around).

What I will say however is that during Christmas 2011 and subsequent days following (today included), I have been playing Corpse Party Blood Covered Repeated Fear on my PSP and while I have quickly groan to appreciate and like the game and its plot, I have also shivered and cried at some of the events and game-play in general. Its an unnerving game to say the least (especially in the dark), I can't look at bathroom stalls or scissors the same way ever again. While I like the game and shiver, there is something else which I have found to appreciate and that is the voice acting. Its Japanese and if it weren't for the English subtitles, I would've find Corpse Party very hard to understand, apart from when the characters scream and sob as a result of a horrific death. And yet it works very well, in fact I'm convinced that Japanese voice acting is better then English voice acting plain and simple. I've looked at several games such as Final Fantasy titles (X, X-2, XIII, XIII-2 for examples) and others like Star Ocean The Last Hope and find that the Japanese voice acting is better sounding and better inline with the animations and characters. Is isn't exactly surprising since these games start of in their native country and are then reconfigured to work with English voices for international release (Europe and North America to be precise).

The point is the FFX-3 concept is written in English which will make it harder to work with and relate if and when Square Enix in Japan get hold of my contributions. Sure it will make it easier for European and North American versions using the voices of Hedy Burress, James Arnold Taylor, Tara Strong and so on (who voice Yuna, Tidus and Rikku respectively). But on the other hand it will make development of FFX-3 that much harder for the Japanese version of which traditionally each major Final Fantasy has started of in life as and I am not fluent in Japanese so I can't help in that dilemma. Yet one more reason why the FFX-3 concept is being regarded as overly ambitious. But then nothing in life is easy or straight forward, otherwise we as species would've died of boredom long ago.

Well, since its January 2012 (yes 2012), development has shifted to "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story". Hopefully I will have something interesting and fresh to share in the next post. Until then however, see ya.