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.

"Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" update December 2011

First off: my sincere apologies for the delay of this update post, work (as a cafe cleaner) has been unpredictable thus far and have occupied my available time and left me too wearisome in evenings.

The most significant update to "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" has been the more profound usage of Yunalesca while Lenne and Shuyin try to flee from Zanarkand. Because of Yu Yevon's assassination, his daughter; Yunalesca is now the ruler of Zanarkand and despite horrific loses to her family, Yunalesca makes near immediate use of her authority to prevent Lenne and Shuyin from dying in Zanarkand Port by vengeance seeking soldiers, summoners and civilians and machina. Previously Yunalesca was not involved in Lenne's and Shuyin's exodus.

Lenne's and Shuyin's intent to hide in the Floating Ruins of Mt. Gagazet has been expanded to involve more realism (after escaping for their lives barely in tact, ascending a peak high in the clouds shouldn't be straight forward right?).

At the end of November (2011), Shuyin is left barely twitching on the white plains of the Prominence of Mt. Gagazet after Yu Yevon's airship attacked Bevelle and then went after Lenne and Shuyin on top of the Floating Ruins Summit. Lenne is supposedly on board the airship held captive by an unknown figure. What happens next? Wait for the January 2012 update!

Yep, that's it for 2011 regarding "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story". The new year will hopefully begin to write the finishing touches. From here, I wish everyone a happy Christmas and a happy new year!

"The Final Chapters" update November 2011

First off, no; I have yet to finish rewriting and reworking chapter three (3). It seems to be taking forever to do this chapter but then there's a good reason for that, following the lateset development of chapter three (3); chapter three (3) is perhaps the most significant to Yuna's and Tidus' future.

Originally I had planned for Yuna to discover the horrific truth, thanks to the events in chapter two (2) becoming a reality Yuna sees and feels and subsequently struggles to cope with. While that hasn't greatly changed and Yuna still pursues to find Tidus with Baralai and Gippal alongside, the inclusion of the same nightmare based upon the ruins of Besaid and the Fayth for Tidus forces Tidus and subsequently Yuna as well to realise their new found connection with one another thanks to the "reluctant" Fayth of Bahamut.

Speaking of Bahamut, I have decided to borrow the concept of Bahamut Sin for Yuna, Baralai and Gippal to battle against in the Bevelle Underground. This marks the third (3rd) time Bahamut is an opponent (a significant one at that, more so then the rest of aeon battles) in FFX-3 and the last (as an aeon that this).

It will grow apparent in the later that while Yuna will now call Tidus by his name and will try to convert her friends (Wakka, Lulu, Rikku, Paine, Kimahri, Baralai, Gippal, Lenne, Shuyin and Auron) and even antagonists such as Raphas to call Tidus by his name, Yuna will be the only one who will do so. This has been taken from inspiration that other than the rest of the Warriors of Cosmos who call Tidus by name, no one else from Final Fantasy X calls Tidus by his name other than Yuna (do comment on that if I'm wrong). This would seem trivial but then this isn't a abrupt change for Yuna to call Tidus by name as it would seem. Yuna has known Tidus' name since the first day they met but hasn't experienced a situation so critical until those in Final Fantasy X-3 during the Via Purifico incident.

With these developments and many more (which I won't spill the beans upon!) "The Final Chapters" has reached yet another milestone. Thus far "The Final Chapters" has the contents of over 303,000 words spread across 560+ pages.

I'd hate to be the one printing the whole document off only to then realise there's the additional documention regarding how to play Final Fantasy X-3, Attributes, Abilities and other parts of Final Fantasy X-3 and then stumble upon "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" which is about 300+ pages on its own! Still it has to be done once I am happy if the written structuring of Final Fantasy X-3 and finalise it all for Square Enix to review. Though perhaps the team behind the Final Fantasy Series and Square Enix Product Development Devision 1 will be much like the one overlooking the printing of the written work of Final Fantasy X-3 i.e. close to eruption when its laid in front of them. No need to panic yet though, there is perhaps another year to go before I get to the stage of printing off the finalised written work of Final Fantasy X-3.

Well... its November (2011) now and time to piroritise with "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story". Unless I have anything else to contribute before December (2011), I'll see ya then.

Note: Its November (2011) already?! Oh Shoopuf! I must get on with the Christmans shopping etc.

"Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" upadate October 2011

"You are a monster! Look at what you've done to everyone in Zanarkand! To the people and races across Spira! To your own daughter and family... You've helped set Spira ablaze and now you must atone for your sins" - Lenne speaking to Yu Yevon.

The extract above pretty much illistrates where "Lenne's and Shuyin's Story" is after September (2011). Lenne and Shuyin have escaped certain disaster and time paradox from the Zanarkand Underground and quickly find themselves opposing Yu Yevon.

I'll admit this isn't great progress but I do like it when I compare the updated script to the previous and unimaginative script. Another good thing about the update through September (2011) is that the Zanarkand Underground has now been concluded and there is the potential for Yunalesca to play a more effective role without becoming a victim of dreadful circumstance so soon. Better yet, Lenne's and Shuyin's exodus from Zanarkand follows shortly after which is a lot of fun reading through and adjusting to fit accordingly.

Well... that's the development and future development in November (2011) in a nutshell, I guess there really isn't much more I can add. I will add however that Chapter three (3) of "The Final Chapters" is continuing its complete overhaul and the process is going to be revolutionary and moving.

Until the next update however... see ya.