[PS2] Final Fantasy XII

Originally Posted by ashaman

I read that widescreen functionality was added to the NA version. If it wasn't in the Japan release, does that mean the FMVs are still in 4:3 or did they re-render them in 16:9 for NA?

Probably re-rendered for 16:9. I'm pretty sure that's specifically why the widescreen option was implemented for real time and CG events.

Quote:

Are there any other added features to the NA version?

Yep namely events that may of been just text in the Japanese version are now voiced over along with additional scenes that were cut from the Japanese version.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

14 days....:biggrin:

Some GAFers are reporting that their local EB and GameStop stores are now telling customers that preorders have stopped for the regular edition while preorders for the LE version will come to an end in the next day or 2 due to an increased demand for the game.

So I guess if you plan on getting the NA version and haven't preordered a copy yet then now is the time to do so.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

I just hope the claim about the game being handed out early (october 24th) to pre-orders proves true. I talked to a GS clerk last week and he denied it. I'm all set to play the game next week, considering how busy I've been this week (dentist, final, TB test).

Ain't happening. An EB manager said pretty much the same thing in that SE hasn't mentioned or sent word of a push in release date so it'll be on shelves October 31st or November 1st depending on delivery.

The LE guide should be out next week though.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by INDIGO-2

It's street dated, we can't sell it before Halloween. It will be there on the 31st though. We're getting it about a week in advance. And also it is true, preorders for the standard edition ended today, and the CE will end in the next day or two.

My EB store didn't really have an idea about when they'd be getting it though. Every question I tried to ask about shipments coming in before October 31st so it'll be available on the 31st constantly led to the answer: "No, we won't be selling it on Monday or before the 31st as it's not released until the 31st"....

Still I hope the "week in advance" shipment applies to all EB/GameStop stores.

Some more reviews with Play magazine giving the game a 10/10 score with FFXII being the 4th title in the magazine's history to be awarded a perfect score. Game Informer gave it a 92.5/100: "Where this games shines the brightest is in the new path it blazes, not the traditions it revisits".

Also it looks Best Buy have some kind of FFXII bonus in the form of a mini-artbook. Someone over at GAF mentioned how a new SKU for FFXII had been entered in the Best Buy system for a mini-artbook with a RRP of $14.99. There's nothing on Best Buy's website so it'll be interesting to see what it is.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

3. Lack of diverse areas; he said there was "a forest....and a desert....and that's about it." I told him that I swore I saw a winter area, but he says it was removed.

Aside from everybody elses comments, you can see the winter area in the Preview video of the English build that's up on GameTrailers.com. That and IIRC the area is also a key plot environment and not optional making missing it altogether unlikely.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

@Ashton: The Penelo FMV SOLDIER is referring to is from one of the early FFXII trailers where Penelo is dancing with a veil in a forest similiar to the image for her promo poster:


I can also confirm that the other cutscene in question is at least present in the US version thanks to a GAFer.

Also there's a Fall Toy Fair going on in NY with Koto in attendence which means the FFXII lineup, among others, were on display:








I won't post the rest but you can see more HERE. Scheduled for a Q1 2007 US release.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Hantei

Sweet, much better shots. Also these are set for Feb 28, 2007 in Japan, so we can expect to see them about a month or two after the Japanese release (probably popping up in the January issue of Previews). The Judge is definitely a must have, so detailed!

Definitley. It seems with each line released Koto's skills improve with FFXII so far looking to be their best in terms of sculpting and the paint job. I've been slowly getting the stuff they've released thus far but I'm making sure to preorder and get the whole set of FFXII.

My only problem with Koto is that never seem to finish a line they start. Advent Children for example only saw Cloud, Vincent, Tifa and Sephiroth but the line could of easily been continued to feature Barret, Cid, Reno & Rude or even Kadaj. Likewise for FFVIII which has so far only seen 3 characters. I'd love to see those expanded along with FFXII so then we'd get Basch, Penelo, Fran or even some more of the Judges!

Moving on, the FFXII OST is now available in the US without having to import. Tofu Records is publishing but like the FFX one that was brought over it's more of a "Best Selection" than the complete 4CD OST that contains the following tracks:

Quote:

01. Opening Movie (FFXII Theme)
02. Boss Battle
03. Training in the Sewers
04. Penelo's Theme
05. To Be a Sky Pirate
06. Gutter-churl
07. The Balmasca Estersand
08. Quiet Resolve
09. Parting Ways
10. Nalbina Fortress
11. Flash of Steel
12. Balthier's Promise
13. Nalbina Dungeons
14. The Archadian Empire
15. Black of Night (Imperial Version)
16. Discord (Imperial Version)
17. The Yensan Sandsea
18. Life and Death
19. Golmore Jungle
20. Chocobo Theme (FFXII Version)
21. The Salikawood
22. A Moment's Rest
23. On the Riverbank
24. The Mosphoran Highwaste
25. The Cerobi Steppe
26. Zertinan Caverns
27. Ashe's Theme
28. To Walk Amongst Gods
29. Bahamut Shudders
30. Struggle for Freedom
31. Kiss Me Good-Bye (featured in Final Fantasy XII) by Angela Aki

Available now.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Just curious but has anyone preordered via EBgames or GameStop.com....?

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by GELB-1

I did. Long ass time ago.

Not really because I want to play the game (it honestly looks like it won't be fun. I'm not even going to lie), but because it comes in a shiny tin can. The likelyhood of me actually ever playing this are next to none, but at least it'll look good on the shelf.

Have they charged your CC for it? That's the reason I ask as some have been saying their CC has been charged by EB/GameStop for the game and dated for 10/23 which almost sounds like they're shipping the game early....:eyebrow:

If you want to pick up FFXII for cheap though then check out Circuit City on the 31st where the game will be $37.99.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Black Mamba

Really?

I'm starting to think the DVD isn't worth it, and a case is just a case. So if I can get the regular version that much cheaper, its an easy descision; although I can't see why any place would sell it $10 cheaper....

It's because Circuit City is having a sale on all videogames and media which just happens to kick off on the day FFXII is released. Futureshop had a sale for those up in Canada too where $6 was slashed off of the retail price but that ended today.

7 days...1 week...168 hours etc etc. Cannot fucking wait!

The LE guide has been shipping today too to online preorders and since I'll be out near my local EB on Wednesday I'm hoping they'll have them in-stock so I can pick my copy up.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Black Mamba

I went through circuitcity.com and couldn't find anything on the matter. I also tried calling my local circuit city only to have some clueless chick answer. Is there anyway you can verify this sale for me? Thanks!

Just a keep an eye out but it'll most likely be in the Sunday ads. The info originally came from CAG which is a trust worthy site.

I hear some GS/EB preorders are beginning to be processed now too...

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

By processed do you mean they're handing out copies now? Man, don't even tease me with that. I was convinced I could wait another week, since this week I'm going to be working on painting my room (and then someone is going to change all the carpeting upstairs with wooden floors).

Coincidentley, I'm stopping by my local GS tommorow, so maybe I'll get a straight answer by then.

Naw I doubt it. It's mainly online preorders switching status from preorder to "Processing" which will most likely stay like that until next Monday. The whole charge thing appearing on credit card statements from EB/GS was just a thing they were beginning to do to verify legit cards and accounts due to the large demand and orders they have to fulfill.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

So I went to my local EBgames today to see if they had the LE guide in-stock. The clerk told me they weren't in and that they only shipped yesterday and won't be in until Friday. So that was the downer for the day but I decided to go back a couple of hours later, since the store is located in a mall, and put down $25 on the guide and game for next Tuesday where the clerk recognised me and ushered me over to tell me they got the LE guides in. We got talking and he was telling me how it was a good idea I reserved one since they only got 5 copies of the guide.

So I then asked if they had any of the CE tin cases for display like most of the other EB/GS stores have and he said "Yeah, this way" and went to back of the door in the store room and had me hold open the door as he shuffled to get to a large cardboard box that had arrived along with the box of LE guides and was like "Now, don't kill me for this but...."

....Son of a bitch handed me a newly arrived and sealed retail copy of the Collector's Edition in all it's shrinkwrapped glory.

Of course he wouldn't sell it despite all my efforts, and pleas, but I was just happy to know they'll have it next Tuesday and are also having a midnight launch.

So yeah, that's my story of joy and woe and chances are your local EB/GameStop games are getting or already have their copies in the back.

The LE guide is pretty swank too, I managed to get Ashe as my cover, and the artbook is an actual nice addition featuring artwork and renders of the all cast and support characters, races, airships, environments and weapons. It even has the limited artwork by Yoshida, Hideo Minaba and co that were shortpacked as collector's cards with bottles of "Potion" in Japan.

I'll try to have some snaps up later but I'd be happy to answer any questions about the LE guide or artbook.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Black Mamba

Your so lucky! My only question is how the guide is packaged, is it similiar to KH2's LE guide? I'm looking forward to a few pictures!

I haven't seen the KH2 LE guide but if it's anything like Brady's other ones then yeah they're the same. I snapped some shots real quick:

Front of Folio Cover


Folio Open


Inside of Folio without the Strat. Guide & Art Collection


Exterior of Folio Packaging

Here's a few samples of the Art Collection:








This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Black Mamba

Yep, its pretty similiar to KH's LE Guide; the only difference is this artbook looks promising. Very sexy, can't wait until friday!!

Thanks for the pics!

So how thick is the actual guide?

351 pages. So with that plus a 90-100 page artbook makes it a pretty hefty package.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

Ooh, illustrations and concept sketches. Now I'm interested. You said Wal-Mart has this guide the cheapest?

Looks like it but only by about $5 when compared to EB/GS's price with the 20% discount.

Quote:

The same as KH2, which is pretty thick (yay). However I was a bit dissapointed with KH2's larger text size. How would you describe the text in this guide; small and packed with info (like Fantasy Fantasy X-2's) or larger and basic (self explanatory; Final Fantasy X?).

Sorry for all the questions. ^^)
You'd think I could just wait the two days.

Small text size, packed with info that covers all the basics from Espers to Quickenings, Clan and Mob hunts, 46 pages of Bestiary information and images plus a crap load more.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by Spatula

Finally! It looks like the Canadian EB Games now have a SKU for it, and I just rang them up and told them to change my preorder from the regular walkthrough guide to the LE guide.

Wicked!

I really dig the guide and the Art Collection is a good enough addition. My only gripe is that there could of been some more artwork especially some of the conceptual stuff that's been released before:


Then again the bonus DVD with the CE has it's own art gallery too. Of course I'd much prefer Brady Games to team up with SE again and release just an artbook similiar to their Art of Final Fantasy IX book and I'd gladly drop cash down for that.

Quote:

Agg out of all the days I don't go to my local Gamestop it had to be today! I am definately going tommorrow to get my hands on that guide. ^_^

Give 'em a call first. The guy at EB told me they wouldn't be getting them until Friday since they only left the warehouse yesterday so he was quite surprised when they came in today with the game.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by Motsy

Picked up me LE guide today; got a Penello cover. The artbook's really nice.

Yeah I'm really happy with the LE guide and it's worth the price IMO. I just haven't flicked through the guide obviously for spoiler reasons but it seems pretty stacked.

Holding the game though...I really dig the LE tin and like how it's all engraved on the front with the logo and Judge. I just wish I could of walked out with it though.

Here's a good interview with FFXII Producer, Akitoshi Kawazu:
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6160463...stnews;title;2

He also talks about which scene was the one that was added back into the US and European version and why due to similiar real life incidents that had occurred in Japan around the time of the intended game's release involving kidnappings of minors.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by Freelance Wolf

Does it come with anything cool besides the artbook that's not with the normal version?

Aside from the folio folder and different covers I believe it's just the same as the regular edition.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Motsy

Yeah, the artbook's on par with the Art of Final Fantasy IX book we got way back when -- much better that the FFX-2 artbook, IMO.

I flipped through a couple page of the guide, making sure to stay the hell away from the actual walkthrough, and I'm really starting to get excited for this game again. So much to do!

Great interview, especially the quote about Kawazu keeping his own preferences out of the game. This is Matsuno's through and through!

Agreed although I'd give 'The Art of FFIX' more props just because it's more and pages and naturally full of more content. Again I'd wish Brady and Square-Enix would re-team for a full on artbook but the one with the LE guide is sufficent.

Originally Posted by Freelance Wolf

So who's going to be glued to the TV set for weeks when it comes out? I can't. My sister doesn't like it when I play console games in the bedroom, so I have to wait til she leaves, unless she wants to watch me play.

I will be....when I'm not working in the day anyways. I'm actually working on the day of release so my sister in-law will be grabbing my copy for me so no surprises what's going to be on my mind all that day.

Originally Posted by soulsteelgray

I'm assuming that since the Ashe cover that Simo posted had a close-up of her CG render that the Penelo cover has a close-up of her CG render, correct? I'm asking because I'd like to get the Balthier cover; all I'd have to do is look at the bottom for Balthier's legs.

Yep, it's their portraits which look pretty much like those in my sig. Both the front and back cover are themed to whatever character you get but so far I've heard more people getting Penelo than anyone else.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Just another sales heads up but Fry's will also be selling the regular edition of FFXII for $37.99 next Wednesday along with Circuit City.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Looks like online orders are starting to arrive. Mashing over at GAF received his copy from EB/GameStop.com today:










So chances are even if your order says "Processing" it may of shipped and if it didn't arrive today then it may well arrive tomorrow or Monday.

Content on the bonus DVD seems to be as follows:
Developer Interviews
Directors
Story & Translation
Battle System
Art Design
Music

The History of Final Fantasy

Promotional Trailers
E3 2004
Destination Playtstation 2005
E3 2005
Demo Trailer

Art Gallery
Illustrations
Moogles
Espers
Concept Art
Airships
Characters

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Yeah the Best Buys here are doing the same thing. It's supposed to be a mini artbook though but still not bad for a freebie.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Metal Sphere

Damn, I preordered mine over at EBGames.com and it still says 'processing'. Ah well, I'll get it soon enough. Kain, it might be a DVD-9 if the game really is that big.

You still might be in luck as those who preordered on EBgames/GameStop.com and received their copies still have a status of "Processing" on their order.

1UP.com now has their review up for FFXII:
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3154731

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Metal Sphere

Whoa, seriously? I preordered way back in August, so there shouldn't be any problem right? I might get it on Monday, I doubt there will be a delivery during the weekend.

Doesn't matter when you ordered, it seems like EB/GS are trying to get the shipments out ASAP due to demand as they mentioned. You might get it tomorrow as it's just another postal day. One member on GAF who received their copy even had 2nd day shipping and it still arrived today so there's a very good chance you'll receive it either tomorrow or Monday.

Keep us posted.

I'm actually a little worried about my in-store preorder after some information from an ex-GameStop employee who let out some info on preorders and their policies...

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?