It is no understatement that Square Enix stands a lot to prove with Final Fantasy XIII-2, the sequel to this generations most anticipated and ultimately hotly controversial Japanese Role Playing Game, Final Fantasy XIII. Fans have been anticipating the first major sequel to a Final Fantasy title since 2003’s Final Fantasy X-2. Square Enix too has put a lot of effort in taking XIII-2 in an entirely different direction from its predecessor. The company gave us the chance to sit down with what appeared to be a near full build of the game, allowing us to experience the game at our own pace in a three hour session.  (You can find more of our coverage by clicking here.)

Ask several Final Fantasy fans why they love the series and it would not be surprising to get a host of different answers. That intrinsic quality that makes a Final Fantasy game not just great, but a worthy installment, has been the topic of much debate over the years, particularly after each successive release.

While this topic is beyond the scope of this write up, I can say with confidence that Final Fantasy XIII-2 succeeds in capturing this essence, something I had feared the Fabula Nova Crystallis sub brand was incapable of doing. The sequel has been the most fun I have had with a Final Fantasy title this generation, and I remain cautiously optimistic that the full game has the ability to deliver early next year. Part one of my preview focuses primarily on the story and world that the first few hours of the game introduced me to and the immediate reactions I felt.

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This interview was part of the Final Fantasy XIII-2 Fan Day (more on that through this link). Questions were asked by various Final Fantasy fan sites to XIII-2 Producer Yoshinori Kitase and Art Director Isamu Kamikokuryou and interpreted via translator, Emi Bliss.

What do you feel are the biggest differences between Final Fantasy XIII and XIII-2, and the biggest similarities? (Question provided by: EyesOnFF.com)

Final Fantasy XIII was very much a story driven game and the game play felt more linear due to the fact that the object of the game was to progress through the story. This time, in Final Fantasy XIII-2 we utilized a system called the Historia Crux. This allows the player to travel between different times and locations, and allows much more player choices to be made. That would probably be the biggest difference in XIII and XIII-2, whereas the similarity or elements that are carried over from XIII is the paradigm shift. The paradigm shift was popular among the players due to fast paced battles and this time we have also incorporated more than 150 monsters that can be incorporated into your party, this adds more dimension to the battles. It’s the new and improved paradigm shift.

What challenges has developing the sequel presented that weren’t there for its predecessor? (Question provided by: FinalFantasy-XIII.net)

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