Work yet to start on FFXIII for Xbox 360

By Robert Purchese Published 28 November, 2008

Simultaneous Euro release looks unlikely.

Square Enix hasn't yet started work on the Xbox 360 version of Final Fantasy XIII, which launches simultaneously with the PS3 game in Europe.

"For development, the PS3 version is currently being worked on," producer Yoshinori Kitase told Kikizo.

"We're going to complete that version first before we move onto the 360. We're at the state where we can put the build on a [Blu-ray disc] and play them on our testing units.

Final Fantasy XIII remains a PlayStation 3-exclusive for Japan, where the game will release next year, but it will be out on Xbox 360 in the US and Europe. Regarding Square Enix's decision to bring FF to Microsoft's console for the first time, Kitase said, "I'd rather they not think of this as a 'betrayal' or disappointment. It's not like we're cancelling or delaying the PS3 version at all! It's more of an added bonus for 360 fans. We won't be putting them at a disadvantage in any way."

A European date has yet to be set. But many argue that the simultaneous European release will result in a hold-up for the PlayStation 3 version.

Still, Final Fantasy XIII looks to be the role-playing hit Square Enix sorely needs after disappointing stop-gaps Last Remnant and Infinite Undiscovery.

Head over to our Final Fantasy XIII gamepage to find out why.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

You may also like...

Comments (77) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • rodpad #1 3 years ago

    First etc.

  • Dizzy #2 3 years ago

    Well they probably just need to click the "build" button to make it work ;)

  • Eraysor #3 3 years ago

    Haha, not only does the 360 finally get a FF game, but it makes PS3 users wait for it too!

  • the_dudefather #4 3 years ago

    @Eraysor

    read the story?

  • Kazzahdrane #5 3 years ago

    "Furthermore, Final Fantasy is CGI Heavy - no doubt the 360 version will come on multiple disks. They better offer a instal-to-HD option."

    I believe this is called the New Xbox Experience.
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 12:13

  • miiiguel #6 3 years ago

    # make -d "the_best_version" FF13.c

  • Madafunkola #7 3 years ago

    "I'd rather they not think of this as a 'betrayal' or disappointment"
    He really doesn't understand fanboyism...

  • crispyduckman #8 3 years ago

    This will make a grand total of 3 multiplatform games that run better on PS3.

  • Buztafen #9 3 years ago

    vorlon_man....theres a phone call for you.....apparently 2006 wants you back!

  • Xerx3s #10 3 years ago

    "Haha, not only does the 360 finally get a FF game, but it makes PS3 users wait for it too! "

    The 360 already has a FF title.

  • keyboardmonkey #11 3 years ago

    If Microsoft where to be very very clever, they would release the version on the 360 as region free ;-) just in case some people don't want to have to buy a PS3 just to play FF game.

  • patchbox360 #12 3 years ago

    man im not sure about FF13, they didn't get last remnant right technically and the most recent final fantasy 12 was only ff i didnt care to complete - i really want to believe but im skeptical right now.

  • DrDamn #13 3 years ago

    Are they using UE3 for this too? *shudder*

  • Evolution #14 3 years ago

    It's not like we won't get screwed with a release date in Europe anyway...

    @DrDamn - They are using their own engine for the FF games, I think it's the White Engine?

  • Fubdub #15 3 years ago

    keyboardmonkey: Not MS's decision.

    I think the real bitterness comes from Square favoring Xbox this generation with more releases, and timed exclusives. If they had announced Star Ocean 4 and the other RPGs for simultaneous release on PS3 nobody would really have had any excuse for fanboy tears.

  • DrDamn #16 3 years ago

    @Fubdub
    It's not exactly "Square favouring the 360" - it's a case of money hats and economics.

  • Goodfella #17 3 years ago

    Yes they are using their own engine and yes I believe it is called the white engine.

    Thank God, I think ALL the JRPG's on the 360 look terrible with that shiny plastic toy look they have.

  • Steroyd #18 3 years ago

    This is old however with Square not starting development until the PS3 Japan version leads me to believe there will be at least one hiccup when Square decide to click on the magical copy and paste button onto Xbox 360.

    Not that any of that matters because it won't hit Europe till 2010 making this "disadvantage" moot.

  • Edz72 #19 3 years ago

    After square's last two games I don't have high hopes for FF13, and I also don't believe there won't be a compromise by making the game multiplatform.
    Unfortunately it seems money talks, more than producing a decent game.

    Only time will tell I suppose...

  • Vanmunt #20 3 years ago

    Still in therapy for buying Last Remnant on release... soon I will be able to look at a RPG again, with help the Doctor says 'I should make a full recovery'.

  • muscleblade #21 3 years ago

    "I think ALL the JRPG's on the 360 look terrible with that shiny plastic toy look they have. "

    Have you even seen the best JPRPG on the 360? Eternal Sonata, Lost Odysse or Tales of Visperia. No shiny plastic toy look anywhere.
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 12:57

  • des #22 3 years ago

    LR is not disappointing,the only disappointing thing is the total ignorance and stupidity of western reviewers.

  • layleeloo #23 3 years ago

    If pathetic people still bother with that "first" shit - at least have something to say. Dilbert!!!

  • Xerx3s #24 3 years ago

    "It's not exactly "Square favouring the 360" - it's a case of money hats and economics. "

    That's always the case with every exclusive on every platform.

  • layleeloo #25 3 years ago

    Quote ""I'd rather they not think of this as a 'betrayal' or disappointment"
    He really doesn't understand fanboyism... " unquote

    Well good!! Cos its really pathetic! Fanboyism is just another word for blind ignorant pillock. Just becasue you have one thing doesnt mean everything else is crap. And if you think so, then you are lacking a few brain cells. I have most of the consoles, but same with music - just cos I dont like something I can still say if its well written etc. Fanboys all need shooting.

  • Yaz #26 3 years ago

    ^^^"Fanboys all need shooting."

    Maybe it's just me but... isn't that too harsh a punishment? ;)

  • Kenshin001 #27 3 years ago

    Can't see why they don't just release the PS3 version first. What benefit is there to SE?

  • optimusprym8 #28 3 years ago

    nope (@yaz)
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 13:38

  • Moonprince #29 3 years ago

    "Can't see why they don't just release the PS3 version first. What benefit is there to SE?"

    MS money innit!

  • SpyroViper #30 3 years ago

    The White Engine has been re-named to Crystal Tools. The reason why The Last Remnant had technical issues, is that UE3 doesn't do outside worlds very well. It can do them to an extent, but as you see in The Last Remnant, it has some Ridiculous detail in the view distance it has.. Also, the FF team didn't work on that game, the FF team are the best team at Squenix.

    Be prepared for a 50GB install, since we now it's using "a Blu-Ray disc" if it is a 50GB dual layer or not, remains to be seen.
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 13:54

  • AHiFi #31 3 years ago

    *whispers to Rob* I think you'll find that Final Fantasy XII has already been released on the PS2, and is not due for release next year.

  • Doctor_What #32 3 years ago

    @ Farticus: "No need, multiple disc JRPGs already work perfectly and are actually less hassle than having to do a large install. Still, the install option is there if you want it anyway via the NXE. // So, no platform differences at all. "

    I disagree - the best thing that the NXE has brought to the 360 is the HD install because it reduces the bloody horrendous volume of the CD drive. It really interferes with my gaming. Unfortunately, many people (such as myself) also bought the early version of the 360 so only have a 20GB HD and so wouldn't be able to instal four discs of game (c.25GB I'd guess) onto their machine. Even many 60GB 360 owners might think twice before putting the whole game on there. I still haven't decided if I want to spend more money just to get an improvement in the system's volume - it's still pretty noisy even with only the HD running!

    There's no denying it's got great (and arguably the best) games, but the 360's actual design in terms of engineering really is piss poor, so given the choice I'll be getting this game on the PS3.

    Oh, and from a developer's point of view, porting from the PS3 to the 360 isn't always that easy. The PS3 is a real bitch to get things going nicely on, but the way it uses its internal memory is fairly flexible so that can give some good tricks to coders when they need them. The 360 doesn't have that leeway, so if Square use the PS3's memory that way then the conversion could be pretty hard going for a while.

  • optimusprym8 #33 3 years ago

    UE3 outside is fine in GoW2. 50Gb install for what? Either console that has 60Gb option only has 55Gb space free for a start, not allowing for any other mandatory installs PS3 games have. Most 360's are 20Gb, most PS3s are 40Gb. At least PS3 allows any old (pretty much) HDD to be swapped in. Plus blu-ray read speed is so slow devs have to duplicate data across the disc to improve loading times.

  • andywilkie35 #34 3 years ago

    I agree with the multiple discs comment, the first RPG I played was Final Fantasy VII and that was on 3 discs so for me RPGs and multiple discs are standard.

    So now this is for 360 its yet another reason why I regret getting a PS3. At least MGS4 was absolutely incredible, otherwise I'd have been more upset

  • Widge #35 3 years ago

    Eternal Sonata looks gorgeous, although not stuck that in the PS3 since I got Valkyria Chronicles... which dare I say it, looks even better!

    I see what he means by generic jRPGs though, Last Remnant, Infinite Undiscovery look kinda unremarkable... note though, I slate this at screens I've seen of White Knight Story too (although I hope to be proven wrong).

    My question: what news of FFXIIIversus? the minor nuggets about this point to it being a straight up jRPG, dungeons, summons, party mechanics. Something that we might all be quite keen on!

  • Retroid #36 3 years ago

    "I strongly suspect the Ps3 version will come out on top for the simple reason most of the video will easily be 1080p, whereas to reduce the number of disks on the 360, I expect it to be 720p."

    Is there a game on PS3 which has the video in 1080p? Seeing as it's a bitch to get the thing to upscale anything, I image a lot of people would get annoyed with their TVs blanking for a second or two (well, mine does, YMMV etc.) when the resolution changes, and then back again.

    I know that 'advantage' was touted for BR but I've yet to actually see it myself.

  • Widge #37 3 years ago

    Does the PS3 have 1080p upscaling on games as standard now? As we know, Wipeout HD is quite happy to fluctuate the resolution if necessary, no blanking out there.

    The only time I've seen blanking out was on MGS4 when it uses the PSOne emulator to do the Shadow Moses flashback.

  • DrDamn #38 3 years ago

    @Doctor_What
    You only have to install one disc at a time y'know :).

    FFXII was liked by a lot of people, and had lots of nice stuff in it, I just didn't like the realtime, MMORPG-like combat. JRPG's are about controlling parties and therefore should be turn based combat - simple as that. It's a fundamental part of the genre for me.

  • Widge #39 3 years ago

    I didn't mind the combat, it was the sheer lack of involvement with the storyline that did it for me.

  • bi-gE #40 3 years ago

    Give that the crystal tools engine (FFXIII engine) has been coded to be multi platform, I'm sure Square can tweak the game for the 360 while they are doing the localization. The real question is how many disk will the game be on the 360.

  • SpyroViper #41 3 years ago

    @ optimus

    If it is using a Full 50GB for ONE blu-ray dual layer drive, unless they use amazing compression for the 360 version, I would think the install would be around 15 - 20GB maybe..

    and yes, Outside in GOW2 is fine, because it is inclosed, it hasn't got actual backdrops like Last Remnant has, but it uses 3D sky boxes which are actually 1/16th the size they are in game. Last Remnant has actual buildings that the level editor has made and not a 3D skybox. Plus, Epic being the Devs of the engine itself know what works best within it. I'd have thought you working where you do, would know this.. O well.
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 14:27

  • Charlie_Miso #42 3 years ago

    'Still, Final Fantasy XIII looks to be the role-playing hit Square Enix sorely needs after disappointing stop-gaps Last Remnant and Infinite Undiscovery.'

    Dragon Quest IX.

  • Widge #43 3 years ago

    No idea. I reckon they were pushed for space on 1 DVD on FFX. I bunged it on the PS3 the other day and you can really notice the compression on the FMV sections. I'm guessing this is to save space. FFXII didn't even get the FMV up to full screen!

  • Steroyd #44 3 years ago

    Completely untrue. Final Fantasy may not be everybody's cup-of-tea, but I honestly don't think there Square has ever put out a main sequence Final Fantasy that was anything less than good.

    FFXII was okay, but the storyline was completely uninteresting that FFXII is the first FF i've ever said "fuck it" and just stopped playing, there is absolutely no motivation for me to complete the game at all, not to mention that Square by their own standards have been pooh, add onto the 2 year hiatus since they bloody announced FFXIII remixing the same E3 05 trailer behind closed doors at every TGS, this is the least hyped I've ever been about a new mainline FF since the dawn of time.

    Wow trailed off topic to post my woes about Squares shenanigans... but to the point, FFXII wasn't as good as it was hyped to be, it's just one of those Eurogamers 10/10 seal of approval games, if you know what I mean.

  • Widge #45 3 years ago

    FFX-2 was both terrible and amazing at the same time. Amazing for having one of the best turn based combat engines of the series to date, terrible story and missing the vital part of any FF which is the exploration of new and fresh locations. Churning out the same old Spira with minimal changes. Pfff.

  • Widge #46 3 years ago

    ANYWAY, Farcry2 triple format face off to arrive today I believe. We can all bitch at each other in there too!

  • optimusprym8 #47 3 years ago

    I don't work for Epic last time I checked (well not anymore anyway) so no. Fuck I fed the troll (again) - really must leave you in your Stumpy hole.

  • Steroyd #48 3 years ago

    FFX-2 was both terrible and amazing at the same time. Amazing for having one of the best turn based combat engines of the series to date, terrible story and missing the vital part of any FF which is the exploration of new and fresh locations. Churning out the same old Spira with minimal changes. Pfff.

    Don't get me started on that, there's a hidden cave... because the camera couldn't pan to the left a tiny bit in the first game, wtf Square at least TRY!?

  • Widge #49 3 years ago

    Yeah, loads of the "new and wonderful" areas in the game were simply mazes with a max of about two textures. One for rock walls, one for dirty floor. Considering I'd pounded the land of Spira so massively while trying to populate the Monster Arena in FFX, I had my fill of seeing it. Let alone having to see it 5 times over in the course of the games chapters. Oh and add massive IRE for "you need the strategy guide" secrets creeping into the game at this point.

  • dirigiblebill #50 3 years ago

    I'm in two minds about Final Fantasy XII. I found the first twenty hours of it irksome (and said so in an EG reader review), but I suspect I didn't approach it with the right mindset. Great games aren't always easy to appreciate.

    It's a long, long way from being a stinker, certainly. The aesthetics, dialogue and some aspects of the battle system are brilliant.

  • SpyroViper #51 3 years ago

    @ optimus

    O yeah, I'm a troll. Because I spilt a bunch of facts that you in your crap company don't understand. And no, I didn't imply you worked for Epic but for another useless company.. Don't worry, I'm sure your wage will be on par with mine one day, I know it's tough..

    Damn, I just fed the boring Bald man under the bridge.. Watch your footing kids!
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 15:15

  • space_ace #52 3 years ago

    the last infinite laziness :)

  • Diomedes #53 3 years ago

    This guy is lying at the face of the reviewer and he swallows it all ....so "its not like we are delaying the PS3 version" ...but in fact they are precisely delaying the PS3 version in US and Europe!!

  • Doctor_What #54 3 years ago

    @ Farticus: re: memory in the machines: It might be that I was working at a developer who had a big focus on the PS3 so they thought the 360 was a limiting pain in the butt that has swayed by views! (Yes, they do exist!) My current employer feels the opposite way I suspect!

  • Kenshin001 #55 3 years ago

    farty, it appears to say the PS3 owners will have to wait before the 360 version is done. Maybe MS are worried about the perception of a timed exclusive.

  • Yaz #56 3 years ago

    "farty, it appears to say the PS3 owners will have to wait before the 360 version is done. Maybe MS are worried about the perception of a timed exclusive."

    The FF series has ALWAYS arrived in the US and Europe many months after the release of the game in Japan, sometimes by several months. Gamers seem to have forgotten that.

    Hence this would have been the case with FFXIII even if it was still a PS3 exclusive!

    Therefore it's nonsense for gamers to assume it's ONLY delayed because of the 360 and therefore blame it all on MS/360.

    Of course, it's possible the 360 version may delay the US/Europe versions a little beyond what would have been the release date, but then again, it may not add anything at all. I guess we cannot know for sure at present. :|
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 16:26

  • Landmaster #57 3 years ago

    Bought my PS3 for this.
    Sold my PS3 and bought an Elite for this soon after (:

  • Yaz #58 3 years ago

    "Holding back the english-spoken PS3-version until the 360-version is ready. The 360 fucks the US/Euro gamer."

    Like I said, the idea that the 'english-spoken PS3-version' is going to be held back only because of the 360 version is an assumption, and an assumption which ignores the history of FF game releases across the regions.
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 16:55

  • Kryon #59 3 years ago

    "Holding back the english-spoken PS3-version until the 360-version is ready. The 360 fucks the US/Euro gamer."

    To be fair it only fucks those of us who own only a PS3 and that's because the SDF enjoy being fucked, don't they? They put up with it an awful lot for people who don't enjoy a stiff one up the arse, they must enjoy it, no? I know Les likes it.

  • Gaol #60 3 years ago

    /prays for English translation being on Japanese PS3 Disc a la Chrono Trigger.

  • Les #61 3 years ago

    "and an assumption which ignores the history of FF game releases across the regions."

    Which is of course a history of single platform development...

  • Yaz #62 3 years ago

    "Which is of course a history of single platform development..."

    That's right, where the delay between the game's release in Japan and the rest of the world was mostly due to work required for other languages.

    Hence that work is still required for the Europe/US version of FFXIII, which will happen in parallel to 360 developement, for which the game engine is complete on the 360, making porting that much easier (it's not as if it's being created from scratch on the console).

    So whilst splitting the game across multiple DVDs is probably the biggest issue, I don't see it holding up the eventual release by much, if at all, since at worse 360 gamers will have a version less optimised than the PS3 version if needed to get the game out on time.
    Edited by 1 at 28/11/08 @ 18:54

  • JediMasterMalik #63 3 years ago

    It's not the 360's fault, but if it was indeed MS who made a deal for a simultaneous release, then MS will be fucking PS3 owners, whether they have a 360 or not, because they'll have to wait when it's not necessary. If not, then it's just SE being arses, and I can't imgaine them holding back the english PS3 version, for the sake of a simultaneous release if MS aren't somehow involved.

  • Foregone Reality #64 3 years ago

    FFXII was brilliant..except for the fact that it ended when I thought I was only halfway through it.

    What happened to exploring the world? Only half of the world map was covered..

  • bonker #65 3 years ago

    "This will make a grand total of 3 multiplatform games that run better on PS3. "

    The other two being??

  • bonker #66 3 years ago

    "I played the hell out of FFX and loved every minute, but FFX-2 was truly awful. It had an unengaging story and a terrible costume system."

    Did you really mean to say "costume system"??

  • JediMasterMalik #67 3 years ago

    Yeah, the game had a costume system. It was a "unique" feature of the game.

  • djcool3005 #68 3 years ago

    I wish they would just get on with the ff7 remake.

  • Moz #69 3 years ago

    This better not impact on the europe launch, but then it shouldn't as translation and coding are done by different people so both can happen at the same time, hell i'm guess most the translation work is already done, just need to get the voice talent in and once the jap game is out, go through adding the translated text and voice to the game.

  • Godhather08 #70 3 years ago

    @zero cool

    There is no point discussing with fartmax, he is an arrogant ass hole.

  • Nikanoru #71 3 years ago

    I played the hell out of FFX and loved every minute,


    *presses ignore button*

    Ok not really, but you know. I'm making a statement here.



    Not that X-2 or XII were any better (X-2 == X, so duh).

  • JediMasterMalik #72 3 years ago

    X-2 was nothing like X, X was excellent.

  • davisorle #73 3 years ago

    omfg are they ever gonna stop bitching? You paid for ur PS3. Buy ur fucking games and play and leave that bullshit already since ull still get to play FF. WTF is up with the "betrayl" bullshit? ffs

  • tnt_2008smum #74 3 years ago

    @Godhather08

    there's no point talking to zero_cool, he's a total cock!

  • gamotakon #75 3 years ago

    "We won't be putting them at a disadvantage in any way"
    "We're going to complete that [PS3] version first before we move onto the 360"
    Simultaneous release in America and Europe...
    Something in these Squenix words must be a lie! PS3 version will be at least delayed. And most probably not fully optimized cause of the X360 version. These guys have to figure out more clever ways to deceive us!

  • Nikanoru #76 3 years ago

    X-2 was nothing like X



    AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

    (repeat x infinity)

  • Yaz #77 3 years ago

    "Something in these Squenix words must be a lie!...."

    *rolleyes*