Square-Enix Final Fantasy XIII-2?

That isn't the slightest bit true, the computer never chooses full ATB skills and is really, really bad at deciding whether to use an "-a" or "-aga" spell- I almost never used auto-battle during random battles.

You could not be more wrong. Maybe this works if you throw a bunch of shrouds on before every boss but that is no fun. I generally have to use a different party with different paradigms for every boss. I love the way FFXIII makes me think strategically

 

I had totally forgot about this.

Spoiler

Two New FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 Books Releasing in December

Square Enix has revealed two new pieces of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 merchandise.

Not surprisingly, the game will be getting its own Post Card Book. Set to release on December 15 (the same day as the game), the book will be priced at ¥1,260, and contain a collection of CG illustrations including Lightning, Serah, etc. New characters Noel and Caius will also be included, complete on 24 post cards with an additional 8 page character introduction.

Also announced is a 232 page book titled “FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 Fragments Before.†For ¥1,470, this novel takes place immediately before the events of XIII-2. Similar to FINAL FANTASY VII’s “On the Way to a Smile,†“Fragments Before†will contain several stories revolving around characters such as Serah, Snow, Noel, and Rygdea & Bartholomew Estheim:

Serah: Memories of the year AF0.
New Bodhum: A story of the year AF3.
Snow: The story of his departure.
Rygdea & Bartholomew: The creation of a provisional government, and the secret history of the founding of the Academy.
Noel: The end of the world, a period of uncertainty.

It’s also due out on the same day as the game’s release. Written by Jun Eishima of Episode i fame, the novel is being supervised by Motomu Toriyama and Daisuke Watanabe as well.

Source: Nova Crystallis

 

Does this mean Rygdea didn't go Cieth? 8D That sexy cowboy.

 

Then why did it work fine for me? It always chooses the right skills that the enemy is weak against every time.

Again, why did it work fine for me? What other strategy is involved? What I posted was the strategy I used in every single boss fight except the Eidolon battles, which would have been good if it weren't for the ****ing Doom counter.

 

Key phrase is "for me."
Other people obviously had different experiences. I'm in the middle when it comes to the battle system of XIII. I did enjoy it and think it was strategic (and I only used Auto-Battle during small fights when I couldn't be bothered to put an effort into it), but it did leave some to be desired. The basic paradigm setups you mentioned earlier were pretty much what I used.

 

I'm sort of waiting for the special editions, but so far I've seen nothing announced for NA. Also, repeating myself for like the twentieth time, I hope they give you permanent human party members. And I also hope you aren't forced to use monsters.

I'm also expecting a good story. The current way it's changed so much from XIII (Time travel, Lightning turning into some warrior, and all these strange new characters) I'm a bit skeptical. On the other hand, I want to see more of Serah's personality and development.

Pretty much this. I can see where there's customization lacking and better menu interface for battles. But it's an RPG, with menus and pseudo turn based battles. If anything, this adds a layer of strategy due to the ATB and use of paradigms. Most games do boil down to using the X button.

 

The Japanese release is only 45 days away..... hasn't it gone quick?

 

Too quick, to be honest.
As much as I'm looking forward to this game, I was really hoping to have Versus and Type-0 released in NA before any sequels.
In my opinion, Square should have done a compilation within a compilation. First generation of Fabula: XIII, Versus, and Type-0, then XIII-2, Versus sequel (if done), and Type-1, and so on and so forth. So don't release a sequel to one game in the Fabula compilation until each game of is caught up, at least.

But now, I need to start replaying FFXIII to get ready for this

 

Same here. Taking it slow and steady. I really hope Versus will pop up at Jump Festa and a Type-0 Localization is announced after XIII-2. I wonder what XIII-2 news is in store for us next?

 

Even more information from those screenshots released a few days ago.

http://www.finalfantasy.net/xiii-2/alyssa-zaidelle-minigames-city-information/

 

Alyssa Zaidelle....hm....very exotic XD I hope she is a playable character.

 

Just found the cover without any banners.

 

http://uman.square-enix-europe.com/...2POSE&code=316570&lang=en&page=email&id=VIDEO

I'll leave this here.

 

Any idea as to the content of the DLC pack listed on there? If it's interesting enough stuff, I might even consider it as my first ever pre-order.

 

I don't know if I want it....DX

Here is the Japanese boxart.

Spoiler

http://andriasang.com/comyvz/
Tiny Final Fantasy XIII-2 Article Correction

EDIT 2: European Boxart.

Spoiler

 

Thank goodness they went back to the original style. Having Lightning on it was nice, but having the traditional FF style is so much better.

For those who can't import the Lightning PS3.

http://www.yesasia.com/global/1025061893-0-0-0-en/info.html

It's not as nice as the PS3 but it's still nice.

 

http://andriasang.com/comywh/

Motomu Toriyama talks about Paradigms, Battle Balance and Monster Collecting.

 

It honestly looks like they're improved on FFXIII in every way...except the monsters. :| Though, I'm kinda liking the idea of having them, but I would still prefer to have the option to for actual characters in my team.

Good to see they've increased the difficultly, and I'm interested in this balance they've mentioned and no caps on characters' growth.

 

I like the idea of monster collecting, but I hate the fact it's Serah, Noel and a monster in your party, sometimes a guest. I hope that they would show us some more playable characters (if there are any).

 

It's here.

FFXIII-2 Collector's Edition!

I'm not sure if I should get it or not. But if I am to get it, then I'll definitely go with Best Buy to get the novella.