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The Five Most Underrated Final Fantasy Characters Ever

Malcolm Spinedi — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:21 +0000

In preparation for my upcoming review of Final Fantasy XIII-2, I decided to do a few articles based on the Final Fantasy franchise. As I’ve said before, I’m a huge fan of the series. I still have fond memories of playing through the games during my years in high school. Granted, I played so much I missed out on having a social life, but how many of those so-called popular kids can say they beat Emerald Weapon in Final Fantasy VII? That’s right! No one! There have been many characters to grace this franchise over the years. Most of them have been mentioned in top fives just like this. Guys like Cloud, Sephiroth, Kefka, Kuja, Kain, Locke, and more are mentioned over and over. However, this one is dedicated to five in particular. These five I’ve never seen in any sort of "top five/six/etc." concerning Final Fantasy, not even the negative ones. It's a shame because they did contribute to their game in some way but have never gotten the credit they deserve. Until now, that is.

5. Lulu - Final Fantasy X

Lulu was a big part of the story in FFX. She had an interesting twist on the whole "Black Magician" class, as she was a pretty interesting Goth character. As proficient as she was with magic, she was better known for two things. For one, she is the first (and only) Final Fantasy character to specialize with teddy bears. No seriously -- her melee attack was to have her teddy bear spring to life and punch the enemy. As sad as that sounds, it's also just as hysterical to see her do 9999 points of damage to a behemoth with it (yes, I leveled that much). Second, she has the biggest rack in the history of the franchise, and also had the best victory pose ever (because it showed off her...um...never mind). So sounds like she gets credit just fine, however I'm here to tell you this isn't case. The reason is the character below: That’s right -- Rikku. This entry I'll admit is to my own personal bias, but I've always considered Lulu to be the hottest of the FFX cast. Maybe it's because I'm a boobs guy, I don't know. But the fact is she isn't, that title goes to Rikku, and I don't understand why. What began as a hypothetical conversation between some friends (and noticing the trends on the webs), has become a very long lasting pet peeve of mine for several years now. People can write to me as much as they want about her looks, personality, or what have you. My response will be the same every time: "She's underage, you'd go to jail." Many forget that Rikku is fifteen at the time of FFX. Eww. Lulu should be considered the most attractive, but isn't thanks to jailbait up there. There is no justice, I tell you.

4. Rydia - Final Fantasy IV

Final Fantasy IV was the first game to make me really take notice of the Final Fantasy franchise, and it's considered by many to be the best Final Fantasy game period. It has a powerful story, memorable characters, and great gameplay. There were many great characters, but every FF fan owes a very special thank you to the Green Summoner, Rydia. Simply put, if it weren't for Rydia then summoning wouldn't be as big as it is in Final Fantasy. People can write in saying how there was summoning in FFIII but it wasn't until Rydia that summoning became a focus. This entry was the first time that the characters excelled in one specific job class, instead of having their pick. All characters did wonders for their class (Dragoons are still my favorite thanks to Kain) but Rydia gave the job some depth. Summons were available in FFIII, but they were an optional class. You could beat it several times over and never do anything with the Summoning class. This was not the case with FFIV, as you were placed right into the role of Rydia, the last of the village of Mist. You literally watched this character start as a child being forced to travel with the same guys who inadvertently wiped out her village and grow into a powerful force of magic. Just as importantly, she introduces to Summons to the general public. Not only that, we later get to go to the dimension where the Summons come from. Wait a second -- you're telling me these creatures have personalities? Thats incredible! Keep in mind here in the US, FFIV was our FFII. So for North America this was our first introduction to summons. Summons got a lot of fame after that. Characters like Bahamut, Shiva, Ifrit, Carbuncle, Alexander, Odin, and more owe a debt of thanks to Rydia, the FF character who made summoning cool.

Twisted Metal will require online pass

Miles Jolliffe — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:30:33 +0000

It’s been confirmed that Eat Sleep Play’s Twisted Metal reboot will include an online pass. QA Lead Justin Trease confirmed the game’s multiplayer will require its own version of the infamous pass with a simple and straight-forward “yes” when speaking to TheGamersHub. Online passes are now included with new copies of top titles from publishers including Sony, EA and Ubisoft. Those purchasing second-hand copies more often than not have to purchase a new pass, which usually costs $10. David Jaffe, a co-founder of the studio, last month revealed he hopes the game avoids being bogged-down by the system. He said: “I’d actually prefer that we don’t do it, even though it’s probably good business, only because we have such a mountain to climb in terms of gaining people’s good faith, especially in Europe, and really letting people know that this is a title that’s worth getting excited about.”

Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition gets new trailer

Miles Jolliffe — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:21:24 +0000

Bethesda has released a new trailer for the Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition. The package will include the original Fallout: New Vegas game, as well as its Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues and Lonesome Road DLC. Recently released add-on packs Courier’s Stash and Gun Runners Arsenal are also offered. February 7 will see the Ultimate Edition’s release across North America, whilst Europe will have to wait three more days to get their hands on the upgraded latest release in the RPG franchise. As you can imagine, it will be hitting PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Check out the trailer below. http://youtu.be/VTjE1FgpWcM

Capcom officially announces Resident Evil 6, first video released

Miles Jolliffe — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:31:55 +0000

Capcom has officially unveiled Resident Evil 6 for the first time. Shortly after a leak revealing the game’s logo and release date, the publisher unleashed the game’s first trailer, along with a little information. The game is to be set 10 years after the initial Raccoon City incident, with characters familiar to Resident Evil fans, Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield, both playable as they face similar scenarios. Kennedy will be looking to survive in a U.S. area hit by a bioterrorist attack, in which the President has been infected. Meanwhile, Redfield will be facing a seemingly larger attack in China which could threaten worldwide. “From the outset the team’s intention was to create an experience that delivers a gripping storyline, tense single-player and co-op action all set against a constant theme of horror,” said Executive Producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi. “We are calling this fusion dramatic horror and are confident it will resonate with both existing fans of the series as well as newcomers.” Resident Evil 6 launches on PS3, as well as Xbox 360, on November 20, 2012. A PC version is to follow, but no date has been given. Check out the debut trailer below.

Irrational announces BioShock Infinite ’1999 Mode’

Miles Jolliffe — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:36:48 +0000

Irrational Games has announced 1999 Mode for its highly anticipated first-person shooter, BioShock Infinite. The 1999 Mode is said to offer tweaks and features not included in Infinite’s standard single-player experience. Why? Well, Irrational want to offer something to those “who long for the days of games that demanded more of the player.” “We want to give our oldest and most committed fans an option to go back to our roots,” said Irrational Creative Director Ken Levine, who stated 1999 Mode will include more permanent consequences as a result of their gameplay decisions. “I’m an old school gamer,” he added. “We wanted to make sure we were taking into account the play styles of gamers like me. “So we went straight to the horse’s mouth by asking them, on our website, a series of questions about how they play our games. 94.6 percent of respondents indicated that upgrade choices enhanced their BioShock gameplay experience; however, 56.8 percent indicated that being required to make permanent decisions about their character would have made the game even better.” BioShock Infinite is set to hit PS3, as well as Xbox 360 and PC, sometime this year.

BioWare dates Mass Effect 3 demo

Miles Jolliffe — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:23:45 +0000

BioWare has announced dates for its Mass Effect 3 demo. It’ll hit the PlayStation Network, as well as Xbox Live and PC platforms on February 17. No specific times have been given just yet, though. Two sections from the game will feature, including its opening level featuring the Reaper attack on Earth, as well as a level found later in the game in which Commander Shepard heads to an alien world in search of combat assistance. On top of that, a co-op multiplayer section will include two maps: Slum and Noveria. It won’t open to all demo players before February 17, though some have qualified for early access. Find out more information on that, as well as other features, on the BioWare website. Altogether, the demo could offer up to two hours of action. Mass Effect 3 launches on March 6 in North America and March 9 across Europe.

New Max Payne 3 video shows off targeting, weapons and tactical movement

Miles Jolliffe — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:14:02 +0000

Rockstar Games has released a new video within its Max Payne 3 Design and Technology series. The second video instalment showcases the targeting, weapons and tactical movement in the game. It’s all looking very promising, that’s for sure. Earlier this week Rockstar announced its decision to push back the release of Payne’s third outing from March to May 15 in North America. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar parent company Take-Two, promised the delay would ensure the game delivers “the highest quality groundbreaking entertainment experience that is expected from our company.” Max Payne 3 is heading to PS3, as well as Xbox 360 and PC. http://youtu.be/9FTvPSnkV5A

Armored Core V to release late in March 2012

Nadim — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:07:39 +0000

The popular mech series from developer Namco Bandai has been announced to release in late March. More specifically, the 20th in North America and the 23rd in Europe. Here is the official statement:

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES TO RELEASE ARMORED CORE® V ON MARCH 20, 2012 The Fight for Humanity Comes to the U.S. This Spring SAN JOSE, Calif., (January 12, 2012) NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced ARMORED CORE® V will be released on March 20, 2012 in North America and on March 23, 2012 in Europe for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Developed by the acclaimed FromSoftware, Inc., ARMORED CORE V will bring the most intense and strategic mech battles yet to the veteran series. The ARMORED CORE® franchise is renowned in the mech action genre for its intense battles and customization options. ARMORED CORE V revolutionizes the series with massive online multiplayer battles designed around huge team-based skirmishes on a grand scale, a robust offline mode, and a completely new atmosphere. Featuring mechs or “Armored Cores” that are customized for more strategic gameplay, ARMORED CORE V focuses on tactics and effectively utilizing the geography of a level to maximize the devastating effects of attacks. Players will be able to customize their Armored Core with countless unlockable parts creating their own personal weapons of mass destruction. “Gamers have been eagerly anticipating the release of ARMORED CORE V, which will bring strategic mech combat to new heights,” said Eiichi Nakajima, studio head, FromSoftware, Inc. “With cooperative missions, a persistent online world battling for territories and epic team battles, ARMORED CORE V is the complete action shooter package.” The all new Operator Mode gives one player a leadership role by being able to supply his Armored Core teammates with enemy positions, movements and details. “A quick trigger finger and razor-sharp reflexes won’t always turn the tide of battle in ARMORED CORE V,” said Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing, NAMCO BANDAI Games America. “The Operator adds a new layer of strategy orchestrating his team of Armored Cores to victory by finding the enemy’s weaknesses.” NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. also confirmed today that ARMORED CORE fans pre-ordering the title from GameStop® stores across North America, as well as GameStop.com, will gain exclusive access to the ‘HEAVY ASSAULT PACK’ while supplies last. The pack will include additional weapons and parts that will help give players a competitive advantage on day one in the innovative and sophisticated online multiplayer battles of ARMORED CORE V. ARMORED CORE V will be available throughout North America on March 20, 2012. For more information on the game, as well as information on additional pre-order promotions, please visit: http://namcobandaigames.com/console/armored-core-5 and http://www.facebook.com/armoredcore.

Sounds tasty. The series has been known for heavily detailed mech building and customization as well as fast paced action. It's safe to say we'll be seeing more of that with this new release, so stay tuned. Check out the launch trailer here. Source: Gameblurb

Ninja Gaiden 3 gets new multiplayer trailer

Miles Jolliffe — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:03:03 +0000

Tecmo Koei and Ninja Theory have released a new trailer for its highly anticipated hack-and-slash cracker, Ninja Gaiden 3. The new video showcases the series’ first multiplayer experience, with competitive and co-op modes support up to eight players set to feature. It also turns out that, amongst the impressive moves and executions, you have the option of ending your own life in a move of ‘honor’. Lovely. Ninja Gaiden 3 is set to hit PS3, as well as Xbox 360, on March 20 in North America, and March 23 across Europe. Find the trailer here.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 development to continue, says GSC

Miles Jolliffe — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:23:15 +0000

Some good news has emerged from GSC Game World. In recent weeks reports have claimed the Ukranian developer may close its doors for good, resulting in the cancellation of first-person shooter, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Fortunately, though, GSC revealed its team will continue development of the highly anticipated game in the near future. “The Stalker team is extremely happy! Why? Because we are continuing work on Stalker 2 after the holidays,” reads a post on the game’s official Facebook page. Unlike its critically acclaimed 2010 predecessor, PC-exclusive S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, the game is also heading to PS3 and Xbox 360. A 2012 release date was expected, but we’re unsure as to whether that still stands.