End Of An Era?

So I recently watched this

For those of you who didn't watch it it is a reveal or tour of Final Fantasy XIII: Lightning Returns. Now I can say the game looks great. Well polished and a story which seems will be a great ending to the Lightning Saga. I have no complaints at all about it. So you might ask yourself what is this post about?

Well when wat ching this video I thought to myself. Is this really the end of the classic turn based RPGs? This game to me is more of a ARPG is it not? Now I love ARPGs but Final Fantasy has always been its own thing. A game which is masterful for what it is and what it has been. Does this mean Final Fantasy is leaving the turn based style behind for the future? Who knows, but if so what would this mean? Maybe the most iconic series in gaming will be going through a major change. Am I ok with this? I think I am ok with it but I am not saying it wouldn't be weird. I will say it was funny them advertising a game where a character could jump. If it was any other game people would laugh and say WTF. In Final Fantasy this is a big deal. Like I said funny and a weird thing at the same time.

I for one am excited not only for this game but for what the future will bring to this series in the future. What do you all think is this massive change an end to an era of gaming that has spanned decades or is this just a game which is a change from the norm?

Changing the Game

Here we are another Wednesday so another list incoming. Why cause you all love random lists. You love to argue to discuss and whatever else. It is really quite enjoyable to watch it happen. This week though is a list I have been thinking about for quite some time. Gaming is changing we are having better graphics sound and overall quality of games in general. What is also changing is the way the female characters are displayed. There are no longer just helpless princess peach looking to be saved or the obvious teenage eye candy of Lara Croft. The characters have substance just like male characters and at times are even more interesting then any of the male characters in the story. This is something which is great for gaming as a whole and I am glad the industry is finally realizing that. So here are in my opinion the best female characters.


5. Elena Fisher - Uncharted 1,2,3

Now being a foil to Nathan Drake couldn't by any means be an easy character to create. Elena is done in such a way that she can handle herself, and she is always there to tell Drake what he needs to hear or everything he doesn't want to here. Uncharted is an amazing series but I would argue it wouldn't even be anything special without Elena.

4. Elle - The Last of Us

Everyone always talks about Joel and how the character is so in depth and a true hero who would do anything to do what has to be done to survive. We have to remember though that The Last of Us truly is the story about Elle, and her character doesn't disappoint in the least. She is one of a kind and for a 14 teen year old to even to be though of for my list is a big deal, but to make it is another thing entirely. The Last of Us is the game it is because of Joel and Elle without one another it would just be another game.

3. Jaina Proudmoore - Warcraft III, World of Warcraft

I must say back when I was playing Warcraft III I really didn't know the character I was being introduced to. She obviously was connected to Arthas, and I was very disappointed there was not more Jaina in Wrath of the Lich King. She lead the humans across the sea to Kalimdor during the undead invasion and established the connection with the Night Elves. Sure she did not out right join the Alliance until recently, but her first efforts were always diplomacy. She is the most powerful Arch Mage alive without question and if I was anyone I would be remembering that.

2. Sarah Kerrigan - Starcraft, Starcraft: Brood War, Starcraft II Wings of Liberty, Starcraft II Heart of the Swarm

What can one say about Kerrigan what already hasn't been said. She was once voted the greatest video game villian of all time. That has to mean something. She also has one of the saddest stories ever written for a video game. Just her story in itself could be a blockbuster movie, and it hasn't even been completed yet.


1. Lightning - Final Fantasy XIII, XIII-2, Lightning Returns

Lightning was said to be created to let female gamers know it was ok to be a gamer. She has done that an more. She has become a symbol why being part of a pretty awesome franchise of games. She has qualities that anyone male or female would want to have. She truly is the hero as a kid you wanted to be. The one who will save the world and sacrifice everything you know to do so. She doesn't only rank as a great female character she is truly one of the best characters gaming has ever seen.


There you have it my list for the week. As always tell me what you think agree or disagree.

Cloud's Return?

No sadly it is not a remake of Final Fantasy 7. Now this is a preorder special by Square Enix. Official release as follows

When you preorder LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII, you will receive the exclusive Cloud Strife SOLDIER 1st Class DLC straight from FINAL FANTASY VII for FREE! This epic throwback pack includes the iconic SOLDIER 1st Class Uniform, Buster Sword, Soldier Band and finishing animation.

Getting excited yet? We’ve put together a short gameplay trailer that shows off the DLC set and how it helps Lightning get to level 99 quicker. Did you catch that last bit? The victory fanfare comes with the Cloud Strife SOLDIER 1st Class DLC pack as well when preordering LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII!

So what do you think?

I think this is a pretty amazing preorder bonus. It is a game that has defined gaming for many years and giving some of the old time fans this Easter Egg is pretty sweet if you ask me. Now I know there has been posts after posts of people complaining that the history of this sword represents so much more than just a sword. Anyone who knows anything about the sword knows the promise it represents. I one of biggest Final Fantasy fans you will find do not see this as a spiting in the face of Cloud and Zack as some see it. That is stretching. Take this for what it is. A gesture to all Final Fantasy fans that should be appreciated.