Was Final Fantasy 15 Supposed to be 13? A Look into the Development History of the Game
Final Fantasy 15, released in 2016, has undergone a significant transformation during its development. From being a part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis project, Versus XIII, to rebranding as Final Fantasy XV, the game’s history is filled with interesting stories and decisions. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between Final Fantasy 15 and 13, and delve into the reasons behind the game’s radical change.
The Origins: Fabula Nova Crystallis Project
In the early 2000s, Square Enix (formerly Square) announced the Fabula Nova Crystallis project, an initiative to create a series of games within a shared universe. The project would feature different games, each with their own storylines, characters, and settings, yet connected through the underlying mythology and shared universe.
Versus XIII, initially titled Agito XIII, was one such game within this project. Developed by the same team behind Final Fantasy X and XIII, the game would feature a darker, more mature theme and a focus on action and RPG elements.
The Connection to Final Fantasy 13
Final Fantasy XIII, released in 2009, played a significant role in the development of Versus XIII. The two games shared a common universe, mythology, and some character connections. As a result, Noctis, the protagonist of Versus XIII, was originally designed to be the younger self of Lightning, the protagonist of Final Fantasy XIII.
This connection was later expanded upon in Final Fantasy Versus XIII’s trailer and promotional materials, showcasing a scene where a younger Noctis visits a grave with a woman in white, later revealed to be spoiler alert Kathleen, Lightning’s ally in Final Fantasy XIII. While this connection was never fully realized in the final game, it highlights the depth of the universe and the importance of these shared elements.
Changes and Rebranding
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Square Enix began experiencing development issues and changes in vision for Versus XIII. Tetsuya Nomura, the game’s director, was facing pressure from the company to create a more realistic and mature game, which ultimately led to the rebranding of the game.
From Versus XIII to Final Fantasy XV
As the development progressed, Square Enix deemed it necessary to rebrand the game due to changes in the company’s expectations and the evolution of the gaming landscape. In 2013, the game’s title was changed to Final Fantasy XV, and its scope expanded to become an open-world, action-RPG game. The rebranding marked a major shift in the game’s tone, mechanics, and narrative, departing from the original concept.
What Happened to Noctis and the Shared Universe?
During the rebranding, much of the original concept, including the shared universe and character connections with Final Fantasy XIII, was rewritten or removed. Noctis’ original storyline and connections with Lightning were scrapped, replacing them with new characters and plot lines.
While some remnants of the Fabula Nova Crystallis universe can still be seen in Final Fantasy XV, the game’s focus is now primarily on its own story, mechanics, and characters.
Conclusion
The relationship between Final Fantasy 15 and 13 serves as a testament to the evolution of game development and the changing expectations of the industry. The connection between Noctis and Lightning may seem like a distant memory, but the universe they inhabited is still present in subtle ways.
Though the rebranding of Final Fantasy XV led to significant changes, Square Enix’s willingness to adapt and redefine the game demonstrates the company’s ability to evolve and learn from its mistakes. As fans, we can take solace in the fact that sometimes, the best results can be achieved through transformation and innovation.
What do you think about the history of Final Fantasy 15 and its connection to 13? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Table: Final Fantasy 15 Development Timeline
| Game | Title | Development Phase | Key Decisions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Versus XIII | Initially Agito XIII | Early 2000s | Connected to Final Fantasy 13 universe and characters |
| Focused on darker, mature tone and action-RPG elements | |||
| Versus XIII | Late 2000s-2010s | Rebranded to Final Fantasy XV | |
| Final Fantasy XV | 2011-2016 | Expanded to an open-world, action-RPG game with a new narrative | |
| Final Fantasy XV | Removed connections to the original Fabula Nova Crystallis project |
Key Points to Highlight:
- Final Fantasy 15 started as a part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis project, connected to Final Fantasy 13.
- Tetsuya Nomura’s vision was initially to create a darker, more mature game.
- The rebranding of Final Fantasy XV in 2013 marked a significant departure from the original concept.
- Noctis’ original storyline and connections with Lightning were scrapped.
- The game’s narrative and mechanics were rewritten, making it a unique experience.