What was FF Versus 13 Supposed to Be?
Final Fantasy Versus 13, later rebranded as Final Fantasy 15, was a highly anticipated game that underwent significant changes during its development. The game’s original concept and storyline have been shrouded in mystery, leaving fans to speculate about its true nature. In this article, we will delve into the original intentions behind FF Versus 13 and explore the changes that occurred during its development.
An Independent Story
FF Versus 13 was initially announced as a spin-off title within the Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy series. The game was designed to be an independent story, separate from the mainline Final Fantasy series. This meant that the game would not have any direct connections to the story or characters of Final Fantasy XIII. The developers aimed to create a unique narrative that would stand on its own, with its own world, characters, and mythology.
A New Engine and Gameplay Mechanics
FF Versus 13 was also intended to be a showcase for Square Enix’s new game engine, the Crystal Tools engine. This engine was designed to provide more realistic graphics and improved gameplay mechanics. The game was supposed to feature a new battle system, which would allow for more strategic combat and deeper character customization.
A Darker and More Mature Tone
The game’s story was also expected to be darker and more mature than previous Final Fantasy titles. The developers aimed to create a narrative that would explore complex themes and moral ambiguities. The game’s world was designed to be gritty and realistic, with a focus on character development and storytelling.
A Queer Romance
One of the most significant aspects of FF Versus 13 was its portrayal of a queer romance between two characters, Fang and Vanille. This was a bold move for the series, as it was one of the first times that a Final Fantasy game had featured a same-sex relationship. The game’s developers aimed to depict a realistic and respectful portrayal of same-sex love, which was a significant departure from the typical heteronormative narratives found in most games.
The Game’s Development
Despite the game’s promising concept and storyline, its development was plagued by issues. The Crystal Tools engine proved to be difficult to work with, and the game’s scope and complexity led to delays and changes. The game’s director, Tetsuya Nomura, was also pulled away from the project to work on other games, including Kingdom Hearts.
The Game’s Rebranding
In 2013, Square Enix announced that FF Versus 13 would be rebranded as Final Fantasy 15. The game’s scope and direction had changed significantly, and the developers aimed to create a more mainstream and accessible game. The game’s story and characters were rewritten, and the game’s tone was shifted to be more light-hearted and humorous.
Conclusion
FF Versus 13 was a game that was supposed to be a bold and innovative departure from the typical Final Fantasy formula. Its unique story, characters, and gameplay mechanics were designed to appeal to a new audience and provide a fresh take on the series. However, the game’s development was plagued by issues, and its rebranding as Final Fantasy 15 marked a significant departure from its original concept. Despite this, the game’s legacy lives on, and its influence can be seen in later Final Fantasy titles.