'Masterminds of Final Fantasy XIII' reveal March 9 release date @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on November 13, 2009

News: A new trailer and a release date that is less than four months away.

After years of waiting, Square Enix has finally given gamers a date to circle on their calendars for the release of Final Fantasy XIII on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. And that date will be March 9, 2010, just a little under four months from today.

The release date was accompanied by the release of a new video, "Masterminds of Final Fantasy XIII". In the video, producer Yoshinori Kitase, director Motomu Toriyama, art director Isamu Kamikokuryo, battle director Yuji Abe and Square Enix President and CEO John Yamamoto (who revealed that Leona Lewis will be performing the game's theme song, "My Hands") discussed many of the game's new features. Features such as...

Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards Ц The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, Final Fantasy XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.

Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system Ц The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it's up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.

Adapt to the Ever - Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms Ц A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game's six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.

Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System Ц Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.

Delve into an Emotional Experience Ц An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?

The video culminated in a brand new never-before-seen gameplay trailer. So, without further adieu, I present the "Masterminds of Final Fantasy XIII":

Finally, in what may be a video game first, Square Enix has revealed the story of Final Fantasy XIII... in free verse:

Cocoon Ч a utopia in the sky.
Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum's rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.

Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal'Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.

Their tranquillity was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal'Cie.

The moment that fal'Cie from Pulse Ч the feared and detested lowerworld Ч awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.

Fal'Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.

They become l'Cie Ч chosen of the fal'Cie.

Those branded with the mark of a l'Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.

A prayer for redemption.

A wish to protect the world.
A promise to challenge destiny.

After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.