FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 : Further Gameplay Variety

SQUARE ENIX has released its eighth and final video showcasing various gameplay in FINAL FANTASY XIII-2. While FFXIII-2 seems to have a lot in terms of main gameplay, this video takes on the aspect of side-gameplay that you can immerse yourself into other than the typical storyline. Final Fantasy has always included other aspects to its games than just playing through the story, it gives breathing room from the fighting and story quests and helps bring the player more into the world of the game. In past games we have seen card games,  Chocobo Racing, the Gold Saucer, digging, fishing, and Blitzball.  FFXIII-2 seems to take the side-games to the next level featuring several different game types to keep the player otherwise occupied.

A press release says, “The video contains a selection of areas that augment the main action in FINAL FANTASY XIII-2. This includes a range of side quests that the player can engage in, where completion will yield different rewards. Players will also find unique puzzle sections that Serah and Noel must solve during the course of their main quest to find Lightning. Serah and Noel will also traverse the new location “Serendipity,” a casino-style area with a variety of games to play including slot machines and the return of FINAL FANTASY fan favorite, Chocobo Racing. ”

Taking a deeper in-depth look, we see that there are many options available.

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Gameplay Variety Options:

PUZZLE SECTIONS -  Noel Kreiss (the game’s main male protagonist) is quoted as saying “I bet if we solve all these puzzles, we can dissolve the current paradox”. These puzzle sections look fascinating and given Noel’s words, there is apparently ample reason to take on these puzzles and try to solve them. So, not only are the puzzle sections a side offering, but they might just help you with your main gameplay which is always a bonus.  Although it seems that in typical Final Fantasy fashion, they could pose a few challenges. Of course, this is always what motivates the player to try and try some more. This is because even if there is no reward, there is a reward in finishing the challenge.

CAPTAIN CRYPTIC’S CONFOUNDING QUIZ -  The player is given the chance to ‘eavesdrop’ on the inhabitants of a certain in-game city where they will then be given clues to the mysterious Captain Cryptic’s whereabouts. They are then to find Captain Cryptic and crack his confusing conundrums and cryptic questions in a face-to-face quiz type manner that if achieved will unlock a special reward for their efforts. Can you answer the questions correctly, or will Captain Cryptic remain confusing and confounding?

SIDEQUESTS -  Sidequests in FFXIII-2 give the player a chance to get away from the main storyline for a bit but also complete missions to unlock bonuses for gameplay and battles. Before accepting the mission, the player is given the chance to read the information on the mission at hand and within this information information as to what will be awarded will be shown. As if most players need a ‘teaser’ to complete missions.

CASINO – The casino is located in a new location called “Serendipity,” and offers a lot of casino styled mini-games for the player to immerse themselves into. The Casino looks massive and looks like there is a lot to offer including SLOTS (which yields actual coins if you win) and the return of Final Fantasy fan favorite : Chocobo Racing. With this much to do, its hard to believe that Noel and Serah would ever want to leave.

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Wit this video, it is apparent that while main gameplay will be important within FFXIII-2, that sidequests and sidegames will add not only to the game itself but give players added leverage within battles, more coins to spend within game or to lose while raising the stakes and odds on a game of SLOTS, puzzles to crack, trivia to solve, and possibly even more reason to play the game. So get your Chocobos ready to race, because this game seems to have a lot to offer.

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 will be available for the PlayStation®3 system and the Xbox®360 on January 31, 2012.

 

 

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 : Further Gameplay Variety, 10.0 out of 10 based on 3 ratings