1stSamurai.net | The Exclusive Gaming Source

Final Fantasy developer Square Enix, and Japanese beverage manufacturer, Suntory, are teaming up for December’s launch of Final Fantasy XIII by releasing a series of 16 themed ‘Elixir’ beverages, as well as six special Elixirs that each come with a Final Fantasy XIII mini figurine, this December.

The elixir with mini figurines will be available on December 22nd in Japan, while the sixteen differently themed Elixirs will become available on December 8th in the region. Check ‘em out below:

Source:
http://www.el33tonline.com

Regardless of no hard drive install, load times are said to be few and far between.

By now, mandatory installs are a pretty accepted part of PlayStation 3 games, but one of the highest-profile upcoming titles will be install-free: Final Fantasy XIII. IGN reports that the game won't include a hard disk installation. Despite this, however, the game is said to be low on load times. Game director Motomu Toriyama claimed that the developer has concentrated from the start on keeping loading times low, and the only time a player will see a load is going between a town and a field. Besides that, the game is said to flow smoothly.

This is all related to the PS3 version, of course. Since the Xbox 360 allows optional installations for all games, it would stand to reason that FFXIII would allow it. But seeing as the game is likely to take up multiple discs on the system, players might have to install one disc at a time when swapping. We'll have to wait for more details on how that will work, but for now the Japanese PS3-exclusive is probably more on the minds at Square.

Source:
http://www.1up.com

Square Enix is releasing its first iPhone game this winter. Called Crystal Defenders, the Final Fantasy related title is a map-based "defense simulation" game that (of course) uses the iPhone's touch interface. Check out some screens after the jump.

スクウェア・エニックスがiPhone参入、2008年度今冬に『クリスタル・ディフェンダーズ』を配信予定 [Famitsu]

Source:
http://www.kotaku.com

We have the lastest Famitsu scans on the three FNC titles. Most is similar to that of the V-Jump scans, but there appears to be a couple more screenshots which haven't been seen before until now.

These are the only scans available at the moment, but hopefully we should update with some higher quality scans soon.

Source:
http://finalfantasy-xiii.net

A couple more details on the still elusive Final Fantasy Versus XIII have been confirmed and expanded apon in this months Famitsu.

The full names of both Noctis and Stella have been confirmed to be "Noctis Lucis Caelum"(meaning Light Night Sky), and Stella Nox Fleuret (meaning Star, darkness, latin). During the trailer shown at TGS, a scene in show in which Noctis and Stella discuss a special ability they both posess. This ability is to be able to "see light". It's not entirely clear what that's meant to mean at the moment, but Noctis tries to keep quite about it as Stella speaks of it openly, even asking how he aquired the ability.

Nomura also re-affirmed that Noctis is not a depressed emo, but hides his shyness by "acting cool". Stella is quiet the opposite, showing strong character as a reflection to her upbringing.

Nomura also mentions that you should "watch Noctis closely", as there will appear to be something different about him that he's hiding, although his friends can see through this.

Source:
http://finalfantasy-xiii.net