Final Fantasy XIII-2

[Splintered]

He's bound to have some whiny emo moment where Serah needs to pick him up. Can someone put my fears to rest with that at least?

There is no Final Fantasy without at least some emo moments. But he snaps out of it quickly and it's actually a pretty nice moment in the game (if you excuse one glaring plot hole).

EDIT: How far are you now?

 

[Zee]

As for DLC. FUCK YOU SQUENIX. You should be lucky people paid twice for the game you should have made, stop milking more money out of them! D:

what are you talking about

they could've pulled an EA and taken a chunk of the story out, sold it for 800MSP, and then added nothing but DLC only achievements

it's just clothing and fanservice battles that people enjoy
people don't have to buy them??

they're actually doing DLC right: random extras that don't necessarily effect the game enough that you feel like you're forced to buy it to "complete" the game

 

[The Twilight Mexican]

As the person who has given XIII-2 more hell than anybody, like Zee, I have to give it props on gameplay and DLC. The things it has done right, it did very right.

 

[Marle]

Also, I'd dare say I like Noel and I just know that's gonna be ruined later on. He's bound to have some whiny emo moment where Serah needs to pick him up. Can someone put my fears to rest with that at least?

NOEL IS WONDERFUL ISN'T HE?!

It makes me so happy to know he's getting some love because I truly feel that Square did marvelous with him and his character. He never got old or was ruined, tbh.

I also didn't catch any 'emo' moments. Everything he does, he does for a reason he firmly believes in. He shows signs of being conflicted but he fights to the bitter end no matter what. The guy has so much resolve and such a strong will, it's amazing. He's an optimist, so it's hard to see him ever 'emo'.

The times he does feel down and is sad, he picks himself up again real quick and moves on. He knows dwelling on his problems or sadness won't change anything so what does he do? He stands back up and figures out what he can do that will change things for the better. He's all kinds of crazy strong and the shit he goes through and survives is just...

Honestly, Noel Kreiss was the reason I gave this game a chance in the first place and he's probably a major reason in why I love the game as much as I do. I don't think you'll be disappointed with Noel's character at all. I know I wasn't. And hell, I was actually expecting it, too. xD

That's the best I can do without spoilers.

 

[The Twilight Mexican]

Noel is one of the only parts of the story I like. He's a genuinely good character that deserved a better story.

 

[Arianna]

You play the fal'Cie Barthandelus and your job is to find the humans who will become that l'Cie that take down Cocoon. Become friends with the other fal'Cie and recruit them into your party. Just be aware that they can only do what they were created to do and are useless otherwise.

Thing is, fal'Cie are not useless otherwise. They have feelings, and are life forms in their own right. They are not flesh and blood but crystal and metal. If you get the Transformers, I think getting the fal'Cie is similar. They are a race of living robots, so to speak.

Fal'Cie are very loyal to their creators' instructions. I take Genie's quote from the original Disney's Aladdin movie, as much as I can remember it: "(Tremendous?) cosmic power, itty-bitty living space." They are loyal to a fault, even; while they have intelligence and power, they are pre-programmed to obey the core of Bhunivelze's desire - find the way to Mwynn.

It's an instinct that the fal'Cie will usually always obey, like the fight or flight instinct in life (which fal'Cie also have in their own way, as shown by Kujata in XIII and Episode 0.) But XIII-2 also showed us that it's possible, at least thinkable, that fal'Cie can override this instinct, as it's said in one of the fragments that

Spoiler: Gogmagog/Allodai...

(one or the other) was a/were fal'Cie that decided to meddle in time and space

.

Anyway, I wouldn't underestimate them as something simple, when they're not. As for interpersonal relationships between the fal'Cie, I have to admit it's an interesting thought. I wonder how it takes place - I mean, is it like computers communicating, or is it like animals, or for that matter plants (who communicate through chemicals - well, animals do too, but, plants more so). Anyhow...

 

[Masamune]

There is no Final Fantasy without at least some emo moments. But he snaps out of it quickly and it's actually a pretty nice moment in the game (if you excuse one glaring plot hole).

EDIT: How far are you now?

Maybe so but in recent years Kitase & co have perfected the art of whiny, self-absorbed characters, unlike my bro Matsuno, he knows the score.

As for where I'm at, I've just found the artefact at Sunleth Waterscape and left Snow to consider what the fuck he's done to his hair.

what are you talking about

they could've pulled an EA and taken a chunk of the story out, sold it for 800MSP, and then added nothing but DLC only achievements

it's just clothing and fanservice battles that people enjoy
people don't have to buy them??

they're actually doing DLC right: random extras that don't necessarily effect the game enough that you feel like you're forced to buy it to "complete" the game

There's really no excuse for excluding any of this from the main game other than Squenix trying to squeeze a few more dollars out of unsuspecting players for the privilege.

NOEL IS WONDERFUL ISN'T HE?!

Noel's voice drove me crazy at first because I instantly recognized it and I couldn't for the life of me figure out where it was from (and I refused to IMDB it). Lo' and behold, once I popped in Skyrim and bumped into the first bard lothario it all fell into place.

Still think he's let down by his character design. Looks more like he jumped out of Kingdom Hearts rather than the end of civilization. But that's FF for you these days.

 

[Alex Strife]

I don't think Noel's an optimist. He's a fighter, though. So no matter what, he always, ALWAYS moves onwards. I liked that about him, because it's "realistic". He's not emo, he's just human. He may have one or two moments where you see he's having a hard time with the whole situation, but the game does not focus on those, and it just goes on, he picks up himself quickly and we're on it again.

I didn't expect to like Noel very much, but in the end, I did like him quite a bit.

 

[Fangu]

Noel's voice drove me crazy at first because I instantly recognized it and I couldn't for the life of me figure out where it was from (and I refused to IMDB it). Lo' and behold, once I popped in Skyrim and bumped into the first bard lothario it all fell into place.

When I saw he was that kid from "Step by Step" I almost fell over laughing. I grew up watching that show every day after school. Thankfully he's didn't sound anything like the character he was in that show.

 

[ForceStealer]

MThere's really no excuse for excluding any of this from the main game other than Squenix trying to squeeze a few more dollars out of unsuspecting players for the privilege.

They charge too much for it, yeah. ButI agree that they're doing DLC the right way. Fun little side things that can improve your personal enjoyment of the game but nothing that you actually miss out on for not having. Not like Day 1 plot-important stuff that only people that bought the special edition can have a la Mass Effect, and not like extricating entire freaking chapters from the main story so you can charge for them later a la Assassin's Creed II.

 

[Lex]

When I saw he was that kid from "Step by Step" I almost fell over laughing. I grew up watching that show every day after school. Thankfully he's didn't sound anything like the character he was in that show.

Am I the only one here who recognised his voice from The Lion King 2? He plays Kovu!

 

[Aqua]

Thing is, fal'Cie are not useless otherwise. They have feelings, and are life forms in their own right. They are not flesh and blood but crystal and metal. If you get the Transformers, I think getting the fal'Cie is similar. They are a race of living robots, so to speak.

Fal'Cie are very loyal to their creators' instructions. I take Genie's quote from the original Disney's Aladdin movie, as much as I can remember it: "(Tremendous?) cosmic power, itty-bitty living space." They are loyal to a fault, even; while they have intelligence and power, they are pre-programmed to obey the core of Bhunivelze's desire - find the way to Mwynn.

It's an instinct that the fal'Cie will usually always obey, like the fight or flight instinct in life (which fal'Cie also have in their own way, as shown by Kujata in XIII and Episode 0.) But XIII-2 also showed us that it's possible, at least thinkable, that fal'Cie can override this instinct, as it's said in one of the fragments that

Spoiler: Gogmagog/Allodai...

(one or the other) was a/were fal'Cie that decided to meddle in time and space

.

Anyway, I wouldn't underestimate them as something simple, when they're not. As for interpersonal relationships between the fal'Cie, I have to admit it's an interesting thought. I wonder how it takes place - I mean, is it like computers communicating, or is it like animals, or for that matter plants (who communicate through chemicals - well, animals do too, but, plants more so). Anyhow...

I think you took my post far more seriously than you should have

As for your points I have to wonder about the 'loyalty' you speak of when it comes to the fal'Cie. Yes, they are pre-programmed for certain skills and abilities: they are granted incredible abilities and power to accomplish the tasks they have been given but cannot go about doing what they like on their own. They don't have that 'free will' capability like humans have. Barthandelus confirmed it; that's why they must turn humans into l'Cie, they may not have any powers of their own but their free will gives them great potential.

The example of the fal'Cie you speak of (I know which fragment you're talking about but the specific name evades me too haha) is a very rare exception and he paid dearly for it.

In both these cases and options it doesn't actually mean they are loyal, it just means that they cannot go against the programming and abilities they were given and/or that they are too afraid to extend their abilities like that one fal'Cie did, the consequences are too grave. That doesn't mean none of the fal'Cie aren't loyal in their mind, it's just that I don't believe they all follow through because they want to.

The communication aspect does interest me, however. They certainly do communicate in some way since Anima was the one who collected the l'Cie of XIII to get them branded but Barthandelus was the one guiding them to their goal all along. Then there's the collection of fal'Cie inside Orphan's Cradle watching and waiting for the l'Cie to complete their Focus and finish Cocoon for them. They must've gathered there of their own desire or under orders to see the l'Cie move onwards.

If we do get a XIII-3 I kinda hope we'd get some answers about them but more than likely we won't. The lower fal'Cie's seem to be mostly out of the picture, for now. But who knows what the future will bring.

 

[Marle]

I don't know, I thought Noel was always optimistic about things, even when the future looked bleak.

Spoiler

Like the letter you read that he leaves behind after Serah died. He says it almost broke him but that he would continue on anyways.

He just firmly believes he can change the future for the better, even when Caius tries to tell him he can't or even when everything is bleak. To me, that was pretty optimistic.

Whenever Serah had doubts or would question anything, Noel was the one to remind her what she was fighting for. She says it herself that Noel came and gave her hope.

Spoiler

Then there was the time after Caius left and Yuel died in Noel's own time. He left in search of more people, positive he would find them eventually.

Spoiler

Then when Caius tells Serah Lightning is dead, Noel reaffirms her that he's lying and that everyone would be waiting for them at the end of the gate

Those are just a few moments of which the guy demonstrates optimism, imo.

 

[Zee]

There's really no excuse for excluding any of this from the main game other than Squenix trying to squeeze a few more dollars out of unsuspecting players for the privilege.

the entire point of DLC is to squeeze extra cash out of a loyal fanbase, but don't act like we're poor "unsuspecting players" that got the rug pulled out from under us

no we're pretty much all well aware we're buying frivolous junk we just don't care because we're having

Spoiler

fun

 

[Marle]

Gotta agree with Zee on that point. I realize it's nothing but a cash scam but I dunno, I buy into it because I want to? I'm a fan of both Serah and Noel and to see them in neat outfits like the Mass Effect armor and Ezio's clothes, it's cool.

I don't buy everything but I do buy whichever of the DLC stuff I like. :3 I also find the different coliseum monsters to be neat, too. I mean you get a chance to continue playing FF13-2 even though you've already beaten it. And some of them are really challenging, even if you have every weapon and maxed out party members.

I don't feel like anything is a necessary buy though so I'm not intimidated into buying them. I like that I can pick and choose depending on whatever I like.

The only thing that I feel I'd be compelled to buy is the story DLCs surrounding Lightning, Snow etc. because of plot hole purposes. But even then, I enjoyed the story of FF13-2 so I don't really mind?

 

[Purple]

About Noel being emo, he cried at one point but with good reason I guess. That's about it. I really like Noel too. I hope he sticks around in the sequel/DLC continuation.

 

[Splintered]

Noel, just in general, an extremely likeable character. He doesn't particularly angst a lot and gets shit done.

That said my favorite character to come out of XIII-2 is Caius. He's just the right amount of manliness, tragedy, and really cheesy that makes me love it.

 

[Arianna]

That said my favorite character to come out of XIII-2 is Caius. He's just the right amount of manliness, tragedy, and really cheesy that makes me love it.

And he's purple!

 

[Masamune]

the entire point of DLC is to squeeze extra cash out of a loyal fanbase, but don't act like we're poor "unsuspecting players" that got the rug pulled out from under us

More fool those who know they're being taken for a ride.

 

[Arianna]

I agree, the DLC sucks. Even if 'everyone's doing it', it just sucks. While I like playing XIII-2 because the game play is cool, truth is, we were ripped off. I mean, it would be different if SE just came out - before or shortly after the original release of the Japanese game and said, "we're ending this" in some way or fashion, but they didn't. People had their hopes up, and for what? Seriously, gamers got ripped off. Yes, I've bought the DLC, so I guess I am a fool, but... again, game play is fun, some pieces of knowledge gleamed by the game and DLC is neat, but - it is a pain in the ass. Right now, I just wish they would confirm a XIII-3 or not. Or, confirm that a solution or an explanation - for all languages to understand! - would be coming. *shrug*

 

[Aqua]

No one's a fool for paying for DLC that they themselves want to pay for. It's our own choice and if we at any point feel like the price is too steep to pay, it's quite simple: we don't buy it.

I, myself have yet to buy any of the costumes because I feel $2.99 is not worth the price for a little gear swap. I may break that rule for Noel's Asscreed costume but if it's more than the normal price, I definitely won't.

Same goes with the colliseum battles. Ultros' battle cost is $3.99 and I almost didn't bother but I'm glad I did, it's quite a tough fight and very much enjoyable and has plenty of replay value. (I have yet to actually capture Typhon yet so for me there's plenty of incentive to continue on). But if any future colliseum DLC comes out, I'm not paying more than $3.99 for it no matter how exciting the opponent may be.

Sazh's episode DLC was $4.99 and I personally felt the cost was justified but some others did not and did not buy it. If Lightning's episode DLC costs more than that, though, it better be much much longer or I'm not buying it. I know others feel the same way.

Do you see a pattern here when it comes to the DLC releases?

We all have our limit and we all know what we're getting into. We are not fools for ponying up the cash because it's our own choice and our own hard earned money. If you don't want it, don't pay for it. No one is forcing you to and no one is judging you if you don't.

 

[Zee]

More fool those who know they're being taken for a ride.

still missing the point, but this time with the added bonus of insulting everyone in this thread

chinhands

No one's a fool for paying for DLC that they themselves want to pay for. It's our own choice and if we at any point feel like the price is too steep to pay, it's quite simple: we don't buy it.

We are not fools for ponying up the cash because it's our own choice and our own hard earned money. If you don't want it, don't pay for it. No one is forcing you to and no one is judging you if you don't.

dear god, THIS

why is this such a hard concept to understand

 

[The Twilight Mexican]

No one's a fool for paying for DLC that they themselves want to pay for. It's our own choice and if we at any point feel like the price is too steep to pay, it's quite simple: we don't buy it.

I, myself have yet to buy any of the costumes because I feel $2.99 is not worth the price for a little gear swap. I may break that rule for Noel's Asscreed costume but if it's more than the normal price, I definitely won't.

Same goes with the colliseum battles. Ultros' battle cost is $3.99 and I almost didn't bother but I'm glad I did, it's quite a tough fight and very much enjoyable and has plenty of replay value. (I have yet to actually capture Typhon yet so for me there's plenty of incentive to continue on). But if any future colliseum DLC comes out, I'm not paying more than $3.99 for it no matter how exciting the opponent may be.

Sazh's episode DLC was $4.99 and I personally felt the cost was justified but some others did not and did not buy it. If Lightning's episode DLC costs more than that, though, it better be much much longer or I'm not buying it. I know others feel the same way.

Do you see a pattern here when it comes to the DLC releases?

We all have our limit and we all know what we're getting into. We are not fools for ponying up the cash because it's our own choice and our own hard earned money. If you don't want it, don't pay for it. No one is forcing you to and no one is judging you if you don't.

This is how I feel about DLC. Granted, there is some content (both story and gameplay) that should have been included from the beginning, but there are other times the developers might not have thought of a new gameplay feature -- or had the idea but were pressed for a release date -- until after the initial release.

DLC means we can get that shit without Final Mix releases being necessary. That also opens the content up to players outside the game's primary market, where a secondary release may not be so viable, but DLC is relatively inexpensive to provide.

Sometines story content doesn't fit neatly into the existing narrative either. This is partly why we end up with Ultimanias -- which is what we should really feel gipped about. This Japan-exclusive stuff is what pisses me off.

 

[Aqua]

I really wish an English version of the Ultimania's would actually come out. I want it so bad...

And don't get me started on Final Mixes.

 

[Cat Rage Room]

There's two ways I feel about DLC. One, releasing content that's DLC that's already on the disk that you paid for is fucked up.

However, DLC that's just extra shit they made after the game was finished, you're literally getting what you paid for. If the game was complete in every way, filled to the brim, and then the developers, designers, renderers, etc etc made extra shit after the game was done and over with, fuck yeah there's nothing wrong with getting paid for it/paying for it, depending on the nature of the content, of course.

Extra costumes is nothing to get fussy about.