Thaius said:
Sigh... I take issue with the idea that Japanese gaming is dead in the first place. Guys, it's a different culture, with different values and different entertainment. You know why their stories are kind of melodramatic? Because they like that: it's not bad writing, it's a cultural value! You know why they like turn-based battling? Because not everyone requires constant control without strategy! Why do they not allow the player to control the story? Because the more control they give the player, the less control they have, and they want to tell a good story!
It's not dead, people, American audiences are just deciding their culture's better. Come on now, guys.
Hit the nail right on the head, mate.
I'd like nothing more than for western devs to take a hint from Square's style. This is a bloody huge release, EB even have a prize draw for pre-orderers(sp?) to win a damn fine motorbike. That should be an indication of the expectations of sales.
Also, since it's not actually dead, wouldn't FF13 be more like a Megalixir to the Japanese gaming industry?
