Final Fantasy

Cybernet was a video game focussed TV show here in the UK back when the PS2 launched. When they weren't showing and reshowing the opening of Metal Gear Solid 2, they were showing and reshowing clips from Final Fantasy X. Look at the graphics! Look at the characters! And, oh, they've got voices as well!

The Final Fantasy XIII franchise has managed to completely split the Final Fantasy fandom down the middle, becoming a punchline for a certain sort of online persona. In the echo chamber, those that are angry shout the loudest, and they only hear their own voices jump back. That's a shame, because Lightning Returns shows that things can get better, and that new ideas sometimes pay off. It was never going to be the best Final Fantasy game ever - but it CAN be a decent time filler.

If you're a bit of an old softy and don't mind laughing really uncomfortably in public, you'll be desperate to relive the love story between Yuna and Tidus in Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2. To get you in the mood, Square Enix have released a special trailer for the Final Fantasy X HD Collection showing off some of their favourite bits.

Lightning Returns is getting rapidly closer, and if you're into dressing up your main characters in awesome outfits it seems a must-buy. Things have got slightly better today as well, with the announcement that day one purchasers will be able to download a pack that allows you to dress Lightning as Lara Croft, complete with a riot shield and survival axe.

Square Enix have this morning announced a release date for the PlayStation 4 version of their massively multiplayer RPG Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Those that were expecting it shortly after launch are likely to be a little disappointed, but in the grand scheme of things it's not too much of a wait.

Final Fantasy XIII wasn't everybody's cup of tea. Square Enix managed to fix the most common problems with Final Fantasy XIII-2, and there were still people that weren't satisfied with their purchase (or by the trailers they watched on YouTube, at least). Before you make the same mistake again with Lightning Returns, consider downloading the demo, available on Xbox 360 today and PlayStation 3 tomorrow.

Square Enix have today announced that Final Fantasy XIV will be having a free login weekend over the next few days for EU-based players.

Final Fantasy Type-0 looked fantastic, so naturally it never made it over to the west. It's good news then that a small team of fans have been working tirelessly on a fan translation of the game, and even better news that it's almost finished.

Square Enix have today announced that they've released Final Fantasy VIII to PC. It's available to buy from Steam and other online retailers for £9.99, $11.99 and €12.99. While the release contains the usual PC stuff - achievements, cloud saves - this release is also noteworthy for another reason, a reason that may just get long-time fans to double dip: it contains the previously Japan-only Chocobo World mini-game.

If you weren't overly keen on the performances in Final Fantasy XIII and XIII-2, Square Enix are offering up the Japanese voice-work for Lightning Returns. That's pretty cool. Less cool? It's free for a fortnight after launch and then will only be available as paid DLC.