Final Fantasy XIII isn't over—yet

Because apparently fans can’t get enough of Gran Pulse, Sazh’s hair, and Lightning’s cheesy tough talk, Square Enix is introducing yet another chapter to one of the most divisive “Final Fantasy” chronicles ever – “Final Fantasy XIII”.

Yes, it’s true. Square Enix is releasing a 3-part novella, entitled “Final Fantasy XIII Reminiscence: Tracer of Memories”. According to Kotaku, it will serve as an epilogue to the trilogy that we saw – or thought we saw – come to a conclusion in “Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII”.

 

If you want to read the novella, though, you’ll have to brush up on your Japanese, as it will only be available in the Japanese gaming magazine, Weekly Famitsu. Whether or not we will eventually see an English language release remains to be seen, but given the popularity of the franchise, it isn’t too far from impossible.

 

'Memories of another world'

 

“Reminiscence: Tracer of Memories” is written by Daisuke Watanabe, who wrote scenarios for games in the “Kingdom Hearts” and “Final Fantasy” series.

 

Taking place some time after “Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII”, it follows a reporter who is investigating a strange phenomenon. The mystery revolves around large numbers of people finding themselves sharing the same “memories of another world”.

 

In the course of the story, the reporter locates and interviews characters who were major participants in the world-shaking events of the trilogy.

For example, in Part 1, she speaks with Hope Estheim, Sazh Katzroy and his son Dajh – all “Final Fantasy XIII” regulars. She is also able to question several members of the vigilante group, NORA, namely Maqui, Lebreau, Yug, Gadot, and Lightning’s own sister, Serah Farron.

 

The characters basically give the reporter a summary of their experiences in said trilogy. This may seem redundant, except that since what we get to hear are these characters’ personal points of view, we get an opportunity to see those games in a fresh new light.

 

Part 1, which is included in this week’s issue of Weekly Famitsu, is 35 pages of Japanese text and no pictures. The succeeding issues of the same magazine will contain Parts 2 and 3.

 

Extending the drama

 

This isn’t the first time Square Enix has treated fans to non-video game story additions to their titles.

 

The saga of “Final Fantasy X” also had an epilogue in the form of a 30-minute audio drama called “Will”, which can be found in the wonderful “Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster” package.

 

Like “Reminiscence: Tracer of Memories”, “Final Fantasy X: Will” is set after the events of its parent game. We are introduced to two new characters, Chuami and Kurgum, through whom we are given a glimpse of a new Spira, one without the threat of Sin.

 

And yet, despite this newfound peace, there are glimpses of a new danger being born – one that will once more threaten the lives of everyone on Spira.

 

Is this a sign that Square Enix is considering another sequel to “Final Fantasy X”? Some fans seem to think so. Whatever the case may be, we will only find out once Square Enix has finally closed the door on “Final Fantasy XIII” and left Lightning and company far behind them. — TJD, GMA News