The PlayStation community put their questions to Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama.

When Final Fantasy producer and designer, Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama, came to London to speak to media about their latest title, eu.playstation.com went along armed with questions from the PlayStation community. Thanks to everyone that submitted their question over at the official PlayStation Forums.

What would you say to someone that has never played a Final Fantasy game before? (DrJones_PhD, United Kingdom)

Yoshinori Kitase: Those that haven’t tried RPGs might fear that the game is too complex, but if you take an interest in the story rather than feel apprehensive about the depth, then you will discover how to play the game gradually and naturally. Just take an interest in the story and let that guide you.

Motomu Toriyama: The overall theme of the story is determination to fight against one’s own fate. fal’Cie is a deity that uses Lightning and the other members of the party like slaves; in a way, they are bound to an unreasonable destiny. So really the story is about these characters fighting off the unfairness of their own fate.

Why the more action-based approach to combat? (Sand_Snake, solid_sammy, SSeifer, KARASU-NULL, France)

MT: It’s partly true that Final Fantasy XIII takes a more action-based approach to combat. The main concept behind the battle system is combining action with the traditional turn-based strategy to create something new. In view of making an RPG for a High Definition console like PS3, we realise that this approach might be better received by the wider gaming audience, and perhaps easier for them to warm to.

Will the PAL version feature a Japanese language option, with English subtitles? (fantasyfreak, Netherlands)

YK: No, it will not. I had heard at other media presentations that this was a popular request, and I have to say it came to me as a surprise.

Are you considering releasing the game in 3D? (Ruy-o, Germany)

YK: We don’t know how possible it is to build the game in 3D but we are interested in it. In fact, we have already created a 3D Final Fantasy XIII trailer, which is currently showing in Japanese cinemas alongside the film Avatar.

Currently, that’s only available in Japan, but there might be an opportunity for a wider release in the future.

Will Ultima Weapons return in Final Fantasy XIII? (Npod, Portugal)

MT: We’re not quite sure exactly what you mean as we don’t know the translations, but if you mean Ultimate Weapon in that you can upgrade each weapon until it is at its most powerful, then yes you can.

Does the game require a data install before playing? (European_Gamer, Denmark)

MT: For the comfort of the players, no, this is not necessary.

Which are your favourite, Chocobos or Moggles? (Domino2097, United Kingdom)

YK: [Laughs] I prefer Chocobos, definitely. In Final Fantasy XIII you will be encountering baby Chocobos, Cocoon Chocobos and grandpa Chocobos. As for Moggles, they will just be making a cameo appearance in this particular title.

Get involved with the countless discussions happening on the official PlayStation Forums right now.

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There are still Grand Final places up for grabs as the FIWC moves into its second phase.

It’s a very happy New Year indeed for 10 FIFA 10 players – they’ve secured their places in Barcelona in May 2010 for the FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final, via the online leaderboard.

More than 400,000 players fought online for those precious positions and competition is set to get fiercer as the second online qualification phase begins and 11 more Grand Final berths are up for grabs. The leaderboard has been wiped clean so start your copy of FIFA 10 on PlayStation 3, head to the FIFA Interactive World Cup menu and register in-game for your chance at virtual football glory.

The overall winner will follow in the footsteps of reigning champion, Bruce Grannec of France, in collecting a cheque for 20,000 USD at the Grand Final in Barcelona’s Port Olympic, May 2010. They will also get the chance to stand alongside football glitterati and collect their trophy at the 2010 FIFA World Player Gala.

It’s a prize that money can’t buy and only the nimblest thumbs and the most agile tactical minds will earn a trip to Barcelona.

Online qualification isn’t the only way to get there: an additional nine Grand Final spots can be won at live qualifier events in major cities around the world. Check fifa.com/fiwc for the latest details of when these events are happening in your country.

In the meantime, start up FIFA 10 and begin your online qualification campaign. With 10 of the best players already through to the Grand Final, this is the best chance yet to book your place among the elite of virtual footballers.

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Discover which PlayStation Network games have most impressed the PlayStation community.

After two weeks of discussion over which games have proved the most addictive, the official PlayStation Forum regulars moved onto the next Obssession Confessions topic – their favourite PlayStation Store downloads. Here are their picks in order of popularity, with quotes from contributors across Europe.

1. Flower

“Flower is not just a game: it’s a story. The story of flowers telling their dreams in a universe of beauty and enchanting melodies. With exceptional SIXAXIS handling, it transports you to an adventure with no equal.” (aat08, France)

2. WipEout HD

“It has to be one of the most breathtaking games – it looks amazing in full HD and for the price it’s one heck of a bargain. Nothing out there can beat it for pure enjoyment. The visuals should be the benchmark for any game.” (Chris_D, UK)

3. Burnout Paradise

“Challenge your limits with stunning speed!” (fashion23gta, Portugal)

4. Fat Princess

“It’s a cool game… I liked it!” (TUHTA_1994, Russia)

5. Battlefield 1943

“Epic battles in Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal or the Wake Island; team game, tanks, jeeps, boats, planes, bombers and destruction. There’s nowhere for the enemy to hide!” (tabunet, Spain)

6. Warhawk

“Warhawk was number one when I bought my PS3. It’s a great game which everyone should play at least once. It may not be realistic but it’s loads of fun… I’ve spent many hours playing and they were all worth it.” (patrick1991groot, Netherlands)

7. Metal Gear Solid

“Simply because it is THE PS one Classic game par excellence and shouldn’t be missed. Since it is now available from PlayStation Store, it is a must-have.” (gamer4online, Germany)

8. Trine

“This game’s beauty, playability and originality make it one of the most attractive of the last year.” (elmosca, Spain)

9. Zen Pinball

“The file size makes it easy to download and it’s a well made game. It takes you back to the past when we used to play real pinball, and everybody in my house likes it.” (AlexTheStampede, Italy)

10. Bomberman Ultra

“There are many delicious downloads in PlayStation Store and, like in life, one candy is never enough. The one that nobody appreciates is Bomberman Ultra. That game is great and provides a lot of laughter.” (rabsonek, Poland)

Thanks to everyone that participated in the discussion. There will be more Obsession Confessions threads in the coming weeks; in the meantime, join the hundreds of conversations happening right now at the official PlayStation Forums.

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