"Since its introduction for Nintendo GameCube® in 2003 as an all-new take on FINAL FANTASY, CRYSTAL CHRONICLES has been well received," said Akitoshi Kawazu, Director, Square Enix. "Today, we are proud to present the latest titles in this franchise for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS."
Square-Enix plans to take advantage of the Wii's revolutionary features in the follow-up to the GameCube's successful Crystal Chronicles series. The 2006 E3 trailer left little amount of details confirmed, but much to be speculated about. Read on for the lo-down on the trailer/teaser.
A troop of travelers riding on Chocobos and images of the traditional Final Fantasy airships suggest new modes of transportation (and also pack ferocious fire-power with cannons). Fear not, veteran crystal bearers, the caravans seemed to have survived into this sequel as well. These new modes of travel never show up on the screen alone, either, but always envelop the screen with a large, impressive fleet. Perhaps you and your friends will travel together?
A male Selkie being chased down by a monster of ogre-ish appearance also hints at the return of the creepy, low-lit mines. The game seems to have retained the ability to strike up an atmosphere.
As suggested by the title, the miasma-repelling crystals have returned. In the trailer, there is a clip of a Clavat clutching a more portable version of a crystal shard that is not mounted on a chalice. In Crystal Chronicles, there was a character who's research was dedicated to creating such a device, so his endeavors seemed to have paid off.
Probably most impressive of all was one of the final clips. A group of travelers standing on a cliff besides some sort of structure (a city maybe?) built atop a giant mountain of crystal. Above one of the travelers appears a fiery dragon-like being, which some claim to be the most feared and revered summon in all of Final Fantasy, Bahamut. It may be a NPC/boss making its debut, but the most hyped outcome is that it is indeed a summon, which potentially smashes open a whole new slew of spells for next generation crystal bearers-not just splicing magic stones together for spells, but also summoning fantastically scary monsters to their side. It's an epic idea that would definitely be looked forward to in aspects of gameplay, and probably even more so graphically.
The humanoid Clavats and Selkies graced the trailer, but the two other races-Lilties, and Yukes-are MIA thus far. Most likely they will be revived, but currently there are no hints at any new races, either.
Although actual gameplay has yet to be unveiled, Crystal Bearer's director, Toshiyiki Itahuna assures the game will be a "daring fusion of graphics and style that is full of life, while still maintaining basic RPG tradition."
Meghan Ventura