Fabula Nova Crystallis: Final Fantasy XIII
Encyclopedia
is a series of games by Square Enix
. Made in the same vein as the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII
and the Ivalice Alliance, Fabula Nova Crystallis (lit. "the New Tale of the Crystal" in Latin
) is based on various worlds and different characters, but each game will be "ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos." According to Square Enix, they all take place in the same world but in different time periods and there is no cooperation between the teams of the various titles, the only connection being a "vague crystal theme".
Originally named Fabula Nova Crystallis: Final Fantasy XIII, the 'XIII' numeric has been dropped as Final Fantasy Agito XIII, now the renamed Final Fantasy Type-0, does not have much to do with the game Final Fantasy XIII
, as stated by the director.
The universe of Fabula Nova Crystallis is divided in two: the Visible World (the land of the living) and the Invisible World (the afterlife
). The Visible World, is controlled by fal'Cie (icon), crystal-based mechanical beings with godlike power that are created by two of the three original fal'Cie brought into existence by the god Buniberzei. The fal'Cie have the capability of marking humans, who were born from the blood of the fal'Cie Etro prior to her taking residence in the Invisible World. Those marked by the fal'Cie are called l'Cie (icon), and have in their brand a symbol representing their fal'Cie contractor. The l'Cie are given a "Focus", a task to complete so they are transformed to crystal and according to legend gain eternal life. However, failure to complete the focus result in the l'Cie becoming mindless monsters called Cie'th.
As for Etro, motivated by her powerlessness, faded into the Invisible World after unknowingly creating humanity from her self-mutilation. By then, Etro finds Muin as she is consumed by an energy mass called Chaos that was caused by Buniberzei's actions in creating the fal'Cie. Though unaware of the meaning behind the goddess's final words to ensure the stability of the worlds, out of love for the humans destined to follow her in death, Etro installed humanity with pieces of Chaos that they would call "hearts". Soon after, as their Maker Buniberzei remains in deep sleep because of the balance restored by Etro's act of compassion, Pulse and Lindzei were worshiped by humans while Etro herself became known as the goddess of death.
The development for each title is being handled within Square Enix through separate teams. This is reflected in the approach to making each title independent from the others while sharing a common backdrop. However, the character designs for the three officially revealed games are by Tetsuya Nomura
, who is also the director of Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Each title will have its own style of gameplay: Final Fantasy XIII is an RPG, Final Fantasy Versus XIII is more action-oriented (similar to Kingdom Hearts
) and Final Fantasy Type-0 is an action-RPG (similar to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
) with multiplayer elements while Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a direct sequel to the first title in the series Final Fantasy XIII
.
Square Enix president Yoichi Wada
likened Fabula Nova Crystallis to that of the likes of Star Wars
and has stated that it could span a decade. Final Fantasy XIII director Motomu Toriyama
stated in the PlayStation Magazine Australia that the Fabula Nova Crystallis series is slated to be a multi-platform series, not exclusive only to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PSP.
, the first title in the series, was released in Japan on December 17, 2009, as a PlayStation 3 exclusive within the territory. It was released in North America and Europe on March 9, 2010, for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles. On December 16, 2010, Final Fantasy XIII Ultimate Hits International was released in Japan as an Xbox 360 exclusive. It features English voice acting with Japanese subtitles, an "Easy" mode, and a short story
book titled Final Fantasy XIII - Episode I.
Final Fantasy Type-0 was released on October 27, 2011.
Square Enix
is a Japanese video game and publishing company best known for its console role-playing game franchises, which include the Final Fantasy series, the Dragon Quest series, and the action-RPG Kingdom Hearts series...
. Made in the same vein as the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII
Compilation of Final Fantasy VII
Compilation of Final Fantasy VII is a series of games and animated features developed by Square Enix based in the world and continuity of Final Fantasy VII...
and the Ivalice Alliance, Fabula Nova Crystallis (lit. "the New Tale of the Crystal" in Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
) is based on various worlds and different characters, but each game will be "ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos." According to Square Enix, they all take place in the same world but in different time periods and there is no cooperation between the teams of the various titles, the only connection being a "vague crystal theme".
Originally named Fabula Nova Crystallis: Final Fantasy XIII, the 'XIII' numeric has been dropped as Final Fantasy Agito XIII, now the renamed Final Fantasy Type-0, does not have much to do with the game Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy XIII
is a console role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Released in 2009 in Japan and 2010 in North America and PAL regions, it is the thirteenth major installment in the Final Fantasy series...
, as stated by the director.
Titles
- Final Fantasy XIIIFinal Fantasy XIIIis a console role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Released in 2009 in Japan and 2010 in North America and PAL regions, it is the thirteenth major installment in the Final Fantasy series...
(PS3/Xbox 360Xbox 360The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
) (2009) - Final Fantasy Type-0 (PSPPSPPSP most commonly refers to the PlayStation Portable, a handheld game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment.PSP may also refer to:-Computing and programming:*Corel Paint Shop Pro, a graphics editor...
) (2011)
Plot and setting
The series appears to revolve around "crystals that lead the world towards the future." Appearing as normal objects, the Crystals are an integral part of each world as represented in the games, although they will not be the central focus; instead, they will provide a background to other, more specific plots. However, the functionality of the Crystals has led the series' designers to pay special attention in creating the visual look of these worlds.The universe of Fabula Nova Crystallis is divided in two: the Visible World (the land of the living) and the Invisible World (the afterlife
Afterlife
The afterlife is the belief that a part of, or essence of, or soul of an individual, which carries with it and confers personal identity, survives the death of the body of this world and this lifetime, by natural or supernatural means, in contrast to the belief in eternal...
). The Visible World, is controlled by fal'Cie (icon), crystal-based mechanical beings with godlike power that are created by two of the three original fal'Cie brought into existence by the god Buniberzei. The fal'Cie have the capability of marking humans, who were born from the blood of the fal'Cie Etro prior to her taking residence in the Invisible World. Those marked by the fal'Cie are called l'Cie (icon), and have in their brand a symbol representing their fal'Cie contractor. The l'Cie are given a "Focus", a task to complete so they are transformed to crystal and according to legend gain eternal life. However, failure to complete the focus result in the l'Cie becoming mindless monsters called Cie'th.
Mythology
In the beginning, the god Buniberzei defeated his mother, the goddess Muin, to take control of the world for himself as Muin disappeared into the invisible world. But fearful of his eventual death due to what he believed was the curse Muin left on whatever lives within the Visible World, Buniberzei created the first three fal'Cie: Pulse, Etro, and Lindzei. Giving no power to Etro due to her unintended resemblance to Muin, Buniberzei gave Pulse the task of terraforming the world so the doorway to the Invisible World could be found, while Lindzei was serving as the god's protector as he enters a deep rest until the time comes for him to awaken once Pulse succeeds. However, fueled by their Focuses, Pulse created the fal'Cie of Gran Pulse, while Lindzei fashioned the fal'Cie that would create and rule Cocoon, a floating continent built to house humanity as a paradise.As for Etro, motivated by her powerlessness, faded into the Invisible World after unknowingly creating humanity from her self-mutilation. By then, Etro finds Muin as she is consumed by an energy mass called Chaos that was caused by Buniberzei's actions in creating the fal'Cie. Though unaware of the meaning behind the goddess's final words to ensure the stability of the worlds, out of love for the humans destined to follow her in death, Etro installed humanity with pieces of Chaos that they would call "hearts". Soon after, as their Maker Buniberzei remains in deep sleep because of the balance restored by Etro's act of compassion, Pulse and Lindzei were worshiped by humans while Etro herself became known as the goddess of death.
Development
The current games known to be in development within Fabula Nova Crystallis are:- Final Fantasy XIII-2Final Fantasy XIII-2is an upcoming console role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is being produced by Square Enix's 1st Production Department...
(PS3/360) - Final Fantasy Versus XIIIFinal Fantasy Versus XIIIis an upcoming action role-playing game published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3 and currently being developed by the company's 1st Production Department. Alongside Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XIII-2, and Final Fantasy Type-0, the game is a part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis Final...
(PS3)
The development for each title is being handled within Square Enix through separate teams. This is reflected in the approach to making each title independent from the others while sharing a common backdrop. However, the character designs for the three officially revealed games are by Tetsuya Nomura
Tetsuya Nomura
is a Japanese video game director and character designer working for Square Enix , best known for his work on both the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts series.-Time before Square:Nomura was born in Kōchi, Japan...
, who is also the director of Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Each title will have its own style of gameplay: Final Fantasy XIII is an RPG, Final Fantasy Versus XIII is more action-oriented (similar to Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts
is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square in 2002 for the PlayStation 2 video game console. The first game in the Kingdom Hearts series, it is the result of a collaboration between Square Enix and The Walt Disney Company. The game combines characters and settings from Disney...
) and Final Fantasy Type-0 is an action-RPG (similar to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
is an action role-playing game developed by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable. First released in 2007, the game is a prequel to the video game Final Fantasy VII and is also the sixth installment in metaseries Compilation of Final Fantasy VII which includes products related to the game...
) with multiplayer elements while Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a direct sequel to the first title in the series Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy XIII
is a console role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Released in 2009 in Japan and 2010 in North America and PAL regions, it is the thirteenth major installment in the Final Fantasy series...
.
Square Enix president Yoichi Wada
Yoichi Wada
is the current president and representative director of the Japanese video game and publishing company Square Enix as well as its subsidiary Taito...
likened Fabula Nova Crystallis to that of the likes of Star Wars
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
and has stated that it could span a decade. Final Fantasy XIII director Motomu Toriyama
Motomu Toriyama
is a Japanese game director and scenario writer who has been working for Square Enix since 1995. He is the director in charge of the main series Final Fantasy games developed by their 1st Production Department, which is managed by Yoshinori Kitase....
stated in the PlayStation Magazine Australia that the Fabula Nova Crystallis series is slated to be a multi-platform series, not exclusive only to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PSP.
Released games
Final Fantasy XIIIFinal Fantasy XIII
is a console role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Released in 2009 in Japan and 2010 in North America and PAL regions, it is the thirteenth major installment in the Final Fantasy series...
, the first title in the series, was released in Japan on December 17, 2009, as a PlayStation 3 exclusive within the territory. It was released in North America and Europe on March 9, 2010, for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles. On December 16, 2010, Final Fantasy XIII Ultimate Hits International was released in Japan as an Xbox 360 exclusive. It features English voice acting with Japanese subtitles, an "Easy" mode, and a short story
Short story
A short story is a work of fiction that is usually written in prose, often in narrative format. This format tends to be more pointed than longer works of fiction, such as novellas and novels. Short story definitions based on length differ somewhat, even among professional writers, in part because...
book titled Final Fantasy XIII - Episode I.
Final Fantasy Type-0 was released on October 27, 2011.