Final Fantasy XIII-2 will prove a “completely difference experience” in comparison to its predecessor, producer Yoshinori Kitase has revealed.
Chatting with Siliconera, Kitase acknowledged that gamers had more than a few bones to pick with FFXIII’s linear-style progression, and as such the team are hoping to remedy these issues with the sequel.
“We made Final Fantasy XIII with the concept of a story driven game,” he said. “So much so, some gamers were not very happy with it and criticised XIII and said the game progression was too linear and the world could be more populated.”
“With Final Fantasy XIII-2, we wanted to present a completely different experience with this game. There is more exploration and elements in the environment to interact with.”
Among FFXIII-2’s new features include multiple endings and interactive dialogue sequences. Furthermore, while FFXIII heroine Lightning will be returning for the follow-up, the main focus will be placed on newcomer Noel.
Final Fantasy XIII-2 is due out on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in early 2012.