Recently, Square Enix has release a sequel to one of their most highly anticipated games , Final Fantasy XIII, called Final Fantasy XIII-2. Some background on Final Fantasy XIII’s effect on the JRPG market. It sold 1.5 million copies worldwide within the first 4 days of its release. However, within months buyers were complaining about the mechanics, resulting in a surge of returns and fan outrage directed at Square Enix.
Fast forward two years, and a sequel has been produced. Within this 2 year, Square decided to heed the customer’s feedback to improve the game. In some ways they did, however this current game is also lacking, adding on to the damage that was done. As compared to XIII, XIII-2 only sold half a million copies in their first 4 days.
One of the main contributions that had set up this letdown was their powerful marketing. Their video advertisements offered a look into a new generation of gaming, that would set the player’s mind off into this graphically enticing story. Square Enix focused on innovative marketing to display their capabilities. Both games had this hype around them created by the ads.
Despite how flashy these ads were, they were deceptive and did not deliver the games true traits. For instance, ads around the first one seem emotional and exploration. Some characters were annoying, the story had plot holes, and the game was as narrow as a keyhole. In the sequel, they addressed a couple of these issues, but had forfeited story development.
The whole reason FFXIII-2 is bad is because Square is doing this “Call of Duty Release Format”, releasing new games every 1-2 years. Square is targeting a new market, but as they do this , they destroy their current trust within their old market. Square needs to market truthfully or deliver better.