| Final Fantasy XIII, Gaming, PS3, Sony, square soft
Amazon sells the Final Fantasy XIII for PS3 for $39.99 – $21 instant discount = $18.99 + S&H! S&H should be about $5-6. This game is the latest installment in the Final Fantasy series and has sick graphics and seamlesstransitions between real-time gameplay and stunning in-game cinematics.
From the creative minds behind FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY X comes the latest installment in the critically acclaimed series. As FINAL FANTASY VII was for PlayStation, and FINAL FANTASY X for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the first numbered FINAL FANTASY title for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360, and will look to once again reestablish the series as the RPG brand. Players will follow Lightning, Snow, and the other heroes who are dealt a hand of fate by the god-like fal’Cie. Cursed and regarded as enemies of society, they have the world against them and nobody to rely on but each other. Will they find the strength within themselves to break free of their curse and determine their own fates, or will they succumb to this higher power? With a story that is sure to connect with players’ hearts, diverse new characters from world-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, and exciting new gameplay features centered around an evolved Active Time Battle system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the pinnacle in gaming experiences.This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 at 4:13 pm and is filed under Amazon Deals, Deals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
Catch up on every previous Games Inbox here
Time paradox
I totally agree with your Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II review, in that thanks to Play.com sending it a day early I'd completed it in just over four hours and before it had actually been released! And you're right, I can't be bothered doing the trials.
Funkadhafi
I have been playing The Force Unleashed II game that I bought on Saturday. Just read your review saying that it is criminally short, well my playing time has been increased as the game seems to want to crash and make me restart my PlayStation at regular intervals. Please LucasArts, release a patch to sort it out. Oh, and throw in a few extra levels for free!
Ghh69
See no evil
RE: W Kotarski. GAME seal their games if they have previously been opened. As soon as you break their seal you cannot take the game back, even if it is scratched. Due to this I asked if I could view the quality of a disc before they put it into the box; they refused. When I opened the game on premises the shop assistant turned his back to me and asked a colleague to direct me outside. It turned out the disc was fine but I am unlikely to shop at the Oxford Street branch again.
PazJohnMitch
Built the same
I was wondering if GC, or a viewer, can tell me the differences between the Wii version of Lego Harry Potter and the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, apart from motion controls of course?
Matthew Fitzgerald
GC: We never played the Wii version, but the differences are likely to be minor - mostly just the graphics.
The bottom line
I love certain Nintendo games especially Zelda (and Mario to a lesser extent) but I really feel that Nintendo need to compete with the follow up to the Wii. My PlayStation 3 gets used a heck of a lot more than the Wii. Prior to the Wii in terms of hardware, Nintendo have traditionally been neck and neck with competitors (carts on Nintendo 64 was a mistake) but that all changed in terms of gimmicks.
Yes it worked in attracting hordes of new gamers but it really doesn't stack up compared to a PlayStation 3/Xbox 360. We need HD 1080p and a decent sized hard disc, along with loads of power. I'm a Nintendo fan but feel I'm being alienated in favour of the more casual audience with trillions of carnival type games. Is that what Nintendo are trying to do? I've lost count of the people who I've spoken to who say that their Wii never gets switched on. 'Nuff said.
Steve
GC: As much as we sympathise with your comments the truth is the Wii has vastly outsold both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. That's likely to make Nintendo's priorities for its follow-up very different to those of traditional gamers.
Offline Arcade
I just got an Xbox 360 (a few years too late I know), but I cannot get it online at this time. Is there any way to get hold of Xbox live games legally without being online? Can I download them to a USB memory card or something.
Damn-fool
GC: If we recall you can use your hard drive with an online Xbox 360, download the game and then take it back to your own offline console. We've never tried it ourselves though so we can't guarantee that'll work.
Inbox also-rans
Has anyone seen the images for Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis's new film Burke & Hare? Don't they look like Professor Layton and Luke?
Alek Kazam
I bet that Inafune got sacked, he sounded like a right git.
Greg Smith
Why do companies both denying something that is a) obviously true and b) admitted just days later?
Tomo
RE: Michael Crow. I was in a book store recently and I noticed some silly kids books written by a Roger Hargreaves. Oh how I laughed, when I explained people looked at me like I was the idiot!
Rankmed. (PSN ID)
GC: Did you really just diss the Mr Men?
This week's Hot Topic
Everyone has a favourite game, but can you be more specific than that and name your favourite level? For this week's Hot Topic we want to know what specific level, stage, mission or quest sticks out in your mind as the best you've ever played.
What was it about it that was so great? Was it the way it used or expanded on the game's controls, the level design, the enemies or perhaps the story or characters? If it was a combination why did it work better than any of the other stages in the same game?
Did the rest of the game the level was from maintain the same high quality and if it didn't did it really matter? What have been some of the most uneven games you've played in terms of level/mission design and which the most consistent?
E-mail your comments to: gamecentral@ukmetro.co.uk
The small print
New Inbox updates appear twice daily, every weekday morning and afternoon. Letters are used on merit and may be edited for length.
You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word 4Player viewer features at any time, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.
If you wish to vote in the Readers' Top of 2010 simply send us an e-mail with a list of your three favourite games of the year so far. Please vote only for games released in the UK during 2010.
OUTSIDE...Graeme, Somewhere angry, 2/11/2010 18:01Report abuse
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Catch up on every previous Games Inbox here
Split decision
I've been looking forward to Need for Speed Hot Pursuit too. The police race was OK but the street race was dull, dull, dull. Compared to Split/Second or Burnout this is pretty poor. The handling is sluggish and lumpy. I hope the finished game is different, but there isn't long to go until launch.
half_empty80 (PSN ID)
I find myself in agreement that the Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit demo is a big disappointment. I was also anticipating this game based on Criterion's track record. The handling feels much too heavy and the lack of fluidity is highlighted even more in light of the recent high quality arcade racer Split/Second.
PC1975 (gamertag)/PC1975PC (PSN ID) Add me for Xbox Indie games!
RE: robbie.j. I disagree. I think the Need for Speed demo was really good. I just hope I can purchase it on release.
Ryan
PS: Is there a way to read older Inboxes?
GC: Apart from the link directly above you and the links to the last five on the left, there's also an archive of every Inbox ever on the gaming channel page (off to the right, below the charts).
Xbox exclusive boss
The weekend topic reminded me of a scary incident whilst gaming. I don't do scary games but a friend recommended F.E.A.R. as it is one of his favourite games. I decided to give it a try.
Stuck on an upstairs balcony in a dim, empty office complex, the only way down was to jump onto some scaffolding below. As I landed, there was a deafening screech that frightened the life out of me. I stared at a black screen, waiting with nervous excitement at the boss I was about to face... and nothing happened. I finally had to reset my Xbox and realised I had just met the Red Ring of Death.
Dunk
Out but not out
You may have been a bit hasty in your otherwise excellent Rock Band 3 review, by proclaiming there were no shortages this year. I haven't been able to find a single store in Edinburgh which has any of the new instruments in stock, and my keyboard pre-ordered from Play.com is going to be at least three days late (they apparently shipped it today, despite sending me an email yesterday saying that the product had been delayed until November 12th)
I'm hearing similar stories from all over the continent of massive stock shortages. Very disappointing that Europe seems to have been screwed over again with a big new release.
Qwanimal (gamertag)
GC: We didn't say there'd be no shortages, only that the instruments would be released here at the same time as America. We don't think the Rock Band 2 ones even came out here in the end.
Topical pricing
RE: GAME store issues. It has been an on-going topic lately, but I have a new example to relate.
Having decided to purchase a copy of The Sims 3 for the PC, I went into a city centre branch of GAME on Friday afternoon. The copy on the shelf had a price ticket of £24.99, at least £5 more than the Internet. Adding postage, delivery time, etc. I decided to pay the extra and went towards the counter.
There was an extremely long queue that I hadn't noticed, due to the layout of the store, so I decided to leave it and planned to go back. When I went back on Sunday the price was up to £34.99. This game was released June 2009 and the only reason for the rise has to be the recent release of the game on consoles. This is profiteering at its worst, and I will never shop there again, needless to say I refused to buy it as well. Online shopping only from now on.
The Wrong One (gamertag)
Five years later…
RE: Max Power and a Final Fantasy VII remake. Back in 2005, Square demonstrated a PlayStation 3 tech video showing just that. However, at the time they stated that the cost of remaking the whole game in HD would be astronomical and would require a huge amount of staff working on it. They also mentioned it would take at least five years to make, so frustratingly it would've been ready about now!
Adam D
Inbox also-rans
Are there any good game shows on Virgin Media? Gamer.tv used to be great. Playr was OK and Gameface is utter rubbish.
Omen66
After just two weeks Zavvi are selling Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 at the bargain bucket price of £17.99. Surely a new low! (I bet though it will be sold out before you print this.)
Ste C
Brilliant game after a boozy after pub session is Pinball FX 2! What an addictive game it is and the new tables are fantastic. And only six quid!
CUDGEdave
I work for a large national car breakdown organisation and the other day I had a breakdown for someone called Mr Pinkerton. I laughed and wanted to tell my fellow workers but realised they wouldn't of got why I was amused.
michael crow
This week's Hot Topic
Everyone has a favourite game, but can you be more specific than that and name your favourite level? For this week's Hot Topic we want to know what specific level, stage, mission or quest sticks out in your mind as the best you've ever played.
What was it about it that was so great? Was it the way it used or expanded on the game's controls, the level design, the enemies or perhaps the story or characters? If it was a combination why did it work better than any of the other stages in the same game?
Did the rest of the game the level was from maintain the same high quality and if it didn't did it really matter? What have been some of the most uneven games you've played in terms of level/mission design and which the most consistent?
E-mail your comments to: gamecentral@ukmetro.co.uk
The small print
New Inbox updates appear twice daily, every weekday morning and afternoon. Letters are used on merit and may be edited for length.
You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word 4Player viewer features at any time, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.
If you wish to vote in the Readers' Top of 2010 simply send us an e-mail with a list of your three favourite games of the year so far. Please vote only for games released in the UK during 2010.
Appartantly it was guaranteed to sell out, and someone had ordered in 11 sets and "was going to make over £1,000 profit reselling them"
Something tells me this is going to be like the PS3 launch - rumours of stock shortages to start with, possibly even selling out on launch day but loads more will mysteriously become available just a week or two later.
Still, GAME had Bioshock 2 for £7 and Mass Effect 2 for a fiver so the trip was worth it!Jean-Paul Satire, Trowbridge, 2/11/2010 1:30Report abuse
Merlinusmerlinus79, Hebburn, 1/11/2010 19:15Report abuse
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A combination picture of Saudi fugitive Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri as seen from a Yemeni police handbook of the most wanted terror suspects.
Credit: Reuters/Yemeni Police/Handout
SANAA | Tue Nov 2, 2010 5:34am EDT
SANAA (Reuters) - Yemen launched a manhunt on Tuesday for a Saudi bomb maker who is a key suspect in an attempt to blow up U.S.-bound cargo planes as the poor Muslim country came under pressure to find those behind the plot.
Yemeni security forces and intelligence were deployed to the provinces of Maarib and Shabwa to find Ibrahim al-Asiri, a Saudi al Qaeda operative who Washington believed was linked to the parcel plot, a security official told Reuters.
"Asiri is believed to be hiding and moving with senior al Qaeda elements such as (Yemen al Qaeda leader) Nasser al-Wahayshi. Security intelligence are still tracking them down to exactly identify their whereabouts," the official said.
"The campaign includes intensive intelligence and military work," he added. A large contingent of security forces had been deployed to parts of the two provinces and were working to seal off some areas.
Maarib and Shabwa are neighboring provinces known for their impenetrable desert terrain. Shabwa is in central Yemen and borders the Arabian Sea and Maarib lies further west.
The two parcel bombs intercepted last week on cargo planes in Britain and Dubai were believed to be the work of al Qaeda's Yemen-based arm, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, U.S. officials say.
The U.S. administration has not called for a large-scale crackdown in Yemen and political analysts point to the country's weak central government which faces huge economic problems and strong anti-American sentiment among the population which complicate its partnership with Washington.
There are domestic concerns that the plot could be used to justify greater U.S. intervention.
Yemeni police arrested a young student at Sanaa University in connection with the parcel bomb plot but released her the next day, saying she had been the victim of identity theft.
(Additional reporting by Mohammed Ghobari; Writing by Raissa Kasolowsky; editing by Andrew Dobbie)
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Phillip/AP
Rangers ace Cliff Lee reacts after throwing one bad pitch - a chest-high cutter in a 2-0 count to Edgar Renteria in Game 5 of the World Series - which may be his last in a Rangers uniform.ARLINGTON - It had to end this way, the Giants capping off one of the most remarkable displays of postseason pitching in baseball history with one last gem.
You just didn't think it would end on this night.
Surely Cliff Lee would reestablish his Superman presence, redeem himself for Game 1, and extend this World Series even if it meant having to outpitch another otherworldly creature, The Freak, Tim Lincecum.
Lee couldn't lose two straight World Series games, not after we'd all come to think of him as maybe the best postseason pitcher ever. Not when the Yankees are poised to throw, what, $150 million at him this winter.
Yet here he was, after the Giants had beaten him 3-1 to win the World Series in five games, standing in front of his locker trying to explain how his marvelous duel with Lincecum got away from him in the seventh inning because of a chest-high cutter that Edgar Renteria belted over the wall in left.
"If I could go back in time and throw another pitch," Lee said glumly, "I would. But I can't."
He wasn't talking about pitch selection. Behind in the count 2-0, Lee threw a cutter that he wanted down in the strike zone. He had just struck out Pat Burrell with runners at second and third on such a cutter, and it looked as if he would escape to keep the game scoreless. Only this cutter didn't obey.
"It was up and he put a good swing on it," said Lee. "Nobody in this room is more disappointed than I am. But you have to give them credit. Lincecum threw an unbelievable game."
Yes, in the end, this World Series, really this entire postseason, turned out to be about the Giants' starting pitching, all of it young, home-grown, and mostly brilliant beyond belief. They came within Nelson Cruz's solo home run Monday night of throwing five shutouts in the postseason, but as it was their four tied the major league record.
Above all, this was a night when the Lincecum legend grew a little more - the little guy proving just how much heart he has to go with all that hair by matching Lee zero for zero, getting the Rangers to chase his devastating changeup, until the other guy cracked.
It felt like destiny, all right, for a team nobody thought had enough offense to go the distance. And you didn't have to be around in New York in 1954, the last time the Giants won a World Series, to feel the sense of history that went with this title.
But if the glory belonged to the Giants, Lee was still the most compelling figure. It wasn't his fault the Rangers were going home, but he hadn't lived up to the crazy expectations he'd created for himself by going 7-0 in his first eight postseason starts.
And then there is his impending free agency and the Yankees' expected pursuit of him. It wasn't really what he wanted to talk about Monday night, but when he did answer the questions, he sure did sound like he is curious to see what that Yankee offer will look like.
"I'd love to be back here," he said. "This is the most fun I've had playing this game, because of this bunch of guys. But so many things can happen, you never know. There are a lot of things I've gotta weigh into that. What's best for my family, a lot of things.
"This is my first time I'm a free agent. I want to see what that's all about. It's a right you earn as a player and I've got to see how it all plays out."
Give him credit for being honest about it on a tough night for him. Maybe it would have been different if he had taken a more cautious approach with Renteria, the eventual Series MVP and certainly a tougher out at the moment than Aaron Rowand, who was on deck at the time.
Lee had an open base and could have walked Renteria, especially after falling behind 2-0. But his mantra is throwing strikes, and on this night he may well have been stubborn to a fault about it.
"There was a base open so maybe I should have been more fine," Lee said. "But that's the way I pitched all year. I don't want to walk anybody."
Instead he threw a pitch he regretted. So we found out in this World Series that Lee wasn't Superman, after all. Soon enough we find out where he goes from here.
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By Yoko Nishikawa
TOKYO | Tue Nov 2, 2010 5:06am EDT
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan said on Tuesday it was recalling its ambassador to Moscow temporarily after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited a disputed island, raising the stakes in a territorial row.
Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan, struggling with a divided parliament and a fragile economy, has come under fire for what critics claim was his mishandling of a separate territorial dispute with China, and is under pressure to look firm this time.
"We have a territorial problem and that needs to be solved," Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara told a news conference at which he announced the envoy's temporary recall.
"But our basic policy of concluding a peace treaty with Russia and strengthening economic relations once that problem is settled remains unchanged," he added. The dispute prevented Russia and Japan signing a peace treaty ending World War Two.
Medvedev made a brief visit on Monday to one of four island outposts seized by Russia from Japan at the end of the war.
Japan's top government spokesman said earlier that leaders from Japan and Russia were still likely to hold talks at a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on November 13-14, although Maehara said nothing had been decided.
Strained relations between Japan and China have raised concerns about the fallout for business given deep economic ties between Asia's top two economies.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who last week urged both Beijing and Tokyo to be calm and offered to host trilateral talks to bring relations back to an even keel, said the offer still stood, though they could discuss other issues as well.
"The offer that I made that the United States would be willing to host a trilateral with both Japan and China if that would facilitate dialogue stands, and it is not only about one issue," Clinton said on Tuesday during a visit to Malaysia.
KAN SUPPORT FALLING
However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu dismissed the proposal on Tuesday as "a U.S. idea," adding that it was "totally wrong" to include the disputed islands in any U.S.-Japan defense agreements.
"It must be pointed out that the Diaoyu islands are Chinese territory, and the dispute between China and Japan over them is one between the two countries," he said in a statement on the Foreign Ministry's website (www.mfa.gov.cn).
Sino-Japanese relations deteriorated sharply in September after Japan detained a Chinese trawler captain whose boat collided with Japanese patrol ships near the chain of disputed islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.
Critics in Kan's own party as well as the opposition accuse Kan of caving in to Chinese demands by allowing the release of the captain. That perception has contributed to a slide in his support ratings to around 40 percent after just five months in office.
The rainy and windswept islands disputed by Moscow and Tokyo are known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan. They stretch from northeast of Japan's main northern island of Hokkaido to Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
Nov 02, 2010 12:57am EDT
Seems like Japan may lose these four islands. But Japan’s real boss may still say “NO”. Japanese, open up your deep pocket, we can help but won’t guarantee result.
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