Gamers need to realize that when Final Fantasy XIII was announced, last year, as a multiplatform title, the subliminal message that was sent by Microsoft due to that announcement was quite clear. Regardless of whether or not gamers would actually admit it, the undeniable fact remains that such an announcement is destined to create a paradigm shift in the way people view Microsoft forever.

If you pay close attention to the Square-Microsoft relationship and its progression, you would begin to notice a pattern materializing before your very eyes. The pattern is more like water testing. Let me explain, if you are at a lake, and you suddenly feel the need to swim, your first thought would not be to jump in; the first thing you would normally do is test the water temperature; if it’s too cold and you are still feeling the urge to jump in, then you would need to slowly and gradually immerse yourself, in order to avoid jolting your system with a sudden temperature shift, until you are completely immersed in water; only at that point will you be able to swim freely and enjoy the experience. That is exactly what Square Enix has done.

If you notice the gradual story progression of  the Square-developed titles for the Xbox 360, you would easily be able to predict where things are going. In April of 2006, they released Final Fantasy XI Online, a title that was released, over two years ago, on both the PS2 and PC, and was therefore, nothing more than a port of a title that Square has already profited from. In July of 2007, they released Project Sylpheed, a third-person space shooter from a genre that is not one of Square’s strong points.

In September of 2008, they released Infinite Undiscovery, a JRPG title developed by tri-Ace, one of Square’s most important second-party developers. In November of 2008, they released The Last Remnant, a JRPG title, developed by Square’s internal studio, that was initially announced as a multiplatform title, but was suddenly released as an Xbox 360 exclusive. Finally, after being fully immersed in the Xbox 360 waters, in February of 2009, they released Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope, a JRPG title, developed by tri-Ace, that was a sequel to one of Square’s biggest first-party franchises, exclusively on Microsoft’s console!

If we also add the fact that, at E3 08, Square-Enix announced Final Fantasy XIII as a multiplatform title, and the fact that Front Mission Evolved has been recently announced for the Xbox 360, it would be quite clear to us where things are going. Therefore, it is my belief that in 2009, one or more of the following predictions will surely be realized:

1. Final Fantasy XIII will finally be announced for the Xbox 360 in Japan.

2. Final Fantasy Versus XIII will finally be announced as a multiplatform title.

3. Kingdom Hearts 3 will be announced as an Xbox 360 exclusive!

To any gamer that developed an embolism from my last prediction, may you rest in peace.

God Bless You All

Master Samo

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When you first get a new game, first impressions are everything. If the game doesn’t impress early on then many gamers won’t continue on till the end. Many developers suck gamers in with a great cinematic opening. Something to get the gamer excited about what is yet to come. These openings are made to set the mood, and can be the beginning of something great.

Over the next two days, we will be listing the Top 10 Video Game Opening Cinematics in gaming history. Some of the main factors in the making the list is the strength of emotions it conveys, the quality of music, how much it sucks you into the game, and the quality of visuals for the time.

Today is the bottom half of the list, Numbers 10-6….

10.

Rock Band

Who wouldn’t want to rock after seeing this? The CG graphics are solid, but the best part is the music. The song Highway Star by Deep Purple is the perfect theme song for a game like Rock Band. The guy standing on the hood of the car rocking out is completely badass. This is easily the best use of a rock song in a opening trailer, and is just completely badass.

9.

Metal Gear Solid 2

This opening was amazing for the time. This was seeing Solid Snake in details that gamers have never seen before. The music made the gamer feel like they were in for some serious shit. Snake is a badass jumping off the George Washington bridge in his invisible camo. Come on who didn’t want to play this game after seeing this?

8.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Most Zelda games have great openings, but Twilight Princess gets the edge because of the graphic superiority over the past versions, and slightly better cinematics than those used in the past. The music is epic. The gamer feels like they are an epic warrior about to go on the adventure of their life. The opening gives you a great taste on whats yet to come in the game.

7.

Infinite Undiscovery

While the game wasn’t a classic this opening cinematic was amazing. Three warriors fighting an evil villain with Square Enix’s great CG graphics. It actually intrigues you to see what the story has in store. Music is solid, but what makes this special are the battle sequences and the beautiful graphics. The ability to create an intriguing world in 5 mins is amazing.

6.

Chrono Cross

This Playstation 1 game is considered by many to be one of Squaresoft’s finest games. The opening was great for the time. The music was composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, who in the past worked on the soundtracks for Chrono Trigger and other Squaresoft games. The song reflects the mood of the game great, and back in the day a cinematic like this was ahead of it’s time. Truly fantastic.

…

Well, thats #10-6. Tune in tomorrow for the Top 5 Opening Cinematics in Video Game History.

Post your personal Top 10 lists below in the comment section, so we can all compare lists and personal preferences.