You know, I’ve never understood the hate for Final Fantasy XIII. I personally really enjoyed it. But it seems like Square Enix is trying its best to apologize for all the mixed reception the original game got by pulling out all the stops with it’s sequel.
Announced today, the Final Fantasy XIII-2 Collector’s Edition will feature a special case, artbook and the full 4-disc soundtrack.
The Collector’s Edition will allegedly be available in limited quantities and be sold at major retailers across North America and will run you $79.99.
You’ve also got your pick of retailer specific pre-order bonuses. Pre-ordering at GameStop nets you a special costume for Serah. Amazon is offering a special boss encounter with Omega. Best Buy is offering a Final Fantasy XIII novella that bridges the gap between Final Fantasy XIII and XIII-2.
The full press release is as follows:
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced a collector’s edition for FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and will be available in North America on January 31, 2012.
FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is the sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII, which has shipped 6.2 million units worldwide since its release in North America in March 2010. The sequel has evolved beyond its predecessor, with an extraordinary level design encouraging exploration, an enhanced battle system allowing players to command monsters and a variety of options that support multiple playthroughs.
The FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 collector’s edition will be available in limited quantities at GameStop®, Amazon® and Best Buy® for $79.99. Enclosed in premium packaging featuring artwork by Yoshitaka Amano, the collector’s edition boasts an impressive 4-disc official soundtrack and a collection of concept artwork. The full-color concept art collection contains material from the making of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, with a variety of never-before-seen illustrations, environments and more.
Additional exclusive incentives are available for users who preorder the standard or Collector’s Editions for FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 at the following retail outlets:
Receive an exclusive in-game item by preordering at GameStop e/retailers
– Alternate costume for Serah, visible throughout the game
Amazon®
Exclusive Omega Boss Battle
– Unique coliseum battle against boss enemy “Omega,” who joins the player’s party afterward
Best Buy®
Collectible Hardcover Book
– FINAL FANTASY XIII –Episode i– novella, an original story that ties together the events of FINALFANTASY XIII and FINAL FANTASY XIII-2
This collector’s edition is exclusive for North America and may not reflect editions available in other territories.
FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 will be available at North American retailers on January 31, 2012. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.
Related Links
FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 Official Homepage: http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2
Follow FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 on Twitter®: http://twitter.com/OfficialFFXIII
About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.
What say you, gamers? That soundtrack alone makes the Collector’s Edition worth it. Final Fantasy games always have a fantastic soundtrack.
