FFXIII director Motomu Toriyama has again said he’d like to do a sequel, having said in March that FFXIII-2 could happen if sales of the original allowed.

VIA VG247:

Toriyama has now said in an interview with a recently published FFXIII Omega guide that he wants to make a story where main character Lightning “ends up happy.”

FFXIII producer Yoshinori Kitase, speaking in the same interview, added that he wants to produce something that passes along the Fabula Nova Crystallis saga mythology, saying he wants to show elements that won’t make other games in the series, Final Fantasy Agito XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII.

Asked if this was a FFXIII sequel, Kitase said he didn’t know, implying again that any decision would depend on “fan reaction.” Toriyama then said: “I’d like to at some point make a story where Lightning ends up happy.”

A continuation of FFXIII was first hinted at following the release of the original back in March. Kitase also confirmed in the interview the FFXIII dev team was working on its next big game. Toriyama said the team wanted to add stuff into the new title which was previously in the planned DLC for FFXIII.

Clark Kent says: You can read the rest of the story in full at VG24/7 by clicking the link HERE.

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, revealed today a new premium-quality action figure based on the central character from Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

Clark Kent says: Can you guess who it is? Find out more after the jump.

VIA PR:

Adam Jensen is the latest addition to the Play Arts – Kai series and will feature him as a newly augmented action figure with even more detail than in the game.

“The Square Enix Merchandise Division is dedicated to creating collectible action figures that combine high production value and excellent articulation,” said Kanji Tashiro, Merchandise Director of Square Enix, Inc. “The Deus Ex series has captivated fans across the globe since the first game was released, and we are thrilled and pleased to be making action figures for its latest entry. The game’s truly unique style and visually striking technology provides us with a perfect opportunity to do what we do best: craft a high-quality product that brings to life a vibrant universe.”

Square Enix continues to evolve their craft as they work closely with various developers to extend their creative vision and expertise to properties beyond Square Enix Group’s own-IPs. In addition to entries from titles such as Final Fantasy XIII and Fullmetal Alchemist, the current Play Arts – Kai – line-up includes action figures from a variety of other popular titles.

Clark Kent says: Wanna get another look at some other available Play Arts – Kai – action figures? Be sure to click on THIS link. ‘Deus Ex: Human Revolution’ hits stores on February 2011. Peep the trailer below:

Batman’s divisive sidekick Robin could be making an appearance in the forthcoming Arkham Asylum 2, with early cast listings revealing the presence of The Boy Wonder.

VIA IGN:

An IMDB listing for Rocksteady’s sequel to its genre-defying Arkham Asylum confirms that Mark Hamill reprises his performance as The Joker, and he’s to be joined by Two-Face as actor Bruce Greenwood takes on Harvey Dent and his alter-ego.

What’s likely to prove more controversial is the inclusion of Robin, to be played by Vincent Martella who most recently voiced Hope Estheim in Final Fantasy XIII.

Warner Bros. has been coy about the news, telling Kotaku “To our knowledge, what you asked about is inaccurate information. We are not yet discussing details for the sequel.”

IGN’s resident Batman expert Alex Simmons was keen on the news, saying “I think it’s a good idea. [Robin's] not as much of a dick as people think he is.”

Clark Kent says: Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about the Batman franchise. Two Face, Joker’s back, and possibly Robin — anyway we can get some Catwoman love in 1080i?

Square Enix says that collaboration with X-Factor star will see Final Fantasy XIII reach a brand new audience.

Clark Kent says: Not familiar with the UK pop star? Find out more after the jump.

VIA MCVUK:

It was once a genre that was the reserve of obsessives and teenage boys, but the RPG is now mainstream – and Square Enix believes that its promotional tie-in with UK pop star Leona Lewis will allow the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII to reach an even wider demographic.

“Leona Lewis has become a star in such a short space of time and she appeals to the ‘now generation’,” VP of brand for the PAL region Larry Sparks told MCV.

“Add to that her stylish classy music, provided a great opportunity to collaborate on Final Fantasy XIII. It has allowed us to reach out and touch consumers who may never have heard of the franchise, which can only be a great thing.”

Clark Kent says: To read MCV’s full interview with Larry Sparks, click here. You can see Ms. Lewis singing her video game inspired tune below:

Normally, we don’t dedicate entire news stories to a single demo appearing on the PSN but we figured Yakuza 3 deserves a little extra attention.

VIA PSX:

We know that because it launches here in the US on March 9 – yep, same day as Final Fantasy XIII and one week before God of War III – it’s going to get overshadowed. Furthermore, as it’s the first entry on the PS3 and the past couple of installments on the PS2 didn’t exactly tear up the sales charts, it’s unlikely that many are anxiously awaiting the release of Yakuza 3.

However, we should remind you that this PS3 exclusive got very high review scores in Japan; most critics agree it’s the best title in the franchise thus far. And if you want to get a taste of the atmospheric GTA-style street brawler, you should download the demo today. If it’s not on the store just yet, it should pop up within the next few hours so keep checking back. The story will also be a focal point and we just can’t wait to tear into some thugs once again; it’s kinda like a modernized take on Streets of Rage or Double Dragon, only with a far more advanced battle system, and an intricate environment to go along with it.

Clark Kent says: I saw this at the SEGA event here in NYC a few weeks ago. You won’t be disappointed by this game. Trust. Enjoy seeing the gameplay below:

Square Enix recently denied that they are working on a PS3 remake of the fan favorite Final Fantasy VII (alliteration FTW!) but didn’t say it would never happen.

Clark Kent says: Out of all the remakes being forced down our throats (see: ‘Teen Wolf’) — Square can’t give us a straight answer about a game that folks hold near and dear to their hearts? More about this after the jump.

VIA GD:

Now Motomu Toriyama and Yoshinori Kitase, the director and the producer of Final Fantasy XIII, try to explain one reason why it would be so hard to remake the original Playstation game. Cue the violins.

In an interview with Ultimania magazine, Toriyama relates a discussion about the lack of towns in FFXIII with the problems of remaking FFVII.

“…it is a result of considering HD graphics will be the mainstream. Considering the amount of work to make graphics that deserve HD, it is hard to make towns in the conventional style.”

Kitase added by saying, “It is very hard to make games on PlayStation 3 in the same style as the games in that era had. Making graphics will take enormous time.”

Clark Kent says: Pure fluff. But let’s keep on them and hopefully we can get a remake in 2011! What do you think?

The quarter of this year is absolutely jam-packed with so many great titles, so much so, that a number of major releases are getting lost in the mix.

Clark Kent asks: What games have you gotten to play already? I’m just about done with ‘Mass Effect 2′… More after the jump.

VIA K:

While I’m sure most of you haven’t completely forgotten about 2K Games’ BioShock 2, it certainly hasn’t received the level of hype that I was expecting. With the release of Mass Effect 2 only a week away and Final Fantasy XIII coming in March, the underwater adventure has fallen victim to quite the RPG sandwich.

Though, the question is that plagues everyone’s mind is whether or not BioShock’s multiplayer modes will offer enough fun and longevity to compete with the likes of Halo and Modern Warfare. Let’s just hope it doesn’t cut into the quality of the single player.

Clark Kent says: You can check out the game’s multi-player mayhem below:

Some good stuff is going to be revealed at X10 in San Francisco next week, according to Major Nelson.

VIA VG247:

To be specific, the MS exec said new games will be announced as well as other bits, although couldn’t confirm what those were.

“I’m gonna be in San Francisco for a press event that we’re doing called X10, which we will be announcing all sorts of cool games and stuff, other stuff that I can’t really talk about yet,” he said on his latest podcast.

X10 takes place at the Terra Event Center in San Fran next Thursday.

Halo: Reach, Alan Wake, Final Fantasy XIII and Project Natal are expected to be at the event.

Fable III’s already confirmed.

Final Fantasy XIII will ship on three DVDs for the Xbox 360 according to GameFly.

Clark Kent says: Remember when ‘Final Fantasy VII’ was three discs? Gawd, those were the days. Read more after the jump.

VIA TG:

The rental service noted that Final Fantasy XIII is “a three disc game” in its description of the Xbox 360 version. The PlayStation 3 version of the game will be contained on one Blu Ray disc, meaning that PlayStation 3 owners won’t have to swap discs while Xbox 360 owners will have to swap discs at least twice.

Mass Effect 2 shipped on two discs for the Xbox 360, requiring two disc swaps during the game. The disc swaps, luckily, were painless and quick. As game technology advances, DVDs are becoming too small to contain games. RAGE, the newest IP being developed by id Software, will ship on multiple discs and Forza 3 also shipped with multiple discs for extra content.

Final Fantasy XIII is scheduled to hit the states on March 9 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is being developed and published by Square Enix and has been five years in the making.

Airport Authority Hong Kong has installed several PS3 Game Poles at various locations in the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for free public access. Clark Kent asks: Argh, Hong Kong is really messing with my 2011 #lifegoal. See why their airports are cooler than ours after the jump. VIA TMR: Implemented in partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong, the developer of Playstation 3, the PS3 Game Poles comprise a total of 14 units of PlayStation 3. Stationed at various spots, including areas near the boarding gates at Terminal 1 and the Coach Station at Terminal 2, these PS3 Game Poles allow travellers to enjoy themselves while waiting for flights. The Game Poles feature the latest PS3 games including the highlights of the Asia Game Show x Online Game Show 2009 (AGS x OGS 2009), such as ‘Final Fantasy XIII, ‘James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game’, ‘Uncharted 2: Among Thieves’, and ‘Assassin’s Creed 2’. HKIA is one of the busiest airports around the globe, handling the world’s fourth-highest international passenger volume in 2008, according to Airports Council International. An October 2009 study by Cimigo showed that departing passengers’ dwell time at HKIA is around four hours, with an average of over three hours being spent within the restricted area. Clark Kent says: The fact that they can play ‘Final Fantasy XIII’ and ‘Avatar: The Game’ in an airport FURTHER reinforces the fact that you better be prepared for a zombie attack.