Square Enix has announced that "Final Fantasy 13" is now available for smartphones in Japan.
Square Enix has reportedly brought some of "Final Fantasy" series' mainline entries to phones, as well as tablets. "Final Fantasy 1" to "Final Fantasy 6" are now available for download from the Google and Apple app stores, as is "Final Fantasy Tactics."
The series is arguably a fan favorite. Porting an 8 or 16-bit title to a portable device is one thing; however, taking a fully 3D, multiple gigabyte title to smartphones is another thing entirely. It's no secret, despite modern technology, portable devices such as mobile and tablets are still not as powerful as a PlayStation 3, for example, writes GameRant.
With Square Enix's announcement that "Final Fantasy 13" is now available for iOS and Android phones in Japan, it implies that despite being such a big game, getting it into a smaller device is possible.
According to IGN, the hardware-intensive visuals of "Final Fantasy 13" will remain intact in this mobile adaptation because of Square's cloud streaming capability, which Siliconera claims uses so-called "G-cluster technology.
For perfect play, however, the developer recommends that users have a broadband connection of 3Mbps or higher.
In Japan, a new 20 megabyte app enables players to enjoy "Final Fantasy 13" in its absoluteness on Android and iOS devices. The trick lies in the cloud, according to GameRant.
How does it work?
The game reportedly runs on remote servers maintained by G-Cluster (a remote gaming company) rather than running directly on phones. When players tap the phone (a controller-like interface is superimposed over the in-game footage) for input, G-Cluster forwards the outcome back to the players through streaming the video.
That said, players need to have a 3mbps Wi-Fi connection, making it a rather flawed solution. Some players are still reportedly experiencing a lag. It might not still be an apt solution for those who intend to play AAA console titles on the go.
BleedingCool noted that players in Japan can try the first thirty minutes for free, and then opt to buy the whole thing for $15.99 (2,000 yen), which is what Square Enix charges for other "Final Fantasy" games.
Do you think this is an indication of other games from Square Enix coming to smartphones in the months ahead? Let us know in the comments below!
