The Tragedy of Final Fantasy Versus XIII

Final Fantasy Versus XIII was cancelled in a way that could only be seen as a tragedy given that it was one of those games which captivated so many people with the build up and hype surrounding the project. The story of its development deeply intrigued me over the last few years. So, I decided to compile a mini-documentary summarizing the production of the game under Tetsuya Nomura.

[@installation7]

NOTICE! I decided to remove the small section of the video where I mentioned Nomura's comments about the musical thing, as I felt it was perceived as misleading. In the original video, I genuinely forgot the circumstances behind the comments and thus left it in my final edit. Anyway, I hope this helps clear up any confusion.

[@mikespike2099]

I do not get it? What is the difference between Versus 13 and FF15? It just looked like they made FF15 from the bones of Versus 13..... so we got a good game in FF15! Why is everyone so sad then?

[@kingisking3445]

@@mikespike2099 There is so much more to it than you think. Major story changes occured. Gameplay elements were completely cut. Even major characters got cut that had a huge impact on the story. The game would have been supposed to have 3 parts, released in intervals of years (similar like Final Fantasy VII Remake) but it definitely would have been worth the wait. The main villian even was supposed to be someone else. Ardyn replaced him though. Don't get me wrong. Ardyn is a good villian, but his predecessor would have been someone similar to Sephiroth which I would have preferred. Even Noctis his personality was supposed to be different from what he ended up to be in FFXV. It's just so sad what happened to this game.

[@mikespike2099]

@@kingisking3445 oh yes I see … yeah I really enjoyed the first part of the game but the last half was a bit of a rush and muddled story wise

[@kingisking3445]

@@mikespike2099 Yeah the second half of the game feels very rushed because the game got condensed from 3 parts to 1. A lot had to be cut.

[@mikespike2099]

@@kingisking3445 yeah chapters 1-7 had a good pace … but after that it’s zooms by in linear fashion until the last chapter

[@stormcutter59]

As far as canceled games are concerned, this one always hit the hardest. I'm interested in what this Yozora thing is but I can't help but feel it will never be the same without Noctis and his friends. I will always hold my dream of seeing that original vision come alive.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

Bro this hits me to the point it still feel like just like MegaMan legends 3 for MegaMan fans times TEN! I comeback to the 06 trailer every month and wonder into what little I can experience into the original vsxiii world by Tetsuya Nomura the true creator of vsxiii.

[@zealtheeternal8828]

I'm not giving false hope when I say I know it's coming. Just trust me, as someone who is as close to SE and Nomura as humanly possible -- the entire 3 arc project is coming. Yes, it is PS5.

[@AntoDeimos]

@@zealtheeternal8828 What? How do you know this? I really take this to heart man, Versus XIII would have been my dearly beloved (yes KH pun intended) so please don't say this knowing people will take the bait, I really hope you talk with actual knowledge.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

@@AntoDeimos verum rex and yozora are the key and gate to the mystery that's for starters why if yozora is a blanant shoutout to vsxiii noctis

[@talha7032]

@@AntoDeimos Nah he's trolling

[@Zero-rq9ti]

It should also be known that the rough development of V13 made Nomura really depressed. The dude was so depressed he was told to get pet cats to help with his depression.

[@installation7]

I heard about this. Hopefully whatever he's doing now is cathartic for him.

[@kingisking3445]

This game is and was so desirable. To this day, I still have not forgotten about it. Never have I been so excited about a game. "Versus XIII" meant so much to me. I am still saddened about the fact, that it never came to fruition. I guess this is destiny. There are things in life that just don't go the way we want them to. It's so hard to not reminisce about "Versus XIII". Every so often I go back on KZbin to just watch the "Versus XIII" 2006 trailer. So much nostalgia. Thank you so much for doing this video.

[@8bitdee]

Jesus, so dramatic for a fucking video game that barely was worked on

[@kingisking3445]

​@@8bitdee Why so serious ? ;-) It shouldn't be your concern then.

[@dahlah1770]

@@8bitdee ahh shut up, u can't even make an animation of stickman for 5 frames with such a good movement

[@zealtheeternal8828]

Behold, the coming is still inevitable. - Zeal

[@mylesobrien7477]

god do you remember the teasers from all those years ago with Nocits walking down the steps blocking bullets until its revealed he was controlling swords and proceeds to brutally murder the soldiers it was too amazing for my young brain to handle.

[@samuraispiritsx]

I hope someone that was very close to this project writes a book about it one day and what really was going on. This game still looks cooler than 90% of the junk coming out today.

[@XVNR]

And let's not forget, SE asked him to do all the character designs for FF13-Lightnings Return. Nomura agreed, so long he was allowed to finish his work on FFXV and not be taken away from the project. Then SE said "yes" yet then pushed Nomura out of the driver seat. Also many from Tabata's team didn't want to change Nomura's work. So many other details left out, but your accounting of events is correct.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

Bro I knew it that ffxv was a rush job they wasn't a storyline barely present in the game the love interest Luna is just a trope not a character Ardyn besides noctis was amazing but like Ardyn we the ffvsxiii fans felt betrayed and wronged.

[@ZeranZeran]

Nomura is abused by Square, Kojima is abused by Konami. I hope one day Nomura leaves and starts his own game company where he can continue his stories, and spit in the face of Square staff. Use all the same designs and names, just slightly changed. He created them, he should get to use them.

[@hououinkyouma3864]

"BTW Nomura-san can you also do KH3? Much appreciated. Oh, heard about the new VII remake? You will do that too." SE is fucking insane.

[@luxeadawnlight5745]

@@ZeranZeran No, names shouldnt even need to be changed, Noctis, etc is all NOMURA's work, not Tabata, not SE's fucking executives. He deserves all the rights to his creations. I'm also angry that they shoved him off the project and his story got a fanfiction with an OC insert made instead of what he envisioned.

[@ZeranZeran]

@@luxeadawnlight5745 I agree

[@dennismenace2670]

Nomura's vision was too advance for the age in which he created it. Now, I am sure if Nomura had thought of this game now, he would have the resources and proper engine to create Versus XIII and it would be one of if not the best Final Fantasy game of all time.

[@richardtv9859]

absolutely i agree with you 100%, nomura just came to square enix in a very wrong time, if he came now, he would be the best director of the game and FFXIII versus would be the game of the decade when that happened

[@oliversandoval7428]

Nomura is a freacking clown, to hell with him

[@8bitmagic]

I too am excited for Verem Rex

[@Erikthedood]

You can kind of look at the FF7R trilogy as the foundational basis for what Nomura wanted versus xiii to be originally. The opening game; taking place entirely in insomnia, ending in the invasion. Similarly, this is how ff 7 remake treated the story pacing for Midgar. With the second game opening up to the open world, a la how ff7 rebirth has done its open world. And a third game probably rounding out the trilogy, with both insomnia and an expanded open world. Like how FF7R 3 will probably have an expanded open world, as well as Midgar again.

[@zenar30]

​@@richardtv9859 I think he came at a good time in a certain way, I mean the man himself. However. I think the project was planned too earlier, like it was the worst timing ever to make this project for the company. Look at it. There was too much confidence and pride in this company disconnected from reality. I won't say it's Tabata's fault or Nomura's fault. It's Square Enix higher ups' fault in all this mess. And unfortunately for them, they were stepping on diamond which they didn't even know. A lot blame Nomura for a lot of things in KH, in FFXV development and stuff. The reality is that he's not responsible of EVERYTHING. That's the thing. Square Enix troubles come from the human aspect obviously.

[@chriswillett9962]

The game looked so promising, in theme and style in it's original premise. I liked the idea of them acting more like a mafia, that the blond woman was "admirable foe" and so on. The public still loves classic "high fantasy" but has plenty of appetite for darker or more serious themes. Everyone goes the "safe" route, or changes things at the last minute which creates a hot mess. Also, a city named Insomnia? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

[@installation7]

I believe the name of the city was tied into part of the story which was cut out. Also, agree with you about the risks studios don't take, as well as too many cuts made to games.

[@princessloveheartglitter]

The city is called Insomnia, the city that never sleeps, their first king is Somnus, which means rest, and the main theme is Somnus, and once the daemons are vanquished, Insomnia can finally rest.

[@lucbauer]

A Romeo and Juliet kind of story ended up as a boy band road trip adventure. Stella seemed to have a much more interesting role than Luna

[@lindthechaoticheretic8708]

She literally had more character development in those trailers than Luna got in a full game, movie, and anime.

[@installation7]

As much as I wish this were not true, it is.

[@chad8519]

That's what I was looking forward too as well. Two heirs of their respective houses becoming embroiled in a war over a precious yet diminishing resource.

[@zealtheeternal8828]

It's true. All of it. I was there. This video is one of the most accurate retellings I have ever seen. You have my respect. And all know that is the ultimate compliment. Stay tuned, the legend still sleeps.....it is not over. - Zeal

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

That's kinda of embracement and ironic that a scrapped character from scrapped story concepts are superior than the finalized product that was rushed out barely any towns just three towns, a story what you call it has tons of plotholes that tried to be patched by a movie that barely connects, anime for backstory for the bros, and a novel to actually conclude FFXV due to remaining dlc are cancelled man FFXV is a rush job full stop.

[@johnnada6855]

How ironic that everything that Nomura made in concept trailers is far superior than the complete FFXV game and all it´s dlc and movies

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

Ironic more of an embrassment with many people don't want to admit. Because it had a vision while FF XV didn't and was rushed out

[@johnnada6855]

@@OmegaKatanaXIII Worst of all is that Tabata did had also a vision, but had to censor it at the last minute cause he didn´t had the balls to do it., that game wasn´t only rushed but also cut and censored like crazy

[@sebiroth8398]

I‘m a huge Versus fan and this video is really well done! Keep up the good work!

[@stonehorn4641]

How are you a fan of something that doesn't exist?

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

I know it's a "scrapped concept" but as a scrapped game it has fans due to how the game once how it was gonna be.

[@kil-mil-]

is versus it’s own thing like have they done a versus before or like??

[@kil-mil-]

i’m just confused bc i see all this versus talk but never heard abt i

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

@@kil-mil- to explain versus is short for final fantasy versusxiii aka the prototype to ffxv if that's what your wondering.

[@octahedron2064]

So sad, the original story and vibe is so much better.

[@soniamaria-od8rn]

it's a shame that we never got the chance to play versus XIII, it was visually more appealing than what we got with XV, then again, it may have turned out to be just as bad as final fantasy XIII for all we know... as for XV, it could have been a great game in its own right but was trapped in the shadow of what it used to be as well as it being too ambitious for it's own good.

[@evacody1249]

It had the number 13 so yeah.

[@ragingsaviorkami9862]

Don't. You. Dare. Touch. XIII.

[@hinatashoyo2999]

Years ago, I watched the trailer for Final Fantasy Versus with my dear old friend. We were incredibly excited for the game; every aspect seemed captivating. We made a pact to purchase it and experience it together upon its release. However, after many long years of anticipation, my friend tragically succumbed to cancer before he could witness the fate of this masterpiece. I can only imagine his disappointment at seeing how the game was mishandled. Brother, I hope to join you in heaven soon, where we can finally play Final Fantasy Versus together. Until then, wait for me.

[@Scorptice]

the heart being changed beyond recognition really hit hard

[@efuntron]

I love FFXV it came at the right time in my life when I was going through a lot. The theme of brotherhood really spoke to me. The wider story did feel like it was missing some elements. I’m glad it wasn’t just outright cancelled, but I would’ve loved to see what Nomura’s true vision was at the same time. The game is just such a strange beast, only a few games that go through that amount of development hell even get released. I get why some are disappointed but this game was lucky to see the light of day in any form.

[@noavsnow7134]

i feel the same way was going through a lot played this game helped me just looking back at it this game it's empty,the story is just missing things the gameplay is average basically everything about the game is mediocre,nomuras vision was about brotherhood and many other things not just brotherhood would have been way more intriguing just sad that square steal my money enix robbed us of what could have been the most interesting final fantasy game fucking pisses me off.

[@haroldheart2675]

Actually, all those rewrites you mentioned only happened when Tabata began to handle the reins of the game as XV. Even the leaker who leaked the whole game months before it came out says this.

[@soldadoryanbr7776]

In my opinion, the best thing about the FF franchise is the scenarios,the cyberpunk of VII,the steampunk renaissance of IX,etc.Now imagine having an open world with those aesthetics to explore,travelling by car with your party while admiring the scenarios, that would be the best thing about VS XIII

[@Oflavag]

I remember 3 things about FF Versus XIII My excitement at the announcement and trailers. My sadness and hatred at the release of FF XV And my tears of shock and a form of joy when my ex-girlfriend, a Kingdom Hearts fan, finished the "Remind" DLC.

[@TacoLex]

I hope the original Versus epic story becomes something reincarnated with the help of Verum Rex. I know everything will not be exactly the same but I hope that Nomura will get to tell his story without anyone stopping now since it is now under the Kingdom Hearts franchise which is Nomura territory.

[@installation7]

You read my mind.

[@jacobynoctis4825]

The tale of Final Fantasy Versus XIII is extremely sad. I say I was hyped for the Fabula Nova Crystalis games would be an understatement. Coming off the back of the incredible Final Fantasy XII and outstanding MMO with Final Fantasy XI these games looked so incredible. I love Final Fantasy XIII well enough but definitely can see why people disliked it and we in the west would not get Agito until like 10 years later. But Versus XIII always captivated me and when it was relaunched as Final Fantasy XV I had such mixed feelings. It wasnt the game I remembered from 10 years ago, it had become something very different. I still played the game through on day 1, but unlike other Final Fantasy games, I just dont have the heart to replay XV...

[@theirbrotherhoodandfriends6101]

Thank you so much for creating this video. I'll always root for Final Fantasy Versus XIII.

[@dragonemperor5335]

Wow absolutely amazing work! Really professional and your voice is perfect for narration, hope your channel grows fast. In KH3 Sora tells the nameless Star (Stella) that she has to believe so I really hope, that one day we will see Versus XIII or Verum Rex.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

We are gonna get verum rex it's a fact

[@dreamxhollow]

This is the pain I've been waiting for.

[@criticaldrive7688]

Is everything alright?

[@dreamxhollow]

@@criticaldrive7688 not until our true king returns.

[@zealtheeternal8828]

Behold, the legend is not dead. The true vision still sleeps within the fantasy. VERSUS shall return. - Zeal

[@alphaeviiee1149]

As for someone who literally just found this information out years later I’m extremely heartbroken about this.. FFXV story was amazing in itself but I always thought in the back of my mind that Noctis could have shown us so much more and then I see this.. extremely saddened. He looks extremely badass and much more confident in this game than just a “pretty boy” teen who needs to learn to grow up like what we got. The fighting itself I thought was great! Just wish they made it much harder and challenging ! Anyone could play the game. Ugh this hurts my heart.. I’ll continue to look back on this trailer for years to come.. and Noctis and his friends, will always have a special place in my heart.

[@prideworth1095]

I wish Nomura could make a Final Fantasy Versus XV, where the events of FFXV was a dream to prepare Noctis for the real world through Yozora in KH3 Verum Rex then awoke the real Noctis to FFVSXV in his vision (no musical please). Nomura's been so busy with multiple projects to make time.

[@installation7]

I think we all hope Verum Rex is going to happen in some way so Nomura can complete one of his grand visions. Fingers crossed!

[@prideworth1095]

@@installation7 Yeah, there were even hints that Yozora is Noctis' Nobody in KH3. Not a confirmed thing but there were videos where people zoomed in and studied his clothing, many of his outfit patterns and characteristics resembled what a Nobody would be designed. All can hope for is time will tell.

[@sharkafrank7545]

@@installation7 same Verum Rex looks so interesting and yozora is a really cool character

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

@@installation7 I have a feeling that yozora is a nobody to noctis and insomnia is gonna play a huge role in kh

[@dethaddr]

FF>>>>>>>KH. Nomura needs to stay far, far away from the vaunted franchise that is far better than his.

[@EatTheMarxists]

I never thought that XV was a bad game; I played it and enjoyed it. But Versus XIII looked so much more, I dunno…deep, more adult, perhaps? Although the game wasn’t ‘shaping up’ when it was cancelled and reworked into 15 it looked so much darker and grittier than what XV turned out to be. I wish Squeenix would restart and finish Versus XIII as it had envisioned; it would be awesome to play an ‘alternative XV’ as that is what it would be now. After decades of refusing to remake VII they finally smelled the buckets of cash and gave in, and I loved the first part of VII and am looking forward to part 2, though only the Lord knows if I’ll finally have a PS5 by the time it is released. I’m still trying to find my daughter one for her Christmas present *for last year* with no luck at all and I’ve basically given up on finding a PS5 and Xbox Series X for myself. But maybe if enough of us showed our interest in seeing Versus XIII completed and released Squeenix might pay attention.

[@mskiara18]

I express my thanks for taking the time to create this video. If not for NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements), I would love to see more footage of the old project if Square would allow Nomura and the team to discuss them. Final Fantasy Versus XIII looks intriguing and I desire to learn more of the plot and the characters to this day. I questioned what would have been Stella's role, Cor, Ravus and Ardyn's in the original script.

[@coreylucas5346]

Thank you. I NEEDED this. Ever since it was announced in 2006 I’ve been waiting for the true Versus to be told. My most anticipated. I believe it will return whether as Verum Rex or a rebooted Versus XV. One can hope. XV sucked badly. I blame the higher ups at Square Enix and Yoichi Wada.

[@stonehorn4641]

You hope for something that will never happen

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

@@stonehorn4641 bro unlike a title with cancelled dlcs that had to be compiled into a novel for it's ending a anime series for backstory on the bros a movie to explain what happened in insomnia a key moment in the game not playable let alone brushes aside after a certain event when noctis found out his dad passed away. Let's not getting into empty world, press x to win combat, three major towns in the game and one of them had tons of areas cut.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

Bro I don't blame you for this because I agree with mismanagement at square enix at the time with projects when transition to polygon 3d to photorealistic hd 3d, ps3 development blues and PS4 era problems plus Nomura "stepping down" from director to a director who only had work in handheld games. Rushed it out whole rebooting it onto FFXV and became a rush job of a title with an empty world with three major towns, a patched up plot that was filled with plotholes and have to have a barely connecting movie to explain one of the key events of the game, a anime series about backstories about the bros, a novel to conclude the story due to its dlcs being cancelled talk about an embrassment right there and square enix realized it and moved on to FF XVI and FF xiv yoshi p era. Your not the only one who wants versusxiii because I been waiting for the game since 2008 when I saw that trailer I was hooked ever since. As a final fantasy versus xiii faithful we will never give up hope never let our zeal burn out.

[@1216Rockman]

@@stonehorn4641 This was said about the Snyder Cut until it did happen. Nah this will definitely happen at some point just not so sure on the form it will take.

[@Radical_Dreamers]

Thank you for making this great video, I'm glad to see people still expressing their passion for Versus after all these years. Waiting for this game during my teenage years kind of shaped the person I am today.

[@YOBAMUSTDIE]

Let's start a petition to make Final Fantasy 15 versus - restored Nomura version if FF13 versus based on ff 15 assets.

[@codybethel4142]

Although I’m really sad to see what happened to versus 13, I’m still pleased with the narrative and story we got in 15. And I wish somehow they could coexist.

[@batdog12100]

My thoughts exactaly. Even though I would have loved to see versus XIII, I personally love the product we got. Who know, they might eventually release versus XIII as versus XV.

[@dethaddr]

XV ended up as fourth best in the series, and it even swiped a whole bunch from the fifth best (FFVI) and became a better game. My only disappointment is where they take away the sandbox mid game (akin to Xenogears Disc 2). If they hadn't done that, could have jumped over XII to snag the third best.

[@sephoroid]

XV sucks ass.

[@michibeatz1030]

Yozora will revive this lost gem and claim its heart ♥️ back For what he looks like as we see him… is not his true self. Noctis? 🌌 Who knows. We’ll just have to wait and see 👁 Isnt this exciting !? 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@installation7]

Indeed it is.

[@ami-kun]

It’s sad to see games have cut content or just never be made but this case is special, special since it was being made by someone with a lot of passion only for it to get changed drastically & have someone else take over

[@NemesisSP]

This is a good analysis, though. And it's good of you not to mention any of the plot rumors, because too many people believe them for their own good. Though, I am surprised you didn't bring up the storyboards by Roberto Ferrari that leaked online.

[@installation7]

Thanks for the feedback, and those boards were going to be part of the video, but due to pacing I cut parts of the video down.

[@NemesisSP]

@@installation7 You're welcome. And no worries. I feel like the boards could probably be used more in a video talking about the rumors and speculations than just as a footnote here. Keep up the good work.

[@ygo900]

Where can I find these story boards

[@NemesisSP]

@@ygo900 imgur.com/a/CaY6Sx1 These would be them. They're confirmed legit. There are also closeups of individual ones, particularly any that are pertaining to Stella.

[@ygo900]

@@NemesisSP thanks man!!!

[@NemesisSP]

I'm pretty sure the musical idea was only ever a joke by Nomura that got taken out of context. The source of the quote, IGN, only seemed to report that it was said, but not in what way. This is important to remember, because Nomura's got a very quirky sense of humor and a lot of things he sometimes says are things that can come off as easy to read as him being serious. One other thing is when he stated he wasn't aware he was director of FFVIIR before he saw an inhouse trailer stating he was. That's important, because it also got twisted into him saying that he wasn't aware he was director until the E3 reveal.

[@installation7]

It's been so long since I first heard of this. I couldn't remember whether it was true or not. Ultimately, I thought it best to include it in case it was true, but thanks for clarifying this, as I had forgotten.

[@NemesisSP]

@@installation7 No problem, just felt it was necessary to point out. I see a lot of people use that comment as a negative against Nomura to point out how he somehow is the sole reason FFVersusXIII didn't work out. This is even in spite of Versus XIII and XV's coming out and saying basically that he was much faster than people give him credit for, or the leak that gave away the plot of the finished game flat out saying his version would have been superior.

[@XVNR]

It wasn't a joke, he actually busted into the office wanting to make it a musical.

[@NemesisSP]

@@XVNRAnd you know he literally burst into the office, how? By actually being there as he walked in shouting "I want a musical! Hop to everyone!" The only source, as I said, who said that was Nomura in an IGN article and he is a quirky fellow who likes to mess with people on occasion. And IGN is notorious for bad news representation concerning SE games. So no, I don't think so. And even if he was serious, the actual development time would not have been a extreme as some people claim. Clearly he was not committed to the idea enough to actually force the issue.

[@XVNR]

@@NemesisSP I know, because I know him. I'm not just a fan but someone who actually works in the industry.

[@jakelawrence6618]

I just want to know why the story had to change? The change from ps3 makes sense. They could’ve simply just changed the name and keep the OG story. Did it really have to change simply so it could get into other markets or where the higher ups at square simply like “no this story is no good change it now”, but even then who’s to say that even if it couldn’t get into certain markets if they kept the original vision for all we know it might’ve sold better then what xv it’s self did. Considering all that we know I’m willing to beat the former since at that point they had burned A lot of money on not just the development of the lighting saga, TWO in house engines one of which basically almost caused them to go bankrupt and caused problems for both 13, 14 and the weird collabs they where doing at the time. Regardless thank you so much for this informative video here’s hoping square someday go back to verses and give it a second chance hopefully without the smell of corporate greed all over it.

[@LupiViri]

Great video, most things mentioned I wasn't even aware of. Till this day it saddens me that we never got FFVsXIII. There's a petition going around called "Reboot Final Fantasy Versus" with nearly 5,000 signatures. It's a long shot but it'll show Square that there's still a huge interest in FFVsXIII original concept.

[@installation7]

Took a good bit of time doing research to remember much of this, but I like to think it was worth it.

[@obsidianbeau4087]

Looks like it's a thing the franchise just wanted to stop going back to. Especially since ffxvi is up for release.

[@High_Marshal_Guts]

I love FFXV hell I still say to this day that it’s my favorite game of all time due to the impact it made on my life. For me it was the first time my 13 year old self really experienced a game where I genuinely connected with every single one of the characters I met and saw. Sure it has its problems but nonetheless whenever I boot it up, I just feel genuine sense of happiness while playing it. That being I still would want to see what could have been in Versus XIII. If the end product of FFXV along with all its DLCs was just glimpse of what Versus XIII could have been, just imagine what a full game like that could look and play like.

[@Sam3031996]

I really, really hope, somehow, SE will make room for Versus, maybe Versus XV or something like that. To be honest, i prefer the old version of Noct, these old trailers of Versus XIII impressed me so hard at that time. How time flies! XV is good, but not the one we looked for.

[@installation7]

Old Noct was very imposing and mysterious. Liked the noir vibe about him.

[@KenShinta174]

Thank you. Awesome video. It’s great to know the facts about what happened to this awesome and epic game that sadly couldn’t see the light of day

[@Rahbiel_AotD]

Probably the most interesting thing to me about this game that never was is the scenario and how it boils down to: “What if we brought back the Warriors of Darkness from FF3 and you got to play as them?” Like from the summary alone we can tell Lucis is not unequivocally the good guy here; their deity is a death god, they’re hoarding the Crystal, and every other kingdom is on their ass now because of the power imbalance. Even the esthetic of Lucis of being a very modern hi-tech city leans into this as usual in classic FF the villains were usually the ones who had great technological advancements, getting across the idea of being cold and opposed to nature or natural life. Yet since they are our protagonists it makes you curious about their ways and their reasonings for rejecting the other kingdoms and the consequences there in.

[@meph1570]

Aranea looks sexier here than in the finished product

[@melancholycollie1466]

I thought it was going to be a masterpiece, something to reignite my passion for FF but what I felt I was left with is a bunch of questions and frustration... Along with an epic glitch out within a Building in Lestallum. Noodles.

[@furrowsan]

Thx for making this video! I honestly wouldve loved the edgy sasuke epic friendship adventure Nomura originally had, but seeing Verum Rex in KH which has parallels to the unreleased game???? Thats just a way more interesting direction imo

[@DanteAlighieri612]

Sasuke's final design in Shippuden inspired by this noctis and his edgy personality and the Road to Ninja Sasuke is based on FFXV noctis and his personality as well. Love both noctis but very thankful of what we got.

[@TLiebCNV]

Verum Rex will hopefully give us what we didn’t get.

[@uchihasasuke945]

I hope we get something someday, I couldn't imagine as an artist having something you worked on for years ripped away like that

[@Tronjheim88]

I remember falling in love with this game by watching that whole sequence of Leviathan tearing apart Altissia with those jets of water flooding the rooms while Noctis and his friends dealing with the enemy, it was so epic, far superior from what FFXV delivered... I really enjoyed FFXV but in the end I was left with the feeling that it could have been much better.

[@FreeDWeb1]

Good coverage behind the scene of this tumultuous development for ff15. Keep up the good work!

[@JohnSan92]

amazing video essay and very informative. I hope 2022 is the year of the Return

[@installation7]

Thank you.

[@redfield2500]

Thank you for this video! I was looking for some documentary about the sad fate of Versus XIII and found your channel, nice content mate!

[@installation7]

I do my best.

[@EpsilonLost]

MAN! This was a VERY well done video! This brought to light a lot of the thoughts and feelings I've had in regards to Versus XIII and Verum Rex up until now. I always appreciate when KZbin recommends me some quality content!

[@Assassin0Ninja]

loved your video. very informative and well presented. can we hope for a "FF versus 13 " cut similar to JL Snyder's cut?

[@armghan9542]

It's nice seeing other people are upset after so many years, like myself. I very much hope, 10 years down the line, they actually come out with a complete XV remake. I mean tthey did change the story for VII with the remake. It feels like a possibility.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

Your not the only one I felt really pissed off being pissed of to this day.

[@installation7]

If they did release it, it would make so much money for Square Enix that a company like Rockstar would release a new game called Versus GTA: Online, which would actually be a single player game.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

@@installation7 which rockstar will have to copy square in order to make it or seems.

[@installation7]

@@OmegaKatanaXIII I just like poking fun at Rockstar. It's no secret how much they love an idea that prints money. If only we could get them to release a GTA 6 and not the 6th version of GTA 5.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

@@installation7 it's getting tiring at this point of the rereleasing GTA v again let's move on to six please.

[@EisenSMT]

I think it's so cool how even though Versus XIII might be dead as it originally was, it gets to potentially live on in some form through Nomura's other brain child. It makes a sad story a little easier to swallow

[@crios8307]

I didn’t follow the FFvsXIII-XV campaign, but i still endned up buying the game (purely for the graphic, i admit it). FFXV still screams content, but it’s like it has no mouth: it's a convoluted, ambitious and unfinished beast that wanted to touch too many subjects at once. It wanted to break the standards AND settle a new project AND start a trilogy AND wanted to look cool and dark in respite to FF XIII. It was a project that needed planning, but even more than that it needed a bigger team for the narrative. You cannot just put politics, romance, philosophy about death and not expect a mess: ideas will come in flows, but they probably started piling them on top of each other instead of working on what they had, probably because there were already "holes" in the narrative and lore. I personally really like the glimpses we got to see, because FFvsXIII gave me a huge inspiration in my artistic goals (as in what subjects i want to depict and how), but the story was probably just as convoluted as the one we got. I don’t think it would have been much better if it changed every three months in its last years of development.

[@johnnada6855]

Versus 13 should be made, and nope i will not stop demanding this game, i will die on this hill, it must be the last game Nomura makes before he retires

[@richardtv9859]

Tetsuya Nomura, you will be the best director of all videogames for me ty for giving us ff type 0 and FF XIII, also with the masterpiece ff XIII i knew the last one will the biggest lit videogame that could happen

[@KeyBladeMaster-Dan]

Nomura didn't direct any of those games 😅

[@samflood5631]

I wonder what would have happened if Final Fantasy 13-2 and Lightning Returns were never made and instead, they just focused on Final Fantasy Versus 13.

[@tbspromotions]

I just beat the 15 and I’ve had it since the first day. It’s crazy people are still talking about this series/game.

[@nastycanadian1975]

I have watched a many of these and I have come up with my own idea of what really happened..... although some of the things like management changes and split decisions could be true, there was no reason for SE to halt production of the game. One fact remains that the PS4 was on the horizon so what they had was potentially going to be outdated so instead of sticking with the production on the PS3 they decided to overhaul the game to match the upcoming current generation of console. Considering that XIII was released on the PS3 and received less than stellar reviews in the West, SE released the second Nova Crystalis game ... but on the PSP.. Japan Only! And stated that because the PSP in the West was, I believe they said not as popular or it was being fizzled out or what not. We didn't even get Type-0 way later in the PS4 cycle, so in theory I believe with the other major factors that we know about, SE did it to themselves and tarnished the hopes of all the FF fans of getting the game they were so proud of and showed off. IMO SE should of just gone ahead and released Versus on the PS3, gave us Type-0 in the West on the PSP. But instead decided not to. Shame on them, Screw Us.

[@timmcgarry6723]

I always go back and rewatch that versus 13 trailer and I can't help but to hope that someday it may come to life, I am also very sure that it was and still very much is a wanted and desired game from SE, I feel as though we as the fans should tell SE in someway shape or form to give this title back to Nomura so that we can see the game for what it really is, 15 was a good enough game it just could have been so much more and it still can be

[@FinalFantasyIV]

we didn’t get the epic FFVXIII trilogy nomura wanted us to see, but in a way Nomura and Square never really abandoned the idea of an epic FF trilogy that merged a lot of games into one, they are doing that right now with the FF7 Remake Project, releasing a trilogy of games that happen into one universe where multiple old and new games take place, also they are releasing side games and books to complement this and it’s having success. maybe FFVXIII died, but the idea and spirit of it never did and it’s more alive than ever with the FF7 Remake project

[@kevinmimifir5752]

they should have added the outfits of versus XIII to XV plus a possible DLC like "Final Fantasy XV:Altered Timeline" showcasing wha would have happened in versus XIII instead of "Royal" much more money would have been made and it would have pleased much more people. I know I ask for a lot but it leaves such a bitter taste in my mouth to not be able to enjoy this wih today's graphics

[@KingOfHeartsTANK]

Even though Verum Rex is a thing after KH4, I will never let this go. I fell in love with KH from growing up with Disney, and FF, and it being my first action game with the RPG elements I loved from FF. I was a goth kid in highschool when KHII came.out and it had many metaphors for depression that helped me figure myself out. I think KHII has the best combat of any action RPG Ive ever played, to this day. Whatever Verum Rex turns into, it just isn't going to be the same, specially for me. Not made for my generation, being tied into KH means the more mature and dark elements are going to be absent, the goth aesthetic is gone, the battle designer and many developers who were taught to work on KH games and animate from Disney are long gone or doing other projects now, the story I watched And hoped for 10 long years before XV killed it is gone. KHIII wasn't awful but it wasn't as refined or focused as KHII was in combat and felt floaty, unresponsive, slow and bloated. I'm excited to try KH4 and Verum Rex but it's not what I wanted. I'll forever do art of and dream of a world where FFvXIII was released and remember it for what it was and the potential it had. Plus my baby sister who passed away 2 weeks ago as of this comment loved KHI and II and we were going to play that before it became XV and Verum Rex together. Goddamn you modern square, Tabata and your corporate backstabbing mind, FFXIII and the modern gaming community that pushed for better graphics over game quality that forced the jump to ps4 for square.

[@RedSpade37]

I'm sorry for your loss. 13 Blessings, to you and yours.

[@zackfair872]

The battle sound track in this original version sound more epic and dark, sound track when noctis meet Stella doing great job at represents their interest in each other since the first meeting!

[@RICOBTB28]

I would’ve been so much more happy if they gave us the versus 13 outfit as an apology for also cancelling dawn of the future it breaks my heart everything about the history of this game 💔

[@installation7]

100%

[@yungsteven8636]

Now what if Noctis ends up in KH4.. he’s reality warped enough times i wouldnt be surprised 💀💀

[@PulseBladeenjoyer]

Bro whenever I hear the music all I can think of is. “Walk tall my friends”

[@kranberrijam]

Excellent coverage of this long lost game.

[@Jwksiuxbjeisk]

What an amazing video. It's sad what happened to FF Versus XIII, but let's see what the future brings..

[@installation7]

Thanks for watching. We can all look forward to Verum Rex or whatever Nomura has in store with bated breath.

[@ZeranZeran]

I wonder if Nomura had planned to mix the 2 all along "VERSUS 13" sounds like it literally means "Final Fantasy vs Organization 13" - kind of how Yozora is now in the KH universe, and the "other world" perhaps being the Final Fantasy world. How cool!

[@hinatashoyo2999]

The game we all wanted but never got

[@rem9142]

I'm not sure that I would call it a favorite cause I'm usually pretty indecisive with that sort of thing, but XV I've noticed was a game that meant a lot to me. So naturally I looked into the game and found out about Versus. And honestly from what I know it sounds like it would have been one of a kind. Obviously with what I mentioned at the beginning, I do have a bit of bias towards the game we got, but the game that could've been is a lot more than I thought it would be, and it's a pretty interesting story nonetheless

[@rowd149]

A little disappointed that FFXIV's development wasn't mentioned as a factor in Versus XIII's pre-2013 delays. Its announcement before even FFXIII's release was a shock to observers, and the fact that it essentially had to be produced twice was a major hit to the manpower that could be apportioned to other SE projects. Versus XIII was almost certainly adversely affected, and may otherwise have made release late in the PS3's life. XIV was fast-tracked, probably by Wada, to cover for the cash flow of the aging XI, and its failure coinciding with Wada's ouster as head of the company was probably not coincidental. None of this is directly confirmed in interviews or anything, but conclusions can reasonably be drawn from the timeline of XIII, Versus XIII, and XIV's announcements and releases. And the musical thing was a joke. I don't understand why this keeps getting brought up. One thing that's super-fun: Yozora's short monologue in the last few seconds before his boss battle starts is inscrutable if you try to parse it as related to KH's story, but if you read it as meta-commentary relating to /Nomura's/ experience developing Versus XIII, it makes perfect sense. Beautiful moment.

[@installation7]

I actually already commented on this before, but when I made the video It had been many years since Nomura made that comment about the musical thing. I really couldn't remember if it was true or just a joke, so I made the gut call to include it. Shortly after the video released, someone informed me Nomura had made a joke about it and that it wasn't meant to be taken seriously. At that point, I would have had to completely re-upload the video to edit it. So, I decided to just leave my mistake in there. The whole thing was an honest mistake.

[@dearthofdoohickeys4703]

What happened to versus XIII really is a tragedy. I remember in high school slinking off to the computer room so I could watch it’s first trailer. I essentially never got to play the video game that I saw that day. But FFXV should be seen as a completely different game. To judge XV based on what is _isn’t_ is an unjust dismissal of what it _is_ . It still has a lot of genuinely great stuff, and the real bond that you form with your friends is unlike any I’ve ever seen in a game before. With that said I hope Square Enix never runs into this development nightmare again. That kind of debacle always leave scars. At least some essence of Nomura’s vision can live on in Kingdom Hearts. I’m excited to see where he goes with it.

[@installation7]

A solid and honest assessment. I concur.

[@lindthechaoticheretic8708]

Versus 13 was never going to be a stage play. That was always a joke that English translators reported as being serious. Edit: This comment is now invalid.

[@kusamaID]

Nomura takes " fantasy based reality " way to serious. Playing the game only on our fantasy/dream. Jokes aside. Nice video tho. I'm a fan of a game that doesn't exist (versus XIII). XV is a good game but not a great one. What sold me is versus XIII, not XV. For me XV is not versus XIII. I'm not a big final fantasy fan but I am a big fan of versus XIII. Let me just say I'm not gonna give up on versus XIII even though I know the chance they would make it is near 0, as long is not 0 I would hold on to that. Look at metroid dread. They make it happen. Maybe they could do it to for versus XIII. Maybe if leader board / executive on SE change their mind/member maybe nomura chance to make versus the way he want increase I guess. Even to this day there is someone who still make video about versus XIII. Respect dude. Thank you.

[@installation7]

Versus XIII is the stuff of legends. It will never die. I just wanted to talk about it, so this happened.

[@evacody1249]

A person you is not a FF fan wanting a game that would not be FF but in name only.

[@joshuagraham2843]

now i understand why final fantasy 15 game didnt sell well in japan all the game store deicded to go 90 percent discount for 1 dollar how crazy is that and i agree with you, final fantasy 15 is not a good game versus 13 could have saved the franchise now nomura rebooting versus but this time it takes place in kingdom hearts only spinoff

[@yukiruu00]

surely in 10-15 years we will get a reboot/remake of 15 with the original story.

[@neurov9790]

This always depresses me so bad, what could’ve been but never was

[@zealtheeternal8828]

I will return to this video when VERSUS is finally re-revealed and make sure it stays legend. This video, this homework, this retelling of events and all its work, it deserves to be preserved forever. The struggle to bring VERSUS back must be remembered, for all future gamers......what it took to bring the legend back. This video will remain not as an obituary of the most anticipated game of all time, but an empty tomb to the resurrection of The Versus Epic. It's coming.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

It's the one of best FF vsxiii related videos period no corrected the best one that actually talks about it's development as well as the most through researched one as well how he was able to put the pieces together impressed me as well.

[@rurichan5606]

Thanks for this whole explanation vid♡

[@nerostile333]

they shouldve finished Versus13 and after that use the crystal engine to make a versus13-2 or FF15.

[@Do_not_at_me_bro]

Episode Ardyn opening Cutscene is reminiscent of the first shot of the 2006 ff versusxiii. Also the KH4 trailer setting looks a bit reminiscent.

[@CaptainCJ97]

The whole history of vs/15 is just sad from the music god sommus starts I just givesa roller coaster of emotions(bless that woman yoko) atmosphere, world and more, this could've been great but sadly 15 ended being my biggest let down in gaming history and what ifs so much cut content

[@verussadap]

Great video and also the intro was helpfull for me because I forgot same scenes in the trailers. Keep it up! EDIT: Also... Verum Rex..!!

[@argonph6180]

I remember being so hype and anticipating the next new regarding that development of this game, but as days, months, years pass by I just forgot this "game" existed, until they announce the rebranding of this to FF15.

[@joseperez-qf4gz]

When I first heard it I was excited of ff verse 13 that is going to be like ff 13 or a different story I have waited years for it and was disappointed that it was canceled but they were able to make it as ff 15 which I thought they were able to do it but I heard the game was not great even thought I saw trailers and demo gameplay I was excited but then I was able to get it for free on ps plus and played it I was a little disappointed that it did not live up to what it was supposed to be.

[@jairodominguez04]

Great video! I too also hope to see what lies beyond for Verum Rex. Versus XIII really was something special.

[@installation7]

Ain't that the truth

[@krystalvaleri]

i totally forgot about VS13's original concept (after literally waiting like 10 years) but i loved FF15 so so much. it's my fav FF game right now because of all the sheer emotions that game made me feel. looking back at VS13's original concept now, i do wish we got normura's original vision because stella's role would have been amazing for the game. i wished they brought more of stella's role for luna then maybe FF15 would have been a much more wholesome game but seems like tabata liked ardyn more smh. also the LORE - i wish they didn't cut it out because i absolutely love the fabula nova crystallis lore that nomura came up with and FF15 would have been great to tell that lore. i was really sad that there wasn't more of that. but overall, i still love FF15. i hope they make a remake or movie in the future like with FF7. cause i need waayyy more of this game's world. noctis has always been my favourite character design the second i saw the first trailer of VS13 too. they need to bring back yoko too because somnus is amazing. i still listen to it on the regular

[@millie173p9]

Wow :(

[@danieloftamriel]

Don’t worry, we’ll get our Versus XIIi

[@gembocobo9484]

What really stings about this for me at least is that 13vs could have just been branded as new ip instead of being held back by the dead weight of ff13 stigma.

[@installation7]

Too true!

[@sardarasadkhan2753]

The greatest game ever and it didnt even come out :(

[@fuzznugget6969]

It never would have been as good as we're all thinking it would have. Romanticizing is easy when the thing you're romanticizing is an old memory of something that could have been.

[@jasmineegan74]

Okay, but we all know the new KH arch is going to be a second attempt at versus XIII. I am super excited to see where KH goes.

[@_CrimsonBlade]

Eww kingdom hearts

[@deanneely3443]

In the alternate universe, where it WAS released, the same fans that cry about it not being released are the same ones that complain about every aspect and call it Nomura trash.

[@Lex_Nocturna]

Honestly , I'd rather have Nomuras cut of this game , a complete game, rather that ff7 remake that's being release in parts.

[@noavsnow7134]

Me too I’d much rather see versus

[@installation7]

Me three. I still like XV, but Versus XIII had too much appeal.

[@ThePhoneix999]

FFXV: Noruma cut

[@ben_sisko2149]

It looked amazing... Pity we'll never play it (even though KH4 will probably have a ton of elements from Versus)