The latest issue of Famitsu magazine has dropped a heap of info regarding Square Enix’s downloadable content plans for Final Fantasy XIII-2, specifically regarding the character of Lightning.

According to the publication (via Andriasang), the FFXIII heroine will appear in the sequel as a downloadable coliseum character – beat her, and you’ll be able to add her to your party.

Furthermore, Lightning will also feature in ‘secret story episodes’ in FFXIII-2, though Square is remaining tight-lipped on any specific details.

Elsewhere, representatives for Square Enix’s 1st Production Department confirmed that the Japanese company is hoping to flesh out FFXIII-2’s narrative outside of DLC, such as novels and other media. In particular, Square says it is keen to feature Sazh and his son in this extended material. 

The firm also touched briefly on the forthcoming high-definition revamp of Final Fantasy X. Apparently, screenshots on the game won’t be arriving just yet, though Square hopes it won't take too long to get the game released.

Finally, a new trailer has been released showing the game's other various highlights: such as the casino and chocobo races in Serendipity, Captain Cryptic's quizzes, the Time Labyrinth puzzles and various quests you can take over the course of your adventure:


Final Fantasy XIII-2 is due out in the U.S. on January 31, with a European release arriving on February 3.

Details are extremely scarce at the moment but Square Enix has trademarked the title Final Fantasy Dimensions. There is no word on what this game is, or what it might be. Going from past trademarks: which is how we learned of Dissidia Prologus, Final Fantasy XIII-2, and Final Fantasy Type-0, we can safely say that Square Enix will say something of this soon.

There is some speculation that this will be Bravely Default: Flying Fairy's overseas name. The game has yet to be announced for an overseas release, and Square Enix has stated that it will be a spiritual successor to the DS game Final Fantasy: 4 Heroes of Light. So having it bear the Final Fantasy tile would probably make sense, but of course, it's only speculation.

We'll bring you more info on this trademark as it comes, so have fun guessing what it could be! For now, preview the trademark below:

Famitsu managed to score an interview with Tetsuya Nomura as part of its latest look at Kingdom Hearts 3D and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. As one would expect, Nomura slipped in a few bits about the other projects that are in the works at Square Enix's 1st Production Department.

Regarding Final Fantasy X HD, Nomura mentioned that development on the game has started. We previously heard some reports from a German magazine that development was in the early phases.

Nomura was a bit more open with Final Fantasy Versus XIII details, saying the following:

• Nomura recently did the latest check of the game. The visual expression capability has improved from the trailer that was released last year.
• The game has a mix of real time and Visual Works pre-rendered CG. The ratio is 7 real time to 3 pre rendered.
• The scene where Noctus and Stella meet for the first time has been made into a pre-rendered scene. This is because it's an example of an area where adding player control would not have a big effect.
• Square Enix won't be holding an event ala last year's January press conference this year. However, Nomura said that he'd like to make some sort Versus related announcement/showing this year, although he can't say when or where.
• The next time we see Versus XIII, we will get a look at it being controlled on actual hardware.

Nomura also gave some additional details on Kingdom Hearts 3D and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. Regarding Theatrhythm, he said that Square Enix is preparing a second demo.

Regarding Kingdom Hearts 3D, he said that the game has an ending that will be unconventional for the series. He also revealed that the original ending that had been planned for the game was not approved.

Of course, KH3D will have a secret ending. As one would expect, it will have shocking developments that will connect to the next entry in the series.

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Details are sketchy at the moment, but Square Enix has announced that it'll be adding two games to the PlayStation Network. One of them is Final Fantasy Origins. Final Fantasy Origins is a compilation of Final Fantasy I and II released on the PlayStation. It was the first time that Final Fantasy II was released in North America and Europe. It will be priced at $9.99.

Next up is a demo for the upcoming sequel: Final Fantasy XIII-2. There is no word on pricing or if it'll be free, but Square Enix has announced that it'll release alongside Final Fantasy Origins next week. It's unknown what the demo will contain in particular.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 also releases this month on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on January 31st for North America. Europe will be receiving the game on February 3rd.

A month ago we reported that Square-Enix is finally ready to transition Final Fantasy XIV to a subscription model. This comes after more than a year of an unlimited free trial for users while the dev team shored up the title following its rocky release. It's important to note that this change happens this week -- specifically on Friday the 6th.

Square-Enix's account system has notified players that "the free trial period for the following service will soon end. Please note that after the end date, you will be billed service fees for your automatically continuous options."

No player will get charged against their will as the company is suspending all accounts on the 5th so that everyone can have a choice whether to subscribe or not. Until the launch of Final Fantasy XIV's 2.0 patch, the game will be available for a discounted rate of $9.99 a month, assuming that you're sticking with just one character (additional characters are $3 apiece). After 2.0, the subscription cost will increase to the standard rate $12.99/month.