You know, I can't help but feel like there's a big boss battle of egos happening over at Square Enix right now.
I keep noticing Nomura's rabid insistence that Versus is going to be unlike any FF we've ever played, and it makes me think back to XII and the fact that "breaking the FF mold" was its big claim to fame. Then I think about all the rumors of conflict surrounding the project, with Square's higher-ups thinking XII was "too different" and demanding that Ito and Matsuno include more elements traditional to Final Fantasy (giant airships, Vaan...). Must have been awkward when XII was released, and the lion's share of its critical praise was aimed at the new perspective XII brought to the series.
Then we got XIII, which seemed to almost aggressively ignore any of the lauded changes XII brought to the series. Subsequently criticized as being a huge step back. Instead of tucking their tail between their legs and moving on, Square Enix greenlights a sequel, almost like a big "fuck you we know what we're doing" to those who criticized the original. Mega floppage ensues.
Now we have Versus' turn at bat, and I can't shake the feeling that every time Nomura comments on how "different" this iteration to the franchise is going to be, he's both shitting on FFXIII and pretending XII never existed.
I really think everyone over at Square Enix pretty much hates each other at the moment. Which really would explain a lot. lol