Crystal Tools

CrystalTools is a game engine developed exclusively for the Japanese company, Square Enix, responsible for producing the Final Fantasy franchise.  The first title to use the engine was Final Fantasy XIII.

Originally intended for use with the PS2, the advantages of the PS3 system enticed the developers to rethink their engine, and make it compatible with 7th generation consoles.  It's principle design intent was to produce facial animations, crucial for the character driven FF series, and to create a single 3D format throughout the company.

Features include:

• Advanced Audio Processing
• Realtime Physics Calculations
• Cinema-Quality Special Effects Rendering
• Progressive Scan Loading
• High Quality, CGI Realtime Rendering (both cutscene and gameplay) graphics capabilities
• Seamless cutscene to gameplay transition

Functions include:

• Functions
  • Character Viewer
  • Effects Editor
  • Cutscene Editor
  • Sound Maker
  • Layout Tool

• Plugins
  • Photoshop
  • XSi
  • Maya
  
   Crystal Tools uses the GRAPE2 Communications Server.
  
  Crystal Tools is able to be adjusted for whatever project it may be needed for. Currently, Square Enix shows no intention of sharing the engine with other developers, besides its subsidiaries. The engine can be used to create games for Microsoft Windows, Sony Playstation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, and has been stated to have some compatibility with the Nintendo Wii.