03-14-2010, 09:53 AM
I can't remember which site (Sankaku Complex possibly) but i remember reading that Square Enix decided to do away with towns for this installment because they wanted to focus on the story, saying that the towns would just distract from the pace of the game. It also had something to do with rendering all those towns in HD because it would be such a huge chore.
"May those who accept their fate find happiness. May those who defy their fate find glory."