[E3 08] - Square Enix Lineup [Multi]

[AgtFox]

Square Enix today unveiled what games will be shown off at next week's E3 via a Press Release. Here is the list of the playable games next week:

Chrono Trigger® (DS)
Dragon Quest®: The Chapters of the Chosen™ (DS)
Final Fantasy® IV (DS)
Infinite Undiscovery (360 exclusive)
Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes (iPod)

Other games to be shown off according to the Press Release (but supposedly unplayable on floor):

The Last Remnant (360/PS3, 360 release this winter, PS3 later)
Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP)
Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP)
Star Ocean: The Last Hope (360 exclusive)
Exit DS (Taito, DS)
The Legend of Kage 2 (Taito, DS)

Rest of the information about the games will be in the press release in the next post. I think seeing the iPod game should be interesting (I see it is now available though). Also looks like there will be no Final Fantasy XIII showing at E3 this year which easily pushes that into 2009. Discuss...

[AgtFox]

Press Release (all dates are for PAL territories at the moment):


London (9th July 2008) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, and Square Enix, Inc. the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced their extensive line-up for the E3 Media & Business Summit today, confirming an impressive array of games ranging from re-mastered classics to brand-new IP’s.

In addition to the much anticipated next-gen titles INFINITE UNDISCOVERY™, THE LAST REMNANT™ and STAR OCEAN®: The Last Hope™, Square Enix introduces STAR OCEAN: First Departure™ and STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution™ for the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system, TAITO Corporation’s EXIT™ DS and The Legend of Kage™ 2 for Nintendo DS™, and SONG SUMMONER™: The Unsung Heroes, the first full-scale Role Playing Game created for the iPod®.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc. comments, “With simultaneous global releases for several platforms on their way, gamers around the world will be able to experience the full grandeur of our games as never before. Additionally, Square Enix has offerings at this year’s E3 for every gamer, from fan favourites newly available on portable platforms to casual games accessible to a wide range of users.”

On display at the Los Angeles Convention Center at Concourse 401 from July 15 – 17, the following titles will have playable kiosks: CHRONO TRIGGER®, DRAGON QUEST®: The Chapters of the Chosen™, FINAL FANTASY® IV, INFINITE UNDISCOVERY and
SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes. With five playable titles of the show floor, Square Enix offers a wealth of deep and engaging experiences for a variety of platforms.

E3 2008 Line-up
(Square Enix)

Multiplatform

THE LAST REMNANT
Platform: Microsoft Xbox 360® / PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: (Xbox 360) This Winter / (PLAYSTATION 3 system) TBA

The Last Remnant is a brand-new RPG crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer. Set in a fantasy world, war-torn and scarred by years of conflict, gameplay revolves around mysterious artefacts – Remnants – that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics only possible on Xbox 360 bring the intensity to a whole new level. The Last Remnant will only be available on Xbox 360 this winter.

iPod

SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes
Platforms: iPod nano with video, iPod classic and fifth generation iPod
Genre: Role-Playing
Now Available (EU, JP, NA)

Now at the iTunes Store in 22 countries around the world, SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes is a Role-Playing Game that transforms tracks on your iPod® into powerful "Tune Troopers" that you can control in battle! As the protagonist Ziggy, you will embark on an epic journey to rescue your brother from the clutches of the Mechanical Militia! Intriguing characters, an epic story and a tactics-based battle system combine for a rich RPG experience previously only available on home consoles.

Nintendo DS

CHRONO TRIGGER
Genre: RPG
PAL Release: TBC

Re-mastered exclusively for Nintendo DS, CHRONO TRIGGER is a true classic that has set the benchmark for the RPG genre. This all-new edition of the game contains all the classic essence of the original release while introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS, taking players back in time to re-experience the epic RPG that started it all.

DRAGON QUEST: Chapters of the Chosen
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: September 2008

For the first time, a fully-fledged DRAGON QUEST adventure arrives on Nintendo DS with DRAGON QUEST: The Chapters of the Chosen. Experience an adventure of epic proportions, presented through multiple character perspectives. While retaining the classic look and feel of the original release, this remake breathes new life into a much-loved entry in the DRAGON QUEST series with 3D graphics, dual screen presentation and newly animated monsters.

FINAL FANTASY IV
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: TBA

The latest entry in the franchise that has shipped 85 million copies worldwide*, FINAL FANTASY IV for Nintendo DS features beautiful, fully 3D cut-scenes with voiceovers, capturing the emotional drama that first touched the hearts of fans over fifteen years ago. The new ability system and added DS functionality introduce a fresh experience to both new and returning FINAL FANTASY IV fans. With a storyline that sets the stage for all subsequent FINAL FANTASY titles, FINAL FANTASY IV is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.

*As of May 2008.

PSP system

STAR OCEAN: FIRST DEPARTURE
Genre: RPG
PAL Release: TBC

Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. STAR OCEAN: FIRST DEPARTURE marks the first time that the initial instalment in the popular STAR OCEAN franchise is available in North America.

STAR OCEAN: SECOND EVOLUTION
Genre: RPG
PAL Release: TBC

Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfil a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: SECOND EVOLUTION continues the STAR OCEAN saga!

Xbox 360

INFINITE UNDISCOVERY (Xbox 360 Exclusive)
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: September 5, 2008

Infinite Undiscovery is the newest fantasy role-playing console game from Square Enix, drawing gamers into a real-time world woven of countless threads where player choices spin untold discoveries. Players will be confronted with a variety of dramatic situational battles such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amidst towering tidal waves. Dynamic environments change and respond in real time, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre. The title is scheduled to release exclusively on Xbox 360 in September 2008.

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE
Genre: RPG
Release Date: 2009

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy RPG series. Slated for release on Xbox 360 in 2009 and published by Square Enix, this prequel set during the aftermath of World War III combines sci-fi and fantasy elements spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise's famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects only possible on Xbox 360.

E3 2008 Line-up
(TAITO Corporation)

Nintendo DS

EXIT DS
Genre: Action Puzzle
PAL Release: TBC

The stylish and inventive action puzzle game comes to Nintendo DS! As professional escape artist Mr.Esc, players must manoeuvre through burning buildings and sinking ships as they dodge disaster and save survivors along the way. EXIT DS makes a smooth return to the portable scene with all-new Touch-Screen functionality and over 100 stages to solve.

The Legend of Kage 2
Genre: Action
PAL Release: TBC

The hit arcade game is back! The thrilling ninja action of The Legend of Kage 2 takes over both Nintendo DS screens, fully utilizing the dual-screen presentation and scrolling to draw players into a dynamic world filled with exhilarating midair combat. With rich, elaborate stages and a compelling story that follows the tale of two protagonists, The Legend of Kage 2 breathes renewed excitement into the classic action adventure experience.

[Wackman3000]

Why is it that I can only see ONE freaking ps3 game on that list?

That's seriously disappointing.

[LilBunnyFuFu]

I need more star ocean like i need a hole in the head, but just like any good fan boy, if they keep pumping them out, i'll keep buying them...

[Gorvi]

Hells yes, I was hoping the Star Ocean remakes would see releases outside of Japan. Hopefully there's some surprise FFXIII info.

[AspectVoid]

Star Ocean 1 and 2 on my PSP? I am so completely over that. Star Ocean 2 is one of my all time favorites from the PS1 days. This makes me very happy.

[menage]

Who publishes White Knight?

Also, is that SO 360 exclusive official? Of all the SE games seen so far, that one has the most potential, and the characters annoyed me the least.

Japanese voice tracks are mandatory though. I won't buy a single one without them. I can't stand another crappily bad dubtrack in this day and age.

[Spigot]

Is Dragon Quest IX now called Chapters Of The Chosen? I hadn't heard of the name change.

I'm not sure if I'll jump and snag Star Ocean 1 on my PSP but I'll probably snag 2.

Where is the Vagrant Story PSP remake? HUH!?

[Gorvi]

Who publishes White Knight?
Sony.
Also, is that SO 360 exclusive official? Of all the SE games seen so far, that one has the most potential, and the characters annoyed me the least.

Japanese voice tracks are mandatory though. I won't buy a single one without them. I can't stand another crappily bad dubtrack in this day and age.
It's 360 only "for now" they said, which means expect a "Special Edition" PS3 version 1 year later.

[AgtFox]

Who publishes White Knight?
Sony I believe.

Darnit! Gorvi beat me.

[AgtFox]

Is Dragon Quest IX now called Chapters Of The Chosen? I hadn't heard of the name change.
It's the remake of Dragon Quest IV (Chapters of the Chosen).

[frederec]

Japanese voice tracks are mandatory though. I won't buy a single one without them. I can't stand another crappily bad dubtrack in this day and age.

Oh, you're just saying that because Star Ocean on the PS1 has one of the most famously bad dubbing jobs ever.

But yeah, I'm really happy to see official announcements of the two Star Ocean games on the PSP. I'm a little surprised they're only showing one Dragon Quest game for the DS, since they've basically got four in the pipe (IV, V, VI, and IX) for the US.

I'm also crossing my fingers that the new Star Ocean doesn't stay 360 exclusive.

[Spigot]

It's the remake of Dragon Quest IV (Chapters of the Chosen).Oh yeah! I remember that being mentioned around these parts (and most of us clamouring for a DQVII remake).

Spiffy stuff. I shouldn't get myself excited about this stuff because I just was talking to someone about needing to rein in my spending on new games that I never have time to play, but Squeenix knows just where to go to get my bucks. Dagnabbit!

[pheriannath]

Weren't Star Ocean 1 and 2 released as a single disc in Japan?

Milk away, S-E.

[Gorvi]

Weren't Star Ocean 1 and 2 released as a single disc in Japan?

Milk away, S-E.
Nope, they were released seperately a few months apart. They're complete remakes.

[frederec]

Weren't Star Ocean 1 and 2 released as a single disc in Japan?

Milk away, S-E.

No, they weren't. And I don't think this is quite as bad as the FF1&2 releases on the PSP (which I refused to buy since they've already done two joint releases on the PSX and GBA). Star Ocean has been redone in Star Ocean 2's engine, so it's been beefed up to be like a PSX game. So it's more like the port of Valkyrie Profile, though it sounds like there's much more content that's been added (instead of just cutscenes).

[menage]

Milk away, S-E.

Blame the people buying them. I would make the same drawing 10 times if it got me enough money.

[frederec]

Blame the people buying them. I would make the same drawing 10 times if it got me enough money.

At least for Star Ocean 1, I would barely call it "milking it," since it's never been released in the US. And a lot of people missed out on the second one, so it would be worth it to them, especially if the voice acting is redone so it doesn't suck.

[bean19]

Why is it that I can only see ONE freaking ps3 game on that list?

That's seriously disappointing.

It seems odd to me. While the Xbox 360 is doing much better worldwide, the PS3 has over two million consoles sold in Japan and Japan is the biggest RPG market. Maybe Microsoft is paying the big bucks to make these games exclusive in order to try to get the Japanese to get over cultural bias/nationalism and buy the Xbox 360.

[pheriannath]

Well shit, I feel foolish right now.

[Itchyeyes]

Also looks like there will be no Final Fantasy XIII showing at E3 this year which easily pushes that into 2009. Discuss...
Did anyone really expect FFXIII to come out this year? Given Squares track record of increasingly lengthy periods of time between installments in this series I would be surprised if it even makes it to a 2009 release, and not at all shocked if we don't see it stateside until 2011.

[Zander]

Not a peep about the new MMO, we'll see if anything comes about around E3.

[AgtFox]

Did anyone really expect FFXIII to come out this year? Given Squares track record of increasingly lengthy periods of time between installments in this series I would be surprised if it even makes it to a 2009 release, and not at all shocked if we don't see it stateside until 2011.
I think many people are still hopeful that they'd see this game this year. I was not holding out hope.

[frederec]

Well shit, I feel foolish right now.

No worries. Square does feel like a port factory these days. I look at their games I've recently bought (FFTA2, Chocobo's Dungeon) and the games that I'm looking forward to (FFIV, Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest IV, V, VI, XI, Star Ocean 1 and 2), and a hell of a lot of them look like ports to me.

[Loki_09]

A lot of Squenix games being released on the 360... does this mean I can start to hope for a FF game on a Microsoft console sometime in the near future (and FF11 doesnt count)???

[Hellstorm]

A lot of Squenix games being released on the 360... does this mean I can start to hope for a FF game on a Microsoft console sometime in the near future (and FF11 doesnt count)???

Hahahahahahahahahahhahahaahahahahaahahah...ack cough...hahahahahahahahahahahahahah! Better chance that the new FF is going to be ported to the Wii.

[Loki_09]

Hahahahahahahahahahhahahaahahahahaahahah...ack cough...hahahahahahahahahahahahahah! Better chance that the new FF is going to be ported to the Wii.

You shut your mouth, stop runing my dreams! :p

[bean19]

Better chance that the new FF is going to be ported to the Wii.

Squenix likes making Final Fantasy a console exclusive for some reason, but they also like making money. 12.5 million is a really small install base on which to release a $20 million title.

It is highly unlikely given Squenix's actions with the title for the last twenty years, but it is more likely this generation than others. It doesn't matter to me though. I think most gamers will have a both a PS3 and an Xbox 360 by the time this releases in late 2009 (in the U.S.).

[Itchyeyes]

I think most gamers will have a both a PS3 and an Xbox 360 by the time this releases in late 2009 (in the U.S.).
I think we in the hardcore community tend to way overestimate how many people own more than one console. Sorry I can't find the link, but I seem to a remember a story a while back about just how small that number was (something like 5%).

[Bauerknight]

The Legend of Kage 2
Genre: Action
PAL Release: TBC

The hit arcade game is back! The thrilling ninja action of The Legend of Kage 2 takes over both Nintendo DS screens, fully utilizing the dual-screen presentation and scrolling to draw players into a dynamic world filled with exhilarating midair combat. With rich, elaborate stages and a compelling story that follows the tale of two protagonists, The Legend of Kage 2 breathes renewed excitement into the classic action adventure experience.

Legend of Kage! That game was so hard it gave me nightmares of climbing trees.

[bean19]

I think we in the hardcore community tend to way overestimate how many people own more than one console. Sorry I can't find the link, but I seem to a remember a story a while back about just how small that number was (something like 5%).

I was speaking to "gamers" specifically. The "hardcore" who associate with gaming as their hobby. I think that number grows through the console life cycle, but mostly in gamer households.

[mkelehan]

A lot of Squenix games being released on the 360... does this mean I can start to hope for a FF game on a Microsoft console sometime in the near future (and FF11 doesnt count)???

Yes. I still think FF13 International will get ported.

[SalaciousPuck]

I heard Square is letting Microsoft do the FF 13 announcement at their conference.

[BlackPete]

FFIV is getting another remake? That's what, the 5th time?

It was good but it wasn't THAT good.

[Talon-]

It seems odd to me. While the Xbox 360 is doing much better worldwide, the PS3 has over two million consoles sold in Japan and Japan is the biggest RPG market. Maybe Microsoft is paying the big bucks to make these games exclusive in order to try to get the Japanese to get over cultural bias/nationalism and buy the Xbox 360.

Hence Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope.

[mkelehan]

Just so everybody knows, Dragon Quest: Chapters of the Chosen was announced as Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen for NA. They dropped the IV in Europe because so few of them made it out there. Once we get DQ5 and DQ6 DS, we'll have gotten them all here.

And I've only finished the first...

[frederec]

Just so everybody knows, Dragon Quest: Chapters of the Chosen was announced as Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen for NA. They dropped the IV in Europe because so few of them made it out there. Once we get DQ5 and DQ6 DS, we'll have gotten them all here.

And I've only finished the first...

You're missing out on some classic games if you've only played the first. DQVIII on the PS2 is one of the best RPGs, ever. All of the other ones on the NES (II-IV) are significantly bigger than the first. VII on the PS1 is good, but unforgiving if you're not into the series.

[Wraith]

I heard Square is letting Microsoft do the FF 13 announcement at their conference.Heard where, exactly? Somewhere more reliable than the internet rumor train?

[agentgray]

You can get Song Summoner now. $5!

It's hella fun! Final Fantasy Tactics for your iPod. We've got a thread around here somewhere on it.

[Variable Gear]

Can't wait for DQIV (preorder in hand). Also, let us know how crazy Infinite Undiscovery is.

[Ultima Thulian]

Hell, I'm just glad to see Chrono Trigger there. The PSone port wasn't done very well.

[jeffbax]

Hell, I'm just glad to see Chrono Trigger there. The PSone port wasn't done very well.

From what I've seen of the DS version, there's a lot left to desire...

[Spigot]

From what I've seen of the DS version, there's a lot left to desire...

How so? The biggest problem with the PS1 version was that there were slowdowns all over the place. I mean, you had to wait for the menu to open, etc. Otherwise it was ok, just hampered by really, really crappy emulation. As long as they don't completely change the game, I'll be happy with it. If there are any FPS sequences, I'll be mad :)

[Wraith]

How so? The biggest problem with the PS1 version was that there were slowdowns all over the place. I mean, you had to wait for the menu to open, etc. Otherwise it was ok, just hampered by really, really crappy emulation. As long as they don't completely change the game, I'll be happy with it. If there are any FPS sequences, I'll be mad :)You mean FMVs? I would hope there wouldn't be any first-person shooter segments in an RPG port...

[Spigot]

You mean FMVs? I would hope there wouldn't be any first-person shooter segments in an RPG port...

No, I meant First Person Shooter segments. That's why I was saying that I"d be mad if they stuck some of those in my beloved Chrono Trigger. Otherwise, as long as the emulation is up to snuff, I'll be happy as a clam with the DS Version even if it's just a straight port.

[Ultima Thulian]

Me too, Spigot. Surely the emulation will be high quality. It's not like Square has lacked practice in porting games over and over again. Bum da bish!

Seriously, as expensive as the SNES version is and as weak as the PSone version is, a quality port would be okey dokey for me.

[TeeCakes]

Did anyone really expect FFXIII to come out this year? Given Squares track record of increasingly lengthy periods of time between installments in this series I would be surprised if it even makes it to a 2009 release, and not at all shocked if we don't see it stateside until 2011.

I still think it's coming out in '08, I'm guessing S-E wants to get the hype power to sick levels before dropping the bomb at X-mas Time. Feel free to call me a blind SDF-in' fool as per usual though!

[Evil Avnovice]

WAHHHHHHH! I WANT THE CRYSTAL BEARERS! WWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!http://www.mazeguy.net/sad/cryingeyesout.gif

http://www.irvinehousingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/whambulance.jpg

[Dukefrukem]

I didn't realize FFXIII wasn't gonna be here. That blows.

[Variable Gear]

I still think it's coming out in '08, I'm guessing S-E wants to get the hype power to sick levels before dropping the bomb at X-mas Time. Feel free to call me a blind SDF-in' fool as per usual though!
There is no way FFXIII is coming out in 2008. If it was, wouldn't the game make an appearance at E3?

[Spigot]

There is no way FFXIII is coming out in 2008. If it was, wouldn't the game make an appearance at E3?Maybe it is, but they want it to be a surprise.

[Dukefrukem]

Maybe it is, but they want it to be a surprise.

When was the last time a game a surprise in terms of release?

[Spigot]

When was the last time a game a surprise in terms of release?That Song Summoner game for the iPod took a lot of people by surprise. And that was a Square title...

I'm just saying...

[AgtFox]

When was the last time a game a surprise in terms of release?
How about a system? Sega Saturn. It was announced the same day as it was released here in the United States. Of course, only a few people bought it because it was too expensive.

I can't think of a game right off the top of my head. In this day and age you usually know about games ahead of time and it is hard to blindside people about a game and its release.

Recently Viva Pinata 2 got a September 5th release date. I think that was a week ago, so giving it a release date just 2 months before release (and just over 3 months since it was first viewed publicly) is kind of a surprise.

[Variable Gear]

Square-Enix loves to get the hype train rolling full-bore for their titles. That's how they operate. I seriously doubt that they would surprise us with a console or handheld title (that isn't on the iPod). There will be a giant media blitz after the game is revealed, with enough left unkown to provide a trickle of information until the release date. I kind of wish that wasn't how the games biz spun, but that's the machine nowadays. Publishers still think hype equals sales, even though it just leads to high expectations that have a hard time being fulfilled.

Oh, and AgtFox, this is a really minor thing, but I hate when Trouble in Paradise is referred to as VP2. It's more of a "Director's Cut" of VP1.

[Spigot]

Heh. I was kidding about FFXIII being a surprise announcement. I am surprised about how many of you took that seriously!

Though maybe they think that FFXIII is so special they should have their own trade show to announce it so that it doesn't get lost in the E3 shuffle...

[Variable Gear]

That post wasn't in reaction to you, Spigot. I knew you were kidding. ;)

[SalaciousPuck]

I called this last week...

http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1544214&postcount=33

Don't ask, cause I will never divulge my sources.

[Spigot]

Hey! I TOLD YOU GUYS THAT FFXIII WOULD BE ANNOUNCED... They just announced it in the wrong press conference :)

Take that, doubters!