E3 2004: Square Enix Announces Line-Up
Square Enix announced its E3 line-up this week, with Final Fantasy XII and Kingdom Hearts II leading the pack.
Square Enix has announced its E3 line-up, and aside from a mysrery new Final Fantasy project for mobile devices, there aren't many surprises. But the highly anticipated debut of Final Fantasy XII, along with Kingdom Hearts II will no doubt prove popular.
Square Enix's Jun Iwasaki said: "The products we are showcasing at this year's E3 will exemplify some new and interesting directions for Square Enix. A variety of games will be available for demos, and we're very excited about some surprises we have in our line-up. Not only are we exploring different types of RPGs, we're also looking to build upon some of our original content, our most popular franchises, and applying them into other forms of media. The future of entertainment will encompass more than presenting content in a singular format such as in a movie, videogame or comic book; the new entertainment experience will cross platforms and media."
The line-up in full is as follows:
Front Mission 4 (PS2) - An enhanced battle system, better graphics and dramatic voiceovers are among the features waiting for gamers in Front Mission 4. The latest in the series maintains a strategic gameplay approach; players can fully customize their mech units with a variety of powerful weaponry and parts. Set in 2096, the game opens as an unidentified group of wanzers (mechs) assaults and destroys an E.C. German base. The player's point of view switches between two main characters that find themselves trapped within a dangerous global conspiracy. Elsa, a new recruit in the E.C.'s Durandal corps, is sent to Germany with her team to investigate the attack. The story then shifts to Darril, a U.C.S. Army sergeant in South America. He and his company are sent to Venezuela after its governor declares independence from the U.C.S. Though Darril's squad seems far more interested in slacking off than fighting a war, their plans for early retirement are put on hold after they witness a fateful plane crash in the jungle. Front Mission 4 hits shelves on June 15.
Star Ocean Till The End of Time (PS2) The sci-fi fiction RPG series comes to PS2 in a Director's Cut version Square Enix says is the "culmination of the developer's true vision". Star Ocean was originally released with two versions in Japan. The development time was extended for the North American release in order to incorporate the extra features of the Director's Cut, the only stateside release of the title. Multiple added extras provide the most complete game package possible, with gorgeous, extended cinematic sequences and an unparalleled real-time battle system, including a new VS. mode. Star Ocean's protagonist, Fayt Leingod brings his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed to the Federation-managed resort planet Hyda for a long-deserved vacation. Their dreamy holiday turns into a nightmare when Hyda is attacked by an unknown space military. In the heat of the attack, Fayt is separated from Sophia and his family and begins an emotional quest into the unknown to find his loved ones. Schediled for an August 2004 release.
Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel (PS2) - Square Enix U.S.A. is proud to bring the action-adventure RPG Fullmetal Alchemist to the PlayStation 2 in Spring 2005. Developed by Racjin, Fullmetal Alchemist is the story of two brothers, trained in the ways of alchemy, who find themselves on the adventure of their lives as they seek the mysterious Philosopher's Stone. The story begins as Edward and Alphonse Elric hop a train to the capital city of Central. But an impromptu hijacking forces them into an all-out brawl against a rebel military faction. Fortunately, Edward has more than a few tricks up his sleeve with a variety of alchemy skills; he can transmute everyday objects into powerful weapons. After the hijackers are defeated, a shocking new twist is revealed, sending the brothers' path askew and leading them to their wildest quest yet.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (GBA) - Bridges the gap until Kingdom Hearts II and continues Sora's tale where the original left off. One night, after traversing endless grassy fields, Sora comes to a crossroads. His mind swims as he recalls his lost friends. They were supposed to return home at journey's end...but this was not to be. A man emerges from the shadows and speaks to Sora: "Ahead lies what you seek...but to claim it you must lose something dear." When the man vanishes, only a single path remains. At the end of that path lies a castle, and inside that castle stretches a vast nothingness. Sora's memories lay fragmented before him, swirling and spiraling upwards to a great adventure. What will Sora gain, and what will he lose?
Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia (PS2) This Expansion Pack offers new areas such as Movalpolos and the Tavnazian Archipelago and continues the adventure in award-winning FFXI, the first cross-platform, cross-continent MMORPG. The first online title in the world-renowned series has quickly become one of most popular MMORPG to date, boasting a community of 500,000. The subterranean city of Movalpolos was dug and built by a tribe of Goblins referred to as the Moblins. Due to the nomadic nature of most Goblins, it is extremely rare for any of these beastmen to reside together in one place, making this community extremely unique. The Tavnazian Archipelago is made up of tiny islands off the west coast of Quon, once home to the proud nation of Tavnazia. The remnants of the beastmen army remain in control of the archipelago, and until now, it was thought that none of the former inhabitants had survived. Scheduled for release Fall 2004.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children - (PS2) Two years after the events of FFVII, the ruins of Midgar stand as testament to the sacrifices that were made in order to bring peace. However, the world will soon face a new menace. A mysterious illness is spreading fast. Old enemies are astir. And Cloud, who walked away from the life of a hero to live in solitude, must step forward yet again... FFVII: Advent Children is a fully developed, CG-work sequel to FFVII, the seminal 1997 PlayStation hit. Through approximately 60 minutes of beautifully crafted DVD content, Advent Children revisits the rich universe and memorable characters of FFVII two years after its dramatic conclusion. Technological advancements bring a visually stunning new look to the city of Midgar and its residents.
Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII (Mobile) - Visitors at the SQUARE ENIX booth will also be in for a surprise to see the latest development from SQUARE ENIX's mobile gaming division: Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII. The trailer will be premiering at E3, providing an exclusive look at a game that could possibly take mobile entertainment to a whole new level.
We'll have more on Square Enix's big titles from the showfloor next week.
In her struggle to oust the occupying Archadian forces and restore freedom to her people, Ashe must watch as many of her allies pay the blood price for that freedom. Though tempted to abandon all hope in the face of the Empire's might, her determination keeps her from succumbing before what would seem to be inevitable defeat. Then she meets Vaan, an urchin from the Dalmascan capital of Rabanastre. Vaan dreams of one day becoming a sky pirate, escaping the Empire on his airship. Vaan, Ashe, Vaan's friend Penelo, the sky pirate Balthier, his partner Fran and many more are on an adventure through Ivalice that traces the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire's invasion.
Bringing with it a wide array of new gameplay elements, Final Fantasy XII will "change the way players think about the series" according to Square. Numerous possibilities abound within each scenario, allowing for a less linear, more unique experience for each player. The game also supports Dolby Pro Logic II both in-game and during movie sequences, immersing the player in the middle of the action. True to the series' tradition of progress and change, FFXII will move the role-playing genre forward and establish itself as another landmark title for the publisher when it's released next year.
Kingdom Hearts II (PS2) - A year since the events of the original game, Sora and friends are joined by a vibrant new cast of characters, including the king himself. Together, they will face countless dangers in worlds both familiar and brand-new. It seems the Heartless still exist. A new villain also awaits - but is it an old foe behind the mask, or a new menace? This mystery and others will be solved as the story unfolds in a grand adventure.
The original game captured the imagination of gamers young and old by combining classic Disney properties and implementing new characters and worlds with Square Enix's renowned style. The tale is brought to life by an all-star voice cast. Fans will revisit this beloved story and come to care for a new troupe of characters in KHII. A release date has yet to be announced.
The game promises "elements never before seen on the Game Boy Advance" such as high-quality movie event sequences and a card-based battle system. It's scheduled for release Fall 2004.
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Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare