It is that time of year again, where hundreds to thousands of video game journalists around the world without constrictions on University timetabling descend upon Los Angeles for the annual E3 Expo. Over the last week or two we have seen a number of companies make announcements about what known game titles they will have on show during the event – and we can now add Square Enix to this list with the company announcing their list of plans a moment ago. They aim on showcasing new games from signature franchises, a re-imagined classic along with several new announced and unannounced properties.
For the Final Fantasy fan, this series is set to have a dominant present at the booth with both Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII present. They also have plans to give us our first look at the next-generation of Final Fantasy, which has already been confirmed for at the very least a release on the Playstation 4 and is rumored to potentially be what is currently known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII.
Also on display is Thief – a newly announced reinvention of the classic franchise that allows players to step into the silent shoes of Garrett, a dark and solitary thief with an unrivaled set of skills. The most challenging heists, the most inaccessible loots, the best kept secrets: nothing is out of Garrett’s reach. This will also be joined by the mystery thriller Murdered: Soul Suspect, where the main character travels through both a modern day Salem, Massachusetts and a ghost world to solve the mysteries behind his own murder.
Yosuke Matsuda | Representative Director of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd
Square Enix continues to show its global creative presence like no other game publisher with products from its internal studios around the world as well as key partners. As the industry continues to diversify and expand Square Enix is poised to lead that change with products showcased at this year’s E3.
Along with hands-on demonstrations of many games, E3 attendees will be able to experience exclusive theater presentations for FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn, THIEF and Murdered: Soul Suspect. For the audience not attending E3, Square Enix will host a live online broadcast from its booth, allowing the publisher’s passionate community to get a sneak peak at the new titles’ content and interact with Square Enix developers. Viewers worldwide will be able to tune in for the duration of the show (June 11 to June 13, 2013) for an insider’s perspective into Square Enix at the show.
Below is a list of titles they have made part of their official E3 2013 lineup
FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn
FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to have been completely rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on all systems, gameplay and player experience. FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn invites players to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends from around the world.
Platforms: PlayStation®3 system, Windows® PC
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: August 27
THIEF
THIEF is the reinvention of the classic franchise that allows players to take on the role of Garrett, the Master Thief. As the tide is about to turn in the City, Garrett, takes cover amidst the growing uprising and sneaks into the Baron’s manor to steal his most prized possession.
Platforms: PlayStation®4 system, Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC
Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company)
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: 2014
MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT
The hardest case to solve is one’s own murder. Murdered: Soul Suspect takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach. When Ronan O’Connor, a detective with a checkered past, gets caught up in a violent burglary, his life is brought to an untimely end by a brutal and relentless killer. Shocked to find himself in the afterlife, his only escape from the limbo world of ‘Dusk’ is to uncover the truth behind his killer, track him down and bring him to justice using his detective instinct and newfound supernatural abilities.
Platforms: Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Airtight Games
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: Early 2014
LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII
As Lightning, it is your mission to save souls so they may be brought to a new world. However, with only thirteen days remaining, not everyone can be saved. Armed with all-new weapons, player customization and battle abilities, you are in a race against time to fully understand your destiny. It all ends here.
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: February 11, 2014
KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX
Fully remastered in high-def, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX is a compilation of the critically acclaimed KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX and KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories titles. Players can now relive the origins of the celebrated franchise with Sora, Riku and the colorful cast of Disney characters, including Mickey, Donald and Goofy.
Platform: PlayStation®3 system
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: September 10
DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION® – DIRECTOR’S CUT
DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION – DIRECTOR’S CUT is the enhanced return to one of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises of all time. By offering players the chance to advance through the game in multiple and vastly different ways, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION – DIRECTOR’S CUT provides an experience where every choice has a lasting consequence. Director’s Cut features include visual improvements, overhauled boss fights, reinforced combat mechanics and much more making it the ultimate HUMAN REVOLUTION experience.
Platform: Nintendo Wii U™
Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company)
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
Available: 2013
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster takes players into the adventures of Tidus and Yuna in beautifully remastered high definition.
Platforms: PlayStation®3 system, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: 2013
Mobile and Tablet
DEUS EX: THE FALL
DEUS EX: THE FALL is the next chapter of the award winning DEUS EX series. Developed by Square Enix Ltd. in collaboration with the original DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION team at Eidos-Montréal and N-Fusion, DEUS EX: THE FALL is a story driven action-RPG and the first DEUS EX in the series to be released on mobile and tablet devices.
Platform: iOS
Developer: Square Enix Ltd./ Eidos-Montréal/ N-Fusion
Available: Summer
MINI NINJAS®
Mini Ninjas is the first mobile and tablet game in the action adventure franchise. Based on authentic ninja values, this beautiful, fast-paced game takes players on an epic journey, free from gruesome violence and high on Ninja fun. Hiro and his Mini Ninja friends run, jump and slash their way through spellbound lands to retrieve the stolen artefact from the dragon.
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Magic Pockets SAS
Available: Now
