Pre-E3 09: Square Enix is showing off a ton of games

11:30 PM on 05.29.2009   |   Colette Bennett

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Square Enix are bringing a huge sack of games to this year's E3, enough to thrill any fan waiting for more from the RPG publisher. Among this year's selections are Dissidia, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Front Mission Evolved, Final Fantasy XIII, Order of War, Supreme Commander 2, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers and My Life As A Darklord, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, and Nier. In other words, more games than I even have time to write about in the chaos that is E3. There's worse problems to have, I guess.

I've spent some time with the Japanese import of Dissidia already, but I'm excited to give the English language version a spin. I also know close to to nothing about Nier. And I won't lie -- this is going to be the closest I've gotten to Final Fantasy XIII so far. Just the prospect makes my mouth water.

SQUARE ENIX TO SHOWCASE NEW DIRECTION AT E3 2009

With an Expansive Line-Up of FINAL FANTASY Games, the Company Announces New Portfolio of Games across Action, Shooter and RTS Genres Developed from Around the World

LOS ANGELES (May 29, 2009) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today a broad lineup of titles for the 2009 E3 Expo, taking place between June 2 – 4. Highlighting the steps it has taken to become a more global entertainment company, Square Enix will not only feature games developed in partnership with U.S. and European developers such as FRONT MISSION EVOLVED™, ORDER OF WAR™ and SUPREME COMMANDER® 2 at their booth; but continues to offer the highest-quality experiences across all platforms, with highly anticipated new games such as DISSIDIA™ FINAL FANTASY® and FINAL FANTASY XIII, in addition to the next installment in the beloved KINGDOM HEARTS franchise, KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days.

“As our best-selling FINAL FANTASY franchise continues to evolve, Square Enix is focused on creating the best entertainment experiences for all gamers,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. and Square Enix Ltd., “Our new partnerships with companies such as Double Helix, Gas Powered Games and Wargaming.net are a testament to our commitment to offer a much broader variety of games across different genres.  All while Square Enix remains unchanged in the quality and depth of story we bring to all of the games we publish. We look forward to showcasing the results of these partnerships at E3 2009 as well as several much awaited FINAL FANTASY titles and KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days.”

E3 2009 Lineup

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.

Platform: PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system

Genre: Action-RPG

ESRB: T (Teen)

Street Date: August 25, 2009*

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY does what no other FINAL FANTASY title has done before, bringing together an all-star cast to give players a chance to see their favorite FINAL FANTASY characters engage in high-intensity battles. Experience this renowned franchise, which has shipped over 85 million units worldwide, in a brand new light with this dramatic 3-D action game. Soar through expansive environments and participate in gripping combat, all while enjoying RPG-based character development that adds a rich layer of depth to the story behind the clashing forces. The battle between good and evil begins – What will you fight for?

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/dissidia/.

*Limited-edition DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY PSP system Entertainment Pack to launch at Gamestop day and date with stand-alone game.

FINAL FANTASY XIII

Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.

Platform: PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system/

Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft

Genre: RPG

ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: 2010

 Square Enix proudly presents FINAL FANTASY XIII, the latest installment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series. To celebrate the 13th numbered release in the series, Square Enix has undertaken a colossal project involving the development of various content for multiple platforms. FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS®, defined in Latin as “the new tale of the crystal,” is made up of several different titles based on variations of the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. While each title in the project features different characters, different worlds and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

In FINAL FANTASY XIII, players will embark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse, encountering and fighting alongside a diverse group of allies. Execute powerful attacks with weapons and magic, and summon the enigmatic Eidolons with an evolved Active Time Battle™ system. Experience seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics. Do you have the courage to face your destiny?

The official website can be found at http://www.finalfantasyxiii.com.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS®

Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.

Platform: Wii™                                                                                              

Genre: Action-Adventure                                                                                  

ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: TBA

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS provides a fresh take on the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of FINAL FANTASY with motion-driven, real-time action gameplay. In this world, realistic gameplay and fantastical art direction are brought together for a truly unique experience for Wii users around the globe.

The official website can be found at http://www.thecrystalbearers.com/.
 

FRONT MISSION EVOLVED™

Developer: Double Helix Games™

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.                                                                 

Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3/Xbox 360/Windows PC                                        

Genre: Third-Person Shooter

ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: TBA

From the creative minds of Square Enix and Double Helix Games, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED brings the classic FRONT MISSION® franchise into an action-packed third-person shooter that gives players full control of a massive humanoid war machine—the wanzer. Players will battle through intense combat situations as they explore an immersive world in both the single player campaign and online multiplayer.

The official website can be found at http://www.frontmissionevolved.com.
 

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days

Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./h.a.n.d.

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.                                                                 

Platform: Nintendo DS™                                                                                

Genre: Action-RPG

ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)

Ship Date: Fall 2009

Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the "other" hero from KINGDOM HEARTS II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favorite Organization XIII members!

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/khdays/.
 

NIER™

Developer: cavia, Inc.

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.                                                                 

Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3/ Xbox 360

Genre: Action-Adventure

ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: 2010

Nothing is as it seems in Square Enix’s latest action adventure game, set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark, unrecognizable creatures. Players assume the role of the unyielding protagonist, NIER, resolute in his quest to discover a cure for his daughter, who is infected with the Black Scrawl virus. With powerful allies and a mysterious book, NIER encounters things that will confound even the mightiest of warriors.

Official website coming soon.

ORDER OF WAR
Developer: Wargaming.net™
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy

ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: Fall 2009

Square Enix teams up with strategy game specialist Wargaming.net to present ORDER OF WAR, a brand-new IP set for a simultaneous release across multiple territories. Developed exclusively for Windows PC, the game features massive-scale battles brought to life with a cinematic intensity never seen before in a WWII strategy game. Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all-out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns – American versus German forces on the western front and German versus Russian on the eastern front. Missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944.

The official website can be found at http://www.orderofwar.com/.

SUPREME COMMANDER 2

Developer: Gas Powered Games®

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.

Platforms: Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship date: 2010

Experience brutal battles on a massive scale! In SUPREME COMMANDER 2, players will wage war by creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Take the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre, or fight the battle online. Where do your loyalties lie?

Official website coming soon.

Downloadable Titles

FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS™

Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.

Platform: Wii                                                                                                  

Genre: RPG                                                                            

ESRB: E (Everyone)

Launch Date: June 1, 2009

A true sequel to the classic Super NES™ title, FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS is an episodic game coming exclusively to Nintendo’s WiiWare™ service June 1, 2009. With both single and multiplayer modes, Wii users will now be able to explore the world of FINAL FANTASY IV with up to three of their friends and coordinate commands into a single attack. Unravel a mystery told through the intertwining stories of a familiar cast of characters, and complete the FINAL FANTASY IV experience with this latest installment in the franchise.

The official website can be found at http://www.ff4theafteryears.com/.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord™

Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.

Platform: Wii                                                                                                  

Genre: Real-Time Strategy                                                                               

ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)

Launch Date: 2009

The latest installment in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES franchise for Nintendo’s WiiWare service, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord turns the tables on players by challenging them to take on the role of the villain. As the newly appointed Darklord with a mission to take over the world, players must strategically place monsters and traps inside their tower to ward off invading adventurers. With this follow-up to the kingdom-building simulation FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King®, Wii users can now enjoy the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES world from an entirely new point of view!

The official website can be found at http://www.mylifeasadarklord.com/.

To experience the latest offerings from Square Enix first-hand, visit booth 1546 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Asia, North America and Europe. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises – FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 47 million units worldwide – under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

 

Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, California. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.

 

 

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. ACTIVE TIME BATTLE, CRYSTAL CHRONICLES, DISSIDIA, FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS, FRONT MISSION, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED, MY LIFE AS A KING, MY LIFE AS A DARKLORD, NIER, THE AFTER YEARS and THE CRYSTAL BEARERS are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. SUPREME COMMANDER is a trademark or registered trademark of Square Enix, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. KINGDOM HEARTS © Disney. Developed by SQUARE ENIX/h.a.n.d. Gas Powered Games is a registered trademark of Gas Powered Games Corp. ORDER OF WAR is a trademark of Wargaming.net. Published and distributed by SQUARE ENIX under license from Wargaming.net. “Double Helix Games” is a trademark of Backbone Entertainment. Nintendo Properties are trademarks of Nintendo. WiiWare is available only through the Wii console. “PlayStation” and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and “PS3” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.