All posts tagged: Square Enix

SOLDIER of Fortune – Final Fantasy VII Remake – Humble Opinions

Published by Kane Bugeja

In 1997, a 1st Class SOLDIER left the military for reasons he cannot remember. This man promptly ventured forth to the Midgar underground. Today, still watched by Shinra, he survives as a mercenary. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can afford him…maybe you can hire Cloud Strife. Dun-dah-dah-daa, duh-duh-dah. This one has been a long time coming, hasn’t it? For years people have been clamouring for the next glimpse at FFVII, the next evolution of a game beloved by folks the world over. I mean, I never even played the original and I was excited by Remake, am excited by Remake. Which goes to show the impact this instalment in the ever ironically named series had on the world. So ingrained is the story of this game, that I doubt there is any player of games who doesn’t know at least a little something about the tale of Cloud and his friends in AVALANCHE (as tumultuous as said friendship began). Still, I will refrain from detailing any …

All the World’s a Stage – Final Fantasy IX – Humble Opinions

Published by Kane Bugeja

Though the cycle of life and death has been a concern and point of interest for humans since time began a-turning, none really know what happens after that final curtain is drawn. With that in mind, nobody can really say that a decades old plot to subsume an entire planet in order to facilitate the resuscitation of an older, more advanced planet is wrong. I mean, it probably is wrong, but is it really any crazier than the theories that so called scholars throw around? Yes. Of course. But those theories are usually well thought out and morose in their acceptance of life’s inescapable final destination, so let’s focus on the cuckoo-bananas-bonkers one instead. Since jokes about the hypocrisy of Final existing in the title of a game series that has spanned into double digits, let’s skip past that particular well and get right to the good stuff. Final Fantasy IX is back and possibly better than ever. I say possibly because I never actually played it the first go ’round. So, expect a surprisingly …

Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue – Review

Published by Jake McGlone

Deep within the darkness you can find the light. In the recesses of the light you can find darkness. Don’t think too light of the darkness or the light nature of being dark on the subject around lightly darkened spaces with dark tendencies making light of the situation around the dark nature of light. But within this darkness we can find a glimmering light, the light of Kingdom Hearts. It is a series developed and published by Square Enix for both home consoles and hand-held consoles, with nearly 16 games in the line-up there is many an adventure to choose from. As a game franchise I hold very close to my Heart, Kingdom Hearts is one I have grown up with and thoroughly enjoyed since getting the first game for my tenth birthday. I remember fondly saving Kairi and Riku and the Princesses of Heart and stopping Ansem. Then I though Oh boy, time to play Kingdom Hearts 2! Wait, where is Sora… Who is Roxas? Whats is a Nobody? What is an organisation XIII? WHAT THE HELL …

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King – Review (3DS)

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King was a historic release when it landed on the PlayStation 2 back in 2006 for many reasons: it was the first Dragon Quest video game under the SquareEnix banner, it was the first time Dragon Quest did not have to use its Western placeholder of Dragon Warrior for legal reasons, it was the first Dragon Quest in full 3D, and it was the first Dragon Quest title to feature a full English dub and an excellent one at that too. Dragon Quest VIII did for its franchise what Final Fantasy X did for its own: upping the production values and realising the fantasy setting to its full potential. For many including myself, it was our first foray into the brilliant fantastical world of Dragon Quest, and it honestly felt like the first true encounter with the Japanese Role Playing genre. Over a decade later Dragon Quest VIII makes it way to the 3DS with a truckload of new features  and improvements to boot. Back in 2006 I’d think you were …

Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius To Add Popstar Ariana Grande As Playable Character

Published by Frank Inglese

In the more recent years, Square Enix have been doing some strange things with their number one IP Final Fantasy in the way of cross-promotion. With the latest iteration of the series, Final Fantasy XV, they have collaborated with Audi, Beats By Dre, and Nissin Cup Noodles in what can only be described as the most gratuitous product placement in video game history…barring perhaps Pepsiman. Look it up. At this point in time it is expected for huge franchises like Final Fantasy developed by huge companies like Square Enix to gather money for a project wherever they can, or to build on a game’s popularity whenever they can. With Square Enix’s venture into the world of mobile RPGS, Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, is is a new collaboration between the game and real life superstar Ariana Grande that is not only confusing but exciting the world of both modern music and modern gaming. In what I can only imagine is an attempt to give Brave Exvius a wider reach, Square Enix have decided to collaborate with …

Make Enough Noise And Square Enix May Just Localise Dragon Quest X

Published by Frank Inglese

Now, you may not know this, reader, because up until about ten minutes ago…I didn’t know it myself, but the release of Dragon Quest VII: Fragments Of A Forgotten Past in Western regions was not done on a whim like other games. No way. Square Enix and Nintendo came together to localize the game thanks to the many fans outside of Japan who questioned whether or not it was going to be released outside of it’s home country. This, in turn, lit a fire under the arses of the companies in power and gave them quite an indication regarding how well it will sell outside of Japan. Interesting, right? We’ve seen this a few times in recent years. The biggest, in my opinion, being the Western release of Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth which, like DQ VII, was practically demanded by Western audiences. At this year’s Penny Arcade Expo, a panel was held celebrating the release of Dragon Quest VII for the Nintendo 3DS, with Noriyoshi Fujimoto of Square Enix as special guest. After being questioned by …

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments Of A Forgotten Past – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

My level of historical knowledge is…trivial, to say the very least. It boggles my mind to think about the countless descendants of human kind, all of which made certain decisions that set our race on a path that lead us directly to this point in time and into the future as it continues ever on like a speeding locomotive. We, with the decisions we make in the present, will effectively become key factors in the world’s development, eventually become a historical point of interest for those in the distant future wishing to learn more about our time. There’s a saying that goes; “history is written by the winners“. As a result of my whimsical nature, this quote interests me to no end. Let us say that, yes, history is indeed written by the winner; the winner being the one to emerge victorious from, perhaps, a battle or farce that would have changed the records of time. One, when writing, has the freedom of interpretation and composition. They have the ability to delve into factual detail or, to …

Hands-On With Final Fantasy XV At Madfest 2016

Published by Frank Inglese

It has been quite a while since Square Enix gave us the opportunity to preview Final Fantasy XV, and since then the game’s release has been delayed for seemingly unknown reasons. This, to all those who have been anticipating the game ever since it’s reveal, is something they hope does not plague them for longer than it has to, but Square Enix are doing everything in their power to expose it’s audience to FF XV in whatever form they can. At the inaugural Madfest Japanese Pop Culture Festival, Square Enix’s sizeable gameplay area featured several consoles running a brand-new build of the upcoming game, albeit only playable in twenty-minute segments. I can’t say that the game has changed too much from the last time I was able to get my hands on it, but certain tweaks and changes, though minor, are very much recognizable. Perhaps the biggest change that I was able to notice was that of the altered combat system. As a whole, it’s very much the same, but there was one key striking …

I Am Setsuna – Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

Though the hero’s journey is a time honoured tale, it is one fraught with one irrefutable concept; sacrifice. Though the degree to which this notion holds true varies, one must always face loss on the path that lay forward. For it is in this loss that the appreciation of what one has is gained. All is fleeting and yet all is eternal. In accepting the impermanence of things, one can come to see how nothing is ever truly gone. However this is not an easy realisation to come by, hence the necessity of the journey. For if one never takes a single step forward, how are they to reach this inevitable conclusion? Journey, if you will, to a sombre, snow covered land that is home to a number of quaint villages, scenic forests and an ever present swathe of demonic enemies. Sound pleasant does it not? Well, if that hasn’t ignited your urge to travel, then how about focusing on the most time honoured traditions of this fine land; ritualistically sacrificing a young woman in …

Gather Your Gil – You Can Now Purchase A Final Fantasy VII Monopoly Variant

Published by Frank Inglese

While many of your out there are waiting on bated breath for the eventual re-make of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII, there are those of us out there who are looking for something to do with the legendary game that makes us feel as though we’re financially fulfilled. While simply purchasing a standard edition of Monopoly seems fitting enough, it is a board game that, in comparison to the newly announced, simply seems like child’s play. Why would I want to build a hotel on Mayfair when I could construct a Mako Reactor; a monolithic structure that literally syphons Earth’s hidden power and converts it into sustainable energy for the world’s populous to take advantage of? The answer is simply; I wouldn’t. I want total dominion over what this planet has to offer, and it starts with the taking over of Midgar. Merchoid, an online distributor for all things Geek-related, has updated their website to now feature a page wherein which you can pre-order your very own copy of the recently-announced board game variant; Final …

It’s A Big World, And It’s Time To Start Discovering It – Final Fantasy: Explorers Launch Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

Square Enix are very happy to announce that their latest handheld Final Fantasy title, Final Fantasy: Explorers, has now been released across Australia and New Zealand. Hooray! Finally, those of us living “Down Under” will get the chance to truly explore the vast world of a franchise that has been around since, well…perhaps the beginning of time. In fact, I remember reading segments of the Bible that detailed times wherein which some of the apostles had to take breaks from their holy work to level grind. This may be strange, but some of you reading this may not know exactly what Final Fantasy: Explorers is, and that’s fine because Square Enix have you covered with the release of the video game’s launch trailer which takes audiences through each and every aspect of the game, making sure to inform people of what exactly they’ll be in for when starting up the new title. A Final Fantasy game the likes of which you’ve never before experienced; Final Fantasy: Explorers ditches the turn-based RPG setup of previous games and instead …

Square Enix Releases The Very First Full Trailer For Final Fantasy VII Remake

Published by Frank Inglese

The newly announced remake of Final Fantasy VII is probably one of the most anticipated RPG releases of contemporary times. While many of us have been holding out for Final Fantasy XV for what seems like years, I feel as though it’s VII that we’ve all secretly hoped would make it’s return first. While that may not actually be the case, the closest thing to a full release is the release of a trailer which gives us a glimpse at the Nirvana we long to reach. Square Enix dropped a bomb at the PlayStation Experience keynote over this past weekend; they released the very first full trailer for the Final Fantasy VII remake that not only shows off just how damn good this game is going to look but also how it is going to play, which may actually prove to be quite a divisive addition to this rerelease. You’ll notice, after watching through the new trailer, that Final Fantasy VII will no longer be played like a turn-based RPG. Square Enix have gone the …

Do Androids Dream of Eclectic Sequels? – NieR: Automata Shows off that Platinum Flair

Published by Kane Bugeja

Ah NieR, the little game that looked like it wouldn’t, but then did, achieving success in the hands of the cult fans, an endearment that has led to this, a sequel. Now don’t get me wrong, I am personally a big fan of NieR, though I will admit it took me a while to get around to it. Still, I consider it a mark in the positive column that even five years after its initial release, it remains a fun and thought provoking RPG experience. So, for those of you out there who also underwent journeys through a dying world, relish and resound in the news that a sequel is very much real and very much titled NieR: Automata. Set sometime after the events of its predecessor, Automata tells the story of yet another war, this time between the remnants of humanity and an army of machines…who are from a different planet. That’s right folks, just when you though the quirky couldn’t get quirkier, robot aliens have come down to take over what is left …

Fight Alongside The Big Hero 6 Team In Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts III

Published by Frank Inglese

My assumption is that you all saw this coming, right? I mean, how couldn’t you?! Disney comes out with one of it’s most enjoyable movies to date, and there’s a new Kingdom Hearts video game just on the horizon, destiny dictates that these two things are meant to come together! Of course! Straight from Disney’s D23 Expo 2015 comes the exciting news that players will be able to experience the exciting cross-culture city of San Fransokyo from the hit film Big Hero 6 in the upcoming Square Enix title Kingdom Hearts III. The events of the game’s crossover will take place a little while after that of the movie and is apparently set to feature Dark Baymax as the antagonist of the Big Hero 6 world. A Dark Baymax? That’s impossible! No, from what has been said, the game’s true antagonist will bring bag the Baymax left on the other side of the interdimensional portal which you may remember only help Hiro’s combat chip in lieu of Tadashi’s medical-centric one. It’s a good thing the …

Dragon Quest XI: In Search Of Departed Time Announced For The PS4 And 3DS

Published by Frank Inglese

You know, it’s awesome that Square Enix are getting creative with their off-shoot Dragon Quest titles like Heroes, Builders and Monsters Joker 3, but what the fans really long for deep inside is another addition to the main line of numerical titles; one that’s made specifically for the new age of video games, and one that’s not just an updated re-release of an older title. This is why Square Enix’s announcement of Dragon Quest XI: In Search Of Departed Time is so incredibly exciting! Announced at a special Dragon Quest-centric conference, Square Enix revealed this new title saying that it is currently in development for both the PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo 3DS. It was also briefly mentioned that a title may be considered for Nintendo’s mystical new console; the Nintendo NX. Apart from actually revealing the game to audiences, Square Enix did their very best not to say anything more than what they needed to in order to get the worldwide Dragon Quest audience hyper excited for the upcoming title. Showing two early gameplay …

Sick Of Minecraft? Let Me Introduce You To Dragon Quest Builders!

Published by Frank Inglese

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past half a decade, you’d know exactly what Minecraft is and exactly how damn popular the video game has become. What started off as this strange indie title wherein which players can deconstruct then reconstruct the world around them quickly became a reason for people of all ages to never leave their personal computers. Not only that, but it is a game that launched a thousand YouTube careers. Long story short; it’s a very popular game…but so is Dragon Quest. What does Dragon Quest have to do with Minecraft? Well, before today, not a great deal, but Square Enix have just announced their new Dragon Quest title and it’s very similar to the low-resolution, block-building game we’ve all come to know and love. It’s called Dragon Quest Builders and it has been labelled a “block-building RPG“. So far only one screenshot of the game has been released and it honestly just looks like Minecraft with a Dragon Quest-themed modification which could honestly be exactly what Square Enix …

Get Tangled Up In The New Trailer For Kingdom Hearts III Courtesy Of E3 2015

Published by Frank Inglese

Now I have to start off this article in a purely honest manner: I’m not that big a fan of Disney and I’m not that big a fan of Final Fantasy, so a video game series like Kingdom Hearts, as you’d imagine, isn’t necessarily on my radar for things to look out for…still, I am a man who prides himself on giving credit when credit is indeed due, and the newest trailer for Kingdom Hearts III just released at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, well…it’s genuinely made me second guess my likes and dislikes entirely. Fans have been on Square Enix’s back for quite some time about most things the fine company produces and releases. Most notably are these two titles; Final Fantasy VII and Kingdom Hearts III. Why is that? Well, in FFVII’s case, it’s a game that most, if not all, people want to be able to experience. Most people, me being one of them, do not have what it takes to go back and play the original, but if there was perhaps a remake…then …

The War Rages On – Final Fantasy Type-0 HD Is Headed To A PC Near You

Published by Frank Inglese

People simply cannot get enough of Final Fantasy! Even more, people simply cannot get enough of Final Fantasy Type-0 HD and I can absolutely see why; Western audiences had to wait so very long to get their hands on this title and now that they have…they simply don’t want to let it go. The only bad thing about the next generation release of this once PlayStation Portable game is that it was only made available on the PlayStation 4. For people like me who actually have a PlayStation 4 this is absolutely fine, but it is more for those people out there who do not! At the 2015 MSI Computex Gaming Night event, Square Enix announced that they will be releasing the game in all it’s true HD glory for PCs sometime in the near future through Steam which I’m sure you all know about. Hell, I’m sure you all spend most of your money during Steam sales, and now you’ve just got another game to add to the hundreds you’ve yet to even install …

Promotional Stand Reveals Dragon Quest Heroes North American Release Date

Published by Frank Inglese

Isn’t it funny how sometimes even cardboard cutouts can do a better job breaking news about a new video game than actual publishers? A promotional stand sitting in the back room of a video game retailer over in North America advertising the release date for the much-anticipated Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree’s Woe And The Blight Below has been shared online thanks to Twitter user @Wario64 who got a snap of his flat friend taking a break before actually being placed out into the store to promote the game’s release. The date is the 13th of October so mark it on your calendars just incase you’re prone to forgetfulness! Though Square Enix hasn’t come out with any official announcement of the release date, if you check out the Dragon Quest Heroes page on Best Buy’s website, it features the same date which can only mean it is official…right? I’m sure we’ll hear from Square Enix soon enough with an official statement. Until that happens and until the actual game is released, why don’t you check out …

Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster – PlayStation 4 Review

Published by Frank Inglese

My history with Final Fantasy X, and by association Final Fantasy X-2, is one that stretches all the way back to my high school days. Having a friend utterly obsessed with the duo of games, it was hard for me to avoid hearing about the ins and outs of what many consider to be the greatest Final Fantasy title ever released…and it’s less-than-great sequel. I once tried my hand at Final Fantasy X but, thanks to my borderline-ADD, I couldn’t find it in myself to properly appreciate what it had to offer. Years later, Square Enix decides that it is time to bring the pair of games into the new year and they release the HD Remaster of both on the PlayStation 4. I decide that it’s time for me to have one last crack at them before I close the book for good. I feel as though I owe it to my friend, and all lovers of both FF X and FF X-2, to properly immerse myself in the story that has stayed in …

Guess Who’s Back, Back Again – Dragon Quest VIII Announced For The 3DS

Published by Frank Inglese

How’s this for a resurrection story: Dragon Quest VIII was released on the Sony PlayStation 2 some eleven years ago and was met with legendary success. Yep, audiences absolutely adored the Dragon Quest title but it took Square Enix and the team behind the great series a decade or so before they even thought about re-releasing it. It’s initial revival came not too long ago when Square Enix released a more condensed version of the highly-revered title for both Android and Apple smart devices. Ditching things like the voice acting and an actual engaging control system, this game still did very well…somehow. I suppose, despite what it lacked, it was still mostly the same game people enjoyed all that time ago. Well Square Enix have gone and done it again, today announcing that they now plan to bring the title to the Nintendo 3DS. Unlike the last time it was re-released, this iteration of the game will bring about certain upgrades like updated visuals, soundtracks, new storylines and even a new character. Set to hit …

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster For The PlayStation 4 – “Return To Spira” Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

A little while back Square Enix did something pretty exciting; they released the pair of Final Fantasy X games remastered and tweaked to suit bot the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. As you can probably already tell; fans of the games and fans of the Final Fantasy series in general went crazy for it. That craze was entirely justified because, well…Square Enix brought back one of the more enjoyable Final Fantasy titles, in my opinion. Well the powers at be have, oncer again, decided to re-release these two games but this time there’s something a little different about them…they’ll be for the PlayStation 4. Square Enix are covering all bases with this one and it’s the PS4 that they needed to be able to do so. Here’s what you can expect from the PlayStation 4 version: Better graphics that make it a justified next generation console release, full control over which of the two different soundtracks you’ll be experiencing throughout the story, and the ability to take your save game data from the PlayStation Vita …

XV From XV – Highlight Trailer Released For Final Fantasy XV Demo -Episode Duscae-

Published by Frank Inglese

Please don’t tell me you missed out on playing the demo for Final Fantasy XV! You know what I’m talking about right? Episode Duscae? Surely when you picked up your copy of Final Fantasy Type-0 HD you made sure to play the free demo that came with it. You didn’t get Final Fantasy Type-0 HD?! That’s insane! No, wait, it’s fine, it’s fine. Square Enix have done us all a solid today, especially those who havn’t played the Episode Duscae demo, and released a pretty great three minute trailer which basically highlights fifteen of the best moments from the Final Fantasy XV demo. Fifteen for fifteen, you get it? Yeah, you get it. Because of limited supplies, it’s not too crazy to imagine that some people didn’t actually get a chance to play the demo. I overreacted before and I apologise. Watching this video will instil in you exactly what playing the demo did; that this is going to be one hell of a great Final Fantasy title. It’s one that fans have been waiting …

Hands-On With “Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae”

Published by Frank Inglese

October, 2011 was when the original “Final Fantasy Type-0” was released on the PlayStation Portable over in Japan. That version of the highly sought-after video game was never released outside of the great country to the lamentation of all the fans who longed for the game with every fibre of their being. It’s now 2015 and that game has finally been released around the world on Sony’s next generation console the PlayStation 4. The new release of “Type-0” does differ from the original PlayStation Portable release in that it has been tweaked and changed to suit a more contemporary audience. This means better graphics, better gameplay and a better overall experience. Anyone reading this that hasn’t been keeping up with recent news would probably think that the release of this game would be the most exciting thing for “Final Fantasy” fans in the early months of 2015. If that’s what you do think, I hate to tell you but…you’re absolutely wrong. A certain special demo was provided with early purchases of the long-awaited game. This …

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD Finally Gets A Release After All this Time, Celebrate With A Launch Trailer

Published by Frank Inglese

By now you should know everything you need to know about Square Enix’s “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD”. True fans of the the series would have already researched and discovered everything about the game many years ago when it was released over in Japan on the PlayStation Portable. Unfortunately that version of the game never made it out of the great country but now, in 2015, we’ve just been given a game that is, depending on who you ask, leagues better than its predecessor. Square Enix have now officially released the game across Australia and new Zealand with the North American release coming on the 20th which is only a day or two away depending on where you’re reading from. That doesn’t matter though because, to celebrate, Square Enix has released a launch trailer for the game titled “We Have Arrived” that, while it shows everything we’ve already seen, pretty much just rounds up what the game is going to be about. If you’re exited for “Type-0 HD” and live in Australia or New Zealand; you …

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD’s New Trailer Tells Us That Even In Death Your Legacy Lives On

Published by Frank Inglese

We’re now only a couple days away from seeing the official release of Square Enix’s newest title “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD”; a game that has been waiting for a Western release ever since it came out years ago on the PlayStation Portable in the great country of Japan. Well, to celebrate the almost-release, Square Enix have released a brand new trailer wonderfully titled “Legacy Lives On”; something the “Final Fantasy” franchise is very much known for preaching. This new trailer shows audiences all of the elements seen in past “Final Fantasy” titles that are making a return in the new game. Things like older gameplay mechanics, familiar monsters and even Cid; a character mentioned or shown in every single “Final Fantasy” game, makes an appearance in this here trailer as well as, obviously, in the game itself. Square Enix have done a fantastic job at hyping the game up as much as possible and getting audiences ready for the majesty that will be “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD” and if you’re not yet convinced of just …

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD – PAX East Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

Anyone who knows anything about video games and the industry to which it belongs surely has heard of the amazing gaming convention known as PAX (Penny Arcade Expo). Those people aware of the event know that it is a mecca for pop culture fanatics the world over. Square Enix, a week away from releasing the much-anticipated “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD”, put together a trailer specifically for the crowds of PAX East which was held over the past weekend in Boston, Massachusetts. Crowds at the convention absolutely swooned over the new trailer and that lead Square Enix to release the same exact video online for us all to see. Simply titled the “PAX East Trailer”, the new video takes us, once again, into the world of the new game. Despite having seen most of the footage before, the trailer has still worked to raise hype ever higher and with only a week until release it has come at the very best time. Backing up the footage of “Type-0 HD” are a couple quick shots of the …

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD – Gameplay overview Trailer Released + “Episode Duscae” Demo Showcase

Published by Frank Inglese

Can you seriously believe that “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD” is only about a month away from getting a full release? There’s some part of me that just comprehend it. It feels like Western gamers have been waiting years to get their hands on this game and…well, actually, it HAS been years…the original “Final Fantasy Type-0” was released on the PlayStation Portable. Wow. Anywho, to celebrate the almost-release of the new “Final Fantasy” title, Square Enix have released a brand-new trailer that basically combines everything we’ve seen over the past couple of months. Coming straight from the European Active Time Report in London, this trailer leads wonderfully into the final stretch of the game’s release. Bring on “Type-0”, baby! We’re ready! As aa little bonus to add on to the end of the “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD” trailer is another little video from the same event that shows audiences even more of what they can expect in the upcoming “Final Fantasy XV – Episode Duscae” demo that will come complimentary with any pre-order of “Type-0 HD. …

Heads Up, Western Gamers, “Dragon Quest Heroes” Is Coming Your Way!

Published by Frank Inglese

Day after day, week after week, month after month, we continue to see more and more of what the upcoming “Dragon Quest Heroes” Action/RPG title has to offer but us living over in the West continue to think to ourselves; “but what if it doesn’t get a localisation?”. It’s scary to think that some of the best looking games don’t make it out of Japan but today Square Enix has wiped away our worries after announcing that the next instalment of the “Dragon Quest” series of video games will indeed be headed to the West sometime this year. That’s fantastic news, especially for those who’ve been following the series all these years! What’s even more exciting is that it will be the very first “Dragon Quest” title to be released on the PlayStation 4 which not only means better graphics but a higher quality of gameplay due to the consoles upgraded capabilities. To say the very least; “Dragon Quest Heroes” is going to be an incredible title that I’m sure won’t disappoint new and old …

Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae – New Screenshots Released

Published by Frank Inglese

Square Enix knows what the fans want. Square Enix can’t always deliver exactly that but they always do their best to get as close as possible. Now I know you all want to get your hands on “Final Fantasy XV”, I think we all do, and I know you’d like to have a go at playing the demo ‘Episode Duscae”, I think we all do, BUT those two things have yet to be made available so the wonderful company behind them will give you the next best thing…screenshots. Yes, today Square Enix have released another batch of b-e-a-utiful “Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae” that will, once again, show you more of what you can expect in the upcoming game. I know, you don’t want to sit here and read all day, you want to see some pictures! Well we’ve provided them for you below so check them out and basque in their almighty glory! Want to play the “Final Fantasy XV” demo “Episode Duscae”? Well go and pre-order “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD”; every preorder will …

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD – Final Japanese Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

“Final Fantasy Type-0 HD” is finally on the verge of being released and the entire “Final Fantasy” fandom could not be happier. Square Enix, the wonderful Japanese publisher and developer behind the game, have continued to provide the world with updates on the game through trailers, screenshots and just general news for months on end. It’s now gotten to the point where Square Enix is so close to releasing the game that they’ve just released their final trailer for the upcoming game. It’s a Japanese trailer accompanied by English subtitles that basically outlines the story of the game as well as some of the updated features like dual audio options and updated graphics for next generation consoles. Alongside the new trailer comes some information regarding a demo release for “Final Fantasy XV – Episode Duscae” that will come with the purchase of “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD”: With both the boxed and digital versions of FINAL FANTASY TYPE-0 HD, the demo will be playable on day of launch (19th March 2015). The demo will be available …

Final Fantasy Type-0 – Traitors Of Orience Trailer

Published by Frank Inglese

Like any real-life war, propaganda is used to boost the morale of a certain side’s men and women while simultaneously breaking the spirit of the enemy. Despite “Final Fantasy Type-0” being, well…a fantasy title, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an air of truth about it. Coming only a day after the “Orience News Special Report” trailer which showed just a few of the main cast in a positive light, Square Enix delivers us another trailer which introduces us to more of the crew but is set out like an enemy propaganda film, showing these freedom fighters as cowards and backstabbers. “Final Fantasy Type-0” is set for a release in 2015 on the PlayStation 4 both in and outside of Japan but seeing as how it’s still a little while away, I’d say just enjoy what trailers we have right now and prepare for one hell of an RPG. -30-

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD – Orience News Special Report Trailer

Published by Frank Inglese

It’s almost the end of 2014 which means 2015 is just around the corner which means, again, there are a whole bunch of games just over the horizon that are prepped and ready for a release in the brand-new year. One of those games happens to be Square Enix’s much anticipated “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD” which features fourteen playable characters that can be traded in and out at you, the gamers’, will. With such a huge main cast it can sometimes seems as though you won’t even get a chance to fully learn about just who these people are. We know they’re part of the elite team of fighting students and we know that they’re ultimately fighting for the freedom of the country but who are they really? What are their likes and dislikes? Why did King decide that he wanted to look like Macklemore with a mullet? All these questions are ones that keep me up at night but Square Enix look as though they’ve got us covered with the first of what will …

“Final Fantasy X/X2 HD Remaster” Is Coming To The PlayStation 4 In 2015

Published by Frank Inglese

And we’re very excited about it! The PlayStation Experience event took place over the weekend in Las Vegas and from it came a few awesome announcements of upcoming PlayStation titles set to be released in 2015. We already know that “Final Fantasy VII” is set to be hitting consoles in the coming year but today Square Enix has officially announced that another “FF” title will be joining the PlayStation 4 family and it just so happens to be the previously-released “Final Fantasy X/X2 HD Remaster”. Already available for both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, this upcoming PlayStation 4 version of the same game is said to come with some system-exclusive features that have yet to be detailed by Square Enix but my assumption is that, as usual, the audio and visuals are going to be a little more crisp. Apart from that, I have no idea what else we’re to expect from this re-re-release but I’m sure, in due time, Square Enix will give us a little more information. Like “Final Fantasy VII”, “Final Fantasy X/X2 …

Square Enix Announces “Theatrhythm Dragon Quest”

Published by Frank Inglese

For every good video game, there’s an equally as enjoyable soundtrack. This is something I’ve believed for the entirety of my career as a critic and it’s not a mindset I’ll be dumping anytime soon. Any game that lacks good musical style is a game not worth playing in my opinion and I think it’s safe to say that Square Enix has this aspect of video game making mastered. “Final Fantasy” games almost always feature a booming orchestral sound that fits the “high fantasy” style of story that has been around for countless years but it’s not just “FF” that features the good stuff. Oh no! If you’ve played any game from the “Dragon Quest” series you’d understand that each and every Square Enix game is done to the highest calibre and that always includes a damn good soundtrack that fits like a surgical glove. While a little different from the tracks heard in “FF” games, “Dragon Quest” titles feature lovely songs that will now be compiled and made playable thanks to the upcoming Nintendo …

Final Fantasy XV – Tech Demo and Walkthrough Videos Released

Published by Frank Inglese

We’re almost at the end of 2014 which means 2015 is just on the horizon. The new year is exciting not only because we say goodbye to the old but because of the many video games set for a release in the fresh 365 days ahead. One, possibly the most anticipated, is a video game by Square Enix called “Final Fantasy XV”. Maybe you’ve heard of it. I don’t know though, it’s a pretty unheard of series. Yeah…right. “Final Fantasy XV” has been on the mind of JRPG fans every since it was announced which was a lot longer ago than I care to remember only because it has tormented me due to the fact that I don’t yet have it in my hands, but that can be said about many games that haven’t been released. Recently, Paris Games Week played host to a relatively small but booming showcase by Square Enix who chose “Final Fantasy XV” to be their main focus. Shown to a crowd of extremely lucky game lovers were two videos; one …

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD – “Enter The Fray” Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

March, 2015. A month that will be remembered as the day the war began. The war between nations fighting for ultimate supremacy. You, yes you, will take up arms as one of the few surviving elite combat masters who will battle on the front lines. Why? To return balance, of course. To stop the needless slaughter of countless world citizens. You are a part of the legendary ‘Class Zero’; a group of young men and women with outstanding magical power and battle prowess. You’re the ones destined to bring all this to an end…but at what cost? Square Enix have today released a brand-new trailer for their upcoming, and highly sought after, video game ‘Final Fantasy Type-0 HD’. Titled ‘Enter The Fray’, this new video outlines the story of the new game as well as some of its actual in-combat mechanics. Fans of the series have been waiting for this game for many, many years and it is just about to hit local shores in March of next year. Current generations consoles (PS4, XBONE), new …

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Music really does make a video game. There are some titles out there that are absolutely brilliant: They’re exciting, they’re engaging, they’re simply fun to play BUT they’re also missing something fatal…music. A good soundtrack could turn an ‘OK’ game into a ‘great’ game but I feel as though it is a video game aspect that is sometimes overlooked. I’ve seen plenty of games fail due to a boring or badly composed soundtrack but one series that doesn’t fall victim to this is ‘Final Fantasy’. Back in 2012 we saw the first culmination of the great series’ music. It came in the form of a spin-off title called ‘Theatrhythm Final Fantasy’. Playing like a typical rhythm game, ‘Theatrhythm Final Fantasy’ featured an abundance of songs from many of the different ‘Final Fantasy’ games and also played host to odd but interesting gameplay mechanic that made it feel more like an RPG. Well the game did very well and Square Enix decided that maybe they should go ahead and develop another one. This game is called …

Bravely Second – Meet The Three Musketeers

Published by Frank Inglese

Seeing as how well Square Enix’s ‘Bravely Default’ Nintendo 3DS video game sold, it’s no surprise that a new one had already already announced to be in development only a few months after initial release. With new games, obviously, comes new stories and the tale that is prepped to be told in the upcoming sequel ‘Bravely Second’ is one that centers around three skilled warriors who call themselves the ‘Three Musketeers’. Yuu, Jean and Nikolai will occpy most of your team in ‘Bravely Second’ and will be utilizing their combat training to help you cut down every enemy that stands in your way. Square Enix have today released a new Japanese trailer for the game that introduces you to these three men. Though entirely in Japanese, I’m sure you’ll all somewhat understand what it is that’s being said. It helps that information regarding these characters have been floating around on the web for a while now. Japan will be getting ‘Bravely Second’ sometime this Winter and us in the West will hopefully be getting it …

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call Is Now Available Across Australia and New Zealand

Published by Frank Inglese

Hey, ‘Final Fantasy’ fans! Listen up because this ones just for you! Square Enix are extremely proud to officially announce that their rhythm game sequel ‘Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call’ is now available across Australia and New Zealand for the Nintendo 3DS. Sugoi! It has been one hell of a lead up to this game and I know there are a bunch of you out there ready to get your hands on what is looking to be a fantastic sequel to a fantastic ‘Final Fantasy’ spinoff title. To celebrate the occasion and to entice those of you out there who are still ‘on the fence’ about whether or not they want to buy this game, Square Enix has released a launch trailer which we’ve provided for you just below. A sequel to the first rhythm action game released in 2012, THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY® expands on the original in every way, with over three times as many songs and twice as many playable characters as its predecessor. The sequel also boasts two new game modes: Quest …

Dragon Quest: Heroes Announced Alongside Special Edition PlayStation 4

Published by Frank Inglese

  Come Spring 2015 you’ll be experiencing the world of ‘Dragon Quest’ in a way like you’ve never before with the newly-announced Square Enix/Tecmo Koei/Omega Force collaboration video game title ‘Dragon Quest: Heroes’. Sony Computer Entertainment announced today at their pre-TGS (Tokyo Game Show) press conference that next year they will be releasing a brand-new ‘Dragon Quest’ title along with a special edition PlayStation 4 system titled the ‘Dragon Quest Metal Slime Edition’, both of which will be released at the same time. Alongside the announcement came the very first trailer for the upcoming game. We’ve provided that as well as a batch of screenshots just below. Once again, ‘Dragon Quest: Heroes’ is set for a release in Japan sometime during Spring 2015 for both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. -30-  

See What’s New With The Latest ‘Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix’ Trailer

Published by Frank Inglese

‘Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix’ isn’t too far away and long-time fans of the series are going absolutely bonkers for the upgraded video game remake that’s to come. Square Enix hears it’s audience members and acts accordingly, this time around they’ve gone ahead and released a brand-new trailer for the game that shows off some of the more contemporary aspects of the re-release including extra missions, an updated soundtrack, secret cutscenes and so much more. The trailer covers it all but for those of you that like it in writing, what’s shown is as follows: KINGDOM HEARTS II A remastered soundtrack, featuring over 90 tracks, completely overhauled by an orchestra to provide a richer and more beautiful experience, a secret movie that leads into KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep and new gummi ship missions. KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep New action and support abilities, new deck commands and a command style – “Rhythmic Mixer” as well as some new items! KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded New cinematic cut-scenes based on favourite battles, including – Data Sora vs. …

‘Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call’ – Legacy Of Music Episode 6 Released

Published by Frank Inglese

If you’re a fan of the ‘Final Fantasy’ franchise or simply a lover of rhythm-based video games, I’m sure you’re aware of the upcoming Square Enix title ‘Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call’, the sequel to the much loved game of similar name for the Nintendo 3DS. Every couple of weeks we’re shown more and more of what this game has to offer and most of this information comes in small videos titled ‘Legacy of Music’. Each of these episodes feature different themes that usually revolve around specific ‘Final Fantasy’ titles. Episode 6, the video that has just been released, focuses on one ‘Final Fantasy’ title that Western audiences have been waiting on for quite some time. It’s a little game called ‘Final Fantasy: Type-0’ and it will be one of the series titles featured in the upcoming rhythm video game. Step into the fray as Class Zero, a group of fourteen students from an elite military academy whose country is attacked by an aggressive neighbouring empire. Featuring Ace, Machina, and Rem as playable characters and …

‘Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn’ Is Almost A Year Old! It Is Time To Celebrate!

Published by Frank Inglese

It’s almost been a year already?! Wow! Square Enix have reached out to all ‘Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn’ fans to alert them that now is the time to start celebrating a wonderfully momentous occasion. Strap on your dancing shoes and ready your bodies because from today onwards we’ll be tripping the light fantastic as the world of ‘A Realm Reborn’ is flooded with commemoratory events and player bonuses that will have each and every single player forced into a state of wonder and glee! YES! It’s the first year anniversary of ‘Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn’ and Square Enix have just given us all permission to run wild and party hard. Plenty of events will be held over the next few weeks, each of which are detailed below and come straight for Square Enix themselves. As a part of the celebrations and as a nice way to kick them off, fans will be able to see fantastically illustrated images from talented members of the development team. Those images along with more information on the …

‘Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call’ – Legacy Of Music Episode 5 Released

Published by Frank Inglese

If you’re a fan of the ‘Final Fantasy’ franchise or simply a lover of rhythm-based video games, I’m sure you’re aware of the upcoming Square Enix title ‘Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call’, the sequel to the much loved game of similar name for the Nintendo 3DS. Every couple of weeks we’re shown more and more of what this game has to offer and most of this information comes in small videos titled ‘Legacy of Music’. Each of these episodes feature different themes that usually revolve around specific ‘Final Fantasy’ titles. Episode 5, the video that has just been released, does not only showcase the music from one ‘Final Fantasy’ title, instead it focuses on the land of Ivalice and the two most popular games set there. What is interesting about the games set in Ivalice is that the characters within them actually exist in the same universe just at different points in time, each of which playing a pivotal role in the growth and evolution of the world in one way or another. This episode …

Try Out “Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn” For Free Starting Today

Published by Frank Inglese

Square Enix have today announced that players around the world who are curious about their recent ‘Final Fantasy’ Massive Multiplayer Online title ‘A Realm Reborn’ but don’t know enough about it to invest money into the game have a chance to try it out for free! This 14-day free trial allows players to jump into the much-loved new MMORPG without any monetary commitment. This is a fantastic little campaign that has worked well for video games of this kind in the past and I can imagine it will work just as well for the fantastic people over at Square Enix. This free trial will offer most features of the game with small limitations like a level twenty cap on your character, but apart from that you basically have a 14-day pass to do whatever it is that you want within the game, including partaking in the vents of the latest add-on content titled ‘Defenders of Eorzea’. Square Enix want new players to be able to fully experience and appreciate the game before jumping right in …

Square Enix Offers Pre-Order Bonus For “Kindgom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix”

Published by Frank Inglese

If it’s wasn’t already clear, hopefully this will make you all realize that Square Enix absolutely love their fans! It was today announced that those of you who are willing to pre-order Square Enix’s upcoming video game release ‘Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix’ will be getting the Limited Edition version of the game for absolutely nothing. Isn’t that just…just…just awesome!? Australian and New Zealand gamers, head into your local video game store and pre-order the next ‘Kingdom Hearts’ title right now! Putting money down on a standard version of the game will land yourself a Limited Edition version so long as you just pre-order it. Super easy! For the devoted followers of the KINGDOM HEARTS series, Square Enix, Ltd. today announced the Limited Edition for KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX. Fans that pre-order the Standard Edition of the game at participating ANZ retailers will receive a free upgrade to the Limited Edition (while stocks last), which includes an exclusive and extremely rare Disney collectible pin badge featuring Sora and Mickey Mouse. – Square Enix Kingdom …

Celebrate The Music Of “Final Fantasy VII” With The New Trailer For “Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call”

Published by Frank Inglese

I’ll be honest with you, reader; ‘Final Fantasy VII’ is really the only video game from the series that I actually know about in, somewhat, great detail. It isn’t that the series never piqued my interest, it is simply that I’m a product of my environment and, while growing up, it was never really saturated with the ‘Final Fantasy’ series. Now, as an adult, I feel as though I’m too separated from the series to get into it now…but I still love me some ‘Final Fantasy VII’ which somehow impacted my video game-playing life like no other storyline from the franchise. Square Enix has today released the third episode of ‘The Legacy of Music’ a trailer-style video series that basically focuses on one of the ‘FF’ games featured in the upcoming ‘Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call’ Nintendo 3DS title and this time around it just so happens to showcase some of the music from the high-acclaimed ‘Final Fantasy VII’. The video, of which you can see just below, takes the audience on a short ride …

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn – Defenders Of Eorzea Patch Now Available

Published by Frank Inglese

You know what rocks about Massive Multiplayer Online games? There’s just so damn much to do and even when you feel like you’re getting close to doing it all, the development team go ahead and release extra content for it. It is the game that keeps you gaming and it is clear as to why the genre has some of the most dedicated players in all of the video game world. ‘Square Enix’ has gone ahead and done just that with the release of the next ‘Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn’ patch titled ‘Defenders of Eorzea’. This is patch 2.3 and, for the most part, is just a general upgrade to the game but will feature some special additions that will have hard-core players jumping for joy. When the world is thrown into chaos, who will rise to defend those too weak to defend themselves? The Sahagin summoned Leviathan, Lord of the Whorl, that the unbridled fury of the sea would wash away those who would threaten their livelihood. Eorzea’s people turned to the Warriors …

Japanese Gamers To Receive A Hefty New “Bravely Default” Demo

Published by Frank Inglese

If you’ve been reading articles on this site ever since it first went live, you’d know that I consider the Japanese gaming population to be quite a lucky one. They get everything! Us living in countries outside of Japan are lucky to get even half of the video game releases they do and even then we usually miss out on certain things like DLC. ‘Square Enix’ today revealed that they will be releasing a new demo for their highly popular contemporary RPG title ‘Bravely Default’. It is odd for a video game demo to be released long after that of the full game’s but, well…here we are! There’s something different about this demo though. ‘Square Enix’ have done something quite gutsy while at the same time extremely intelligent; they’ve rereleased the ‘Bravely Default’ demo but this time players will be able to access the first four chapters of the game which actually tells about half of the story. Keep in mind that this is a 50+ hour RPG title. This means Japanese gamers will be …

Dragon Quest X Set To Hit The 3DS This September

Published by Frank Inglese

Do you love ‘Dragon Quest’? How about Massive Multiplayer Online games? Do you love them? If your answer was ‘yes’ than you’re in the right place because ‘Square Enix’ today announced that their supremely popular MMORPG “Dragon Quest X’ will soon be making it’s home on the Nintendo 3DS. The game, which fuses the RPG elements of the ‘Dragon Quest’ series with the communal gaming style of a modern MMO, was released some time ago on the Wii and Wii U as well as on Android and Windows mobile devices but only now has it been announced to be making its way to the 3DS. This seems quite strange but overwhelmingly exciting; an MMO on a handheld console! Has this ever been done before? This is the first I’m hearing of it! What is odd about this particular release is that the game requires you to connect to the internet every couple of hours as offline play doesn’t offer nearly as much as it’s online counterpart. This will make it hard for traveling gamers, most …

Dragon Quest Awarded “Longest Running JRPG Series” Guiness World Record

Published by Frank Inglese

The 2014 Electronics Entertainment Expo was held last week over in Los Angeles, America and with it came some incredibly exciting news regarding the next generation of gaming. Alongside a slew of new trailers and information about upcoming ‘next gen’ titles came news of a certain little video game series that has just broken the world record for, and I quote; the ‘longest running Japanese RPG series’. From us here at SnapThirty, we say ‘congratulations’ to Square Enix and their long-running, JRPG franchise ‘Final Fantasy’. Wait…I’m sorry, it looks like I’ve gotten ahead of myself a bit. The actual record breaker is ANOTHER ‘Square Enix’ video game series and the preferred JRPG of Manga writer Yoshihiro Togashi (Yu Yu Hakusho, Hunter X Hunter), of course I’m talking about a series called ‘Dragon Quest’. ‘Square Enix’, as mentioned, accepted the award from the ‘Guiness Book Of World Records’ as part of the E3 2014 celebrations and I guarantee that fans of the series could not be more elated.It’s actually quite hard to wrap your head around …