Square Enix joins in their second year for E3 2019 press conference line-up, and after last year’s first shot at delivering a trailer showcase, this year had a lot more presentations and structure to the event.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
It has been 22 years since Final Fantasy VII first released and so many years since the Final Fantasy VII Remake has been talked about with no news. Here at Game Warp, we’ve been predicting its trailer release since the first E3 coverage. It’s no doubt that Final Fantasy VII Remake was the best way to start off this conference on a positive and exciting note and seeing the audience give it the biggest reaction of the conference only further confirmed this choice
Final Fantasy VII Remake might have taken a long time to make its appearance but it feels like it was definitely worth the wait as it had not only an impressive cinematic trailer to show off the familiar characters made in a much more beautiful way but we also got to see some of the gameplay especially an extensive look at the hybrid gameplay system of real-time and command-based and its tactical mode and combat system. What is even more promising is that Final Fantasy VII promises that it has dove deeper into both the world and the characters and has about 2 Blu-ray discs worth of content.
Final Fantasy VII Remake will release on March 3, 2020….for now.
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Remastered
The first of the remasters at this showcase to make its appearance. Crystal Chronicles Remastered will have an online multiplayer mode as well as landing on mobile platforms in Winter 2019.
The Last Remnant Remastered
First released in 2008 on Xbox 360 and on Windows afterwards, The Last Remnant is another of the Square Enix remasters which hopefully will give the game a second life. For fans of the game, it is currently released on Nintendo Switch.
Dragon Quest: Builders 2
Thankfully it’s not all remasters as this fun combination of a sandbox and RPG game blend together as you travel through the land to collect the materials you need to craft items and buildings. Builders 2 will be released on July 12 on Playstation 4 and Nintendo Switch. For Playstation 4 users, the playable demo will be available on June 27th.
Circuit Superstars
Square Enix Collective has brought attention to some indie titles with potential to succeed. Taking advantage of the recent rise in popularity of racing games, Circuit Superstars hopes to revive a unique take on classic racing games. Taking a top-down racing style, it isn’t just about the racing elements but also includes planning pit strategy. It is aimed to release in 2020.
Battalion 1944: Eastern Front
The second Square Enix Collective title goes to the recently released game, Battalion 1944: Eastern Front is a multiplayer classic first person shooter featuring multiple game modes such as the usual deathmatch and capture the flag along with their own mode, Wartide. It is currently available on Steam now.
Square Enix Music
Square Enix has offered some beautiful soundtracks from all the franchises it has released over many years and while this is probably more exciting for those of you who love to listen video game soundtracks outside of the game, Square Enix announced that Square Enix Music will be landing on all digital streaming platforms starting with the Final Fantasy soundtracks enabling you to make going to the gym or the commute that little more dramatic.
Kingdom Hearts 3: ReMind DLC
While it’s hard to really know what Kingdom Hearts 3’s upcoming DLC ReMind is all about, it seems to want to bring back some characters to the game. There isn’t enough here to see what it’s going to be about however, it’s not a long wait for those looking forward as it will be coming out in Winter 2019.
Final Fantasy XIV Online: Shadowbringers
Final Fantasy XIV Online will have its third expansion which boasts to have such an extensive story and game that it is comparable to a new standalone RPG title with new elements to discover. Shadowbringers will be released on July 2, 2019.
Romancing Saga 3 & Saga Scarlet Grace Ambitions
Both of these titles were announced as coming to the west. These two titles both focus on the player’s choices and choosing their own adventure. While there isn’t a set release date, it will be coming soon.
War of the Visions – Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius
Continuing onto the next Final Fantasy branch reveal, War of the Visions is the new expansion to Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius. It will tell the story of Ardora, a continent in conflict which is known as the War of the Visions. There isn’t a lot in the trailer but it is still in development.
Outriders
From the creators of the awesome Bulletstorm & Gears of War Judgment, Polish developer People Can Fly comes another first person shooter action game which they are describing as a dark modern shooter featuring, powerful gunplay and weaponry alongside unique FPS mechanics Outriders can be played both in single and co-op as well as with up to four players that can drop in and out. Outriders is set to release in Summer 2020.
Oninaki
Hailing from Tokyo RPG Factory who previously worked on both I am Setsuna and Lost Sphear, this throwback RPG sees its hero having to travel between the realms of life and death to save lost souls. These souls ultimately aiding him in his journey by enabling different abilities to combat the various challenges they will encounter. Oninaki will be available from August 22, 2019 for Playstation 4, Steam and Switch.
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
The final remaster reveal of the showcase went to Final Fantasy VIII which will be coming later this year. A more diverse entry in the series than Final Fantasy VII it still certainly has a dedicated fanbase who will no doubt be excited to see this entry getting a second life and hopefully paving the way for a remasters of Final Fantasy VIII.
Marvel Avengers
After failing to appear last year and despite rumours of it’s cancellation this surprise reveal sees Marvel Games collaborating with Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal to create an epic action adventure game with a cinematic story which will enable you to take control of The Avengers. While Marvel Cinematic Universe has given us quite an extensive take on The Avengers, Crystal Dynamics will be giving the world it its own spin with a completely new story which containing shadows of the “Civil War” storyline will see the Avengers outlawed and being forced to reunite five years later when the Earth finds itself in need of their abilities once more.
This is packed with outstanding voice talent as Nolan North and Troy Baker reunite once again to voice Tony Stark and Bruce Banner, respectively. Furthermore, if online multiplayer is something you enjoy, Marvel Avengers will offer one up to 4 players while also promising to have constant additional updates at no extra cost as it would seem they plan to expand the game into its own video game universe needless to say making us exciting to see how the game develops over the coming months.
Marvel Avengers will release on May 15, 2020 on Playstation 4/Xbox One/PC/Stadia while their partnership with Playstation will bring some exclusive content like an exclusive beta.
Overall, a surprisingly strong showcase, despite many believing it would be one of the weaker presentations of E3 especially after last year, only for Square not only to turn it around but also give us more titles to be excited for any other developer this year which will no doubt reflect in the top 10 lists.