Pre-E3 2004: Square Enix Reveals Line-up
A rock solid selection of RPGs will be displayed at Square Enix's booth next week. Find out which titles will be there inside.
Published: May 7, 2004
Square Enix announced today its line-up of titles to be showcased at next week's Electronic Entertainment Expo 2004.
"The products we are showcasing at this year's E3 will exemplify some new and interesting directions for Square Enix," stated Jun Iwasaki, president and C.E.O. of Square Enix U.S.A. "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 selection of these titles headed to the PS2 is indeed a fine one. Those to be shown at E3 2004 include:
Front Mission 4
Release Date: June 15, 2004
In this next chapter of the popular mech-based strategy series, things turn ugly once a group of mechs destroys an E.C. German base. From there, players will assume the role of two different characters: Elsa, a recruit of the E.C.'s Durandal corps sent to investigate the attack, as well as South American U.C.S. Army sergeant named Darrill, who when sent into Venezuela with his company, suddenly has a change of plans when bearing witness to a distract plane crash. Front Mission 4 features an improved battle system, top notch audio and visuals, full wanzer (another name for a mech) customization, and a new tactical "Link System," and more.
STAR OCEAN: Till the End of Time
Release Date: August 2004
While STAR OCEAN originally hit Japan, this Director's Cut version, coming only to the states, has to its name multiple game endings, extended cinematic sequences, an intense battle system in real time, in addition to an all-new VS. mode. In the game, players assume the role of Fayt Leingod, who's on a wholesome vacation with his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed, at the resort planet of Hyda. Once a space military attack disrupts the peace, Fayt becomes separated from his loved ones and must set out on a journey to reunite with them.
Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel
Release Date: Spring 2005
This action-adventure RPG, developed by Racjin, stars two alchemist brothers on the hunt for the Philosopher's Stone. Edward and Alphonse Elric are on-board train to the capital city of Central when they are suddenly hijacked. With the ability to turn seemingly normal items into powerful weapons, Edward aids in fighting back the hijacks, yet a new twist comes into play, and the brothers are led onto a quest unlike any other.
Final Fantasy XII
Release Date: 2005
Kingdom Hearts II
Release Date: TBA
This sequel takes place a year after the first game's events, and it seems the Heartless are up to no good once again. Now, Sora and the gang must embark on another action-packed journey, yet waiting for them is a new mysterious villain who's identity remains unknown. As did its predecessor, Kingdom Hearts II will the most recognizable characters from the realms of both Disney and Square Enix, with a stellar cast lending their talents once again. An adventure awaits!
2719[/news]]Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia (Expansion Pack)
Release Date: Fall 2004
And finally, although it's not a PlayStation 2 title, we couldn't help but mention the highly anticipated CG, Final Fantasy VII Advent Children. Two years after the events of FFVII, Midgar is once again becoming home to a "mysterious illness." Old enemies are returning (including Sephiroth, of course), and it's up to Cloud and gang to once again fight for what is righteous. Advent Children will run about 60 minutes of gorgeously rendered DVD content, and we couldn't be more excited to take a much-needed trip back to Midgar, now with a visually astonishing new look to it.
We will have the scoop on these and tons of other PlayStation 2 titles next week when E3 2004 officially kicks off. The entire staff will be reporting LIVE from the show, folks, so stay tuned!
"The products we are showcasing at this year's E3 will exemplify some new and interesting directions for Square Enix," stated Jun Iwasaki, president and C.E.O. of Square Enix U.S.A. "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 selection of these titles headed to the PS2 is indeed a fine one. Those to be shown at E3 2004 include:
Front Mission 4
Release Date: June 15, 2004
In this next chapter of the popular mech-based strategy series, things turn ugly once a group of mechs destroys an E.C. German base. From there, players will assume the role of two different characters: Elsa, a recruit of the E.C.'s Durandal corps sent to investigate the attack, as well as South American U.C.S. Army sergeant named Darrill, who when sent into Venezuela with his company, suddenly has a change of plans when bearing witness to a distract plane crash. Front Mission 4 features an improved battle system, top notch audio and visuals, full wanzer (another name for a mech) customization, and a new tactical "Link System," and more.
STAR OCEAN: Till the End of Time
Release Date: August 2004
While STAR OCEAN originally hit Japan, this Director's Cut version, coming only to the states, has to its name multiple game endings, extended cinematic sequences, an intense battle system in real time, in addition to an all-new VS. mode. In the game, players assume the role of Fayt Leingod, who's on a wholesome vacation with his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed, at the resort planet of Hyda. Once a space military attack disrupts the peace, Fayt becomes separated from his loved ones and must set out on a journey to reunite with them.
Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel
Release Date: Spring 2005
This action-adventure RPG, developed by Racjin, stars two alchemist brothers on the hunt for the Philosopher's Stone. Edward and Alphonse Elric are on-board train to the capital city of Central when they are suddenly hijacked. With the ability to turn seemingly normal items into powerful weapons, Edward aids in fighting back the hijacks, yet a new twist comes into play, and the brothers are led onto a quest unlike any other.
Final Fantasy XII
Release Date: 2005
Kingdom Hearts II
Release Date: TBA
This sequel takes place a year after the first game's events, and it seems the Heartless are up to no good once again. Now, Sora and the gang must embark on another action-packed journey, yet waiting for them is a new mysterious villain who's identity remains unknown. As did its predecessor, Kingdom Hearts II will the most recognizable characters from the realms of both Disney and Square Enix, with a stellar cast lending their talents once again. An adventure awaits!
2719[/news]]Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia (Expansion Pack)
Release Date: Fall 2004
And finally, although it's not a PlayStation 2 title, we couldn't help but mention the highly anticipated CG, Final Fantasy VII Advent Children. Two years after the events of FFVII, Midgar is once again becoming home to a "mysterious illness." Old enemies are returning (including Sephiroth, of course), and it's up to Cloud and gang to once again fight for what is righteous. Advent Children will run about 60 minutes of gorgeously rendered DVD content, and we couldn't be more excited to take a much-needed trip back to Midgar, now with a visually astonishing new look to it.
We will have the scoop on these and tons of other PlayStation 2 titles next week when E3 2004 officially kicks off. The entire staff will be reporting LIVE from the show, folks, so stay tuned!
