Tag: Square Enix
Poll What's The Best SaGa Game? Rate Your Favourites For Our Upcoming Ranking
Romancing the polls
The SaGa series is one of the most unique franchises to come from RPG behemoth Square Enix. Often known as Final Fantasy's "weird" cousin — though that's a little bit reductive — SaGa was created by Akitoshi Kawazu, one of the game designers on Final Fantasy II, which is often considered the odd one among the Final Fantasy...
Review SaGa Emerald Beyond (Switch) - Diverse But Dull RPG Boosted By Excellent Combat
Junction system
The SaGa titles are part of a series that started life as Final Fantasy Legend, named to capitalise on Square’s blossoming juggernaut. Despite being separate creative endeavours, the two franchises have grown up together. While never achieving the superstar status of its sibling, SaGa has carved its own niche over the years. The...
News Breathe, Octopath Traveler Is Available To Purchase On The Switch eShop Again
Phew!
Last month, the beloved JRPG Octopath Traveler was banished forthwith from the Kingdom of the Switch eShop. Okay, if you'll excuse the dramatics, it was temporarily delisted with no official explanation as to why. Well the good news is that it's back, as confirmed by Square Enix itself. Now, the general consensus as to why it was delisted is...
Random Fan Saves All Dragon Quest 7 DLC Maps Before 3DS Servers Shut Down
"It felt like giving a little present back to the community"
With the 3DS and Wii U servers shutting down forever just a few days ago, a huge amount of DLC, digital-only games, and games reliant on online play have been lost to time. But one Dragon Quest fan sought to preserve all DLC for the 3DS remake of Dragon Quest VII — and they did it just...
News Dragon Quest 12 Reportedly Suffers Delay, Producer "Steps Down" Following Reshuffle
Square Enix has supposedly found a candidate to replace him
Square Enix is currently undergoing a large-scale organisational "overhaul" and it seems Dragon Quest has been impacted. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Dragon Quest's "top producer" Yu Miyake, who is now 56 years of age (and has contributed to "numerous" Dragon Quest titles over...
News Square Enix Fixes Leap Day Bug In Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
"We sincerely apologize for the major inconvenience"
Back in February, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line players encountered a Leap Day bug where the game wouldn't work. Fortunately, it's now been fixed, with the Square Enix support team rolling out a new patch earlier this week on 5th April 2024. Here's the full rundown of Version 1.0.5, which resolves...
Press 'A' to dance madly
When reminiscing on Final Fantasy VI, what first comes to mind? It’s possible your answer is Kefka’s iconic maniacal laugh, or a final boss battle that makes you dance madly, or searching for friends in a world of ruin. But somewhere in that mix—and for many, probably foremost—is the majestic-yet-silly Opera House...
Poll What's The Best Final Fantasy Game? Rate Your Favourite Mainline & Spin-Offs
It's all up to you
Final Fantasy. Probably the most well-known RPG franchise in the world (besides Pokémon), Square Enix (formerly Square) has been churning out Final Fantasy titles for over 35 years. Beloved by millions, the franchise is still proving popular today on multiple different consoles. With its humble beginnings on the NES, to us, it's...
News Save Up To 70% On Square Enix Titles In The Publisher's Latest Switch eShop Sale
Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and more
We love a good Switch eShop sale, and Square Enix has a pretty solid one on offer right now for both Europe and North America (and likely in other major regions, too). There are some really decent games on offer here, including the likes of Tactics Ogre: Reborn, the criminally underrated PARANORMASIGHT: The...
Video Meet "The Dismal King, Forced From His Throne" In This New SaGa Emerald Beyond Trailer
Introducing Siugnas
Following some other trailers today, Square Enix has now shared a new look at the upcoming RPG Switch release SaGa Emerald Beyond. This title was first unveiled during Nintendo's September Direct Showcase last year and is the next major entry in the long-running SaGa series. Today's trailer puts the spotlight on 'The Dismal...
News Former Switch Exclusive Octopath Traveler "Delisted" On The eShop, But There's No Need To Worry
Update: Square Enix is "working on this"
Update [Tue 5th Mar, 2024 12:55 GMT]: Square Enix has publicly acknowledged Octopath Traveler's temporary removal from the Switch eShop. The publisher and developer — who worked with former Tenchu developer Acquire to create the turn-based RPG — states "We are working on this and will update when the...
News Triangle Strategy Producer Celebrates Second Anniversary With New Artwork Reveal
Confirms no new announcements this year
Believe it or not, TRIANGLE STRATEGY is now two years old. Yep, Square Enix's brilliant HD-2D RPG was released two years ago today (4th March) and producer Yasuaki Arai has taken to the game's official Twitter account to celebrate the anniversary. In a message thanking the fans for their continued support,...
News It Looks Like Leap Day Is Causing Havoc For Theatrhythm Final Bar Line Players
Not quite my tempo
Today, 29th February, is Leap Day. It's the special occasion that only rolls around once every four years and leaves plenty of room for an extra 24 hours of surprises. Well, it looks like the surprises are coming thick and fast for Theatrhythm Final Bar Line players. Namely, the game won't work. This phenomenon was first spotted...
News Bravely Default Producer Says To Expect An Announcement This Year
Bravely Default II is now three years old
Bravely Default II has turned three years old after its Switch launch on 26th February, 2021, and to celebrate, producer Tomoya Asano has posted a commemorative message on X (formerly Twitter) while seemingly teasing an announcement for later this year. As spotted by X user Stealth (thanks,
News Square Enix Is Reportedly Overhauling How It Makes Games
Further announcement coming this Spring
During its latest financial briefing, Square Enix reportedly informed analysts in a conference call that it is undergoing a drastic review of its development system to improve its products' quality and increase revenue. This news comes via Bloomberg, which reports that Square Enix's President, Takashi Kiryu,...
News Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Has Already Surpassed One Million Sales
Update: Square Enix celebrates with some free goodies
Update #2 [Fri 2nd Feb, 2024 02:30 GMT]: The Mighty Meat Platter celebrating the one million sales of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is now available: "The Mighty Meat Platter will be available to players in supported regions in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa beginning...
News Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Series For Switch On Sale, 20% Off Every Title & Bundle
Get 'em while you can
If you've been waiting for the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster games to go on sale, now might be the time to scoop them up. As highlighted by Nintendo Wire, Square Enix has launched a sale for all six titles. This includes Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy IV,
News Square Enix Has Absorbed 'I Am Setsuna' Developer Tokyo RPG Factory
It worked on three RPG games for Switch
There's some industry news coming out of Japan today that Square Enix has absorbed the developer Tokyo RPG Factory. As part of this, Tokyo RPG Factory will be immediately dissolved and "will cease to exist as an individual entity" (thanks, Gematsu). Tokyo RPG Factory was a subsidiary of Square Enix and was...
Feature NieR’s Orchestra Concert Delivered An Unforgettable Night, And A Yoko Taro Tease
The Curse of YoRHa
If you have plans to attend NieR:Orchestra Concert 12024 [ the end of data ], be aware that Zion discusses some of the fun and surprises of the event. For those who aren't able to go, though, we thought you'd like to know how it turned out after he was lucky enough to be in LA on Saturday for opening night... I’ve attended...
News Don't Expect A Remake Of Final Fantasy 6 Soon, If Ever
Development time would "double" that of FF7
Cast your minds back to June 2023, you might remember that internal staff at Square Enix were quite keen on the idea of a remake for Final Fantasy VI. According to a recent interview with French Youtuber Julien Chièze, however, it seems that such a project would hypothetically require almost double the...
News Square Enix To Slim Down Its Gaming Lineup To Ensure Higher Quality
Cutting the fat
It's safe to say that over the last few years, Square Enix has been pumping out games faster than Marvel sends its Disney+ shows out to die. Heck, we even tackled the company's insane cadence back in 2022 to try and figure out what on earth was going on at the Japanese firm. As we head into 2024, however, a Q&A from Square...
Random Square Enix & Foamstars Producer Is Bored Of Splatoon Comparisons
The game also contains AI-generated art
When you think of big, bright colours and shooting, you probably think of one of two things — paintball, or Splatoon. Well, last year, Square Enix unveiled its “online party shooter” Foamstars, and almost immediately, the internet reacted, comparing the colourful foam-shooting game to the inky king of...
News Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Version 1.0.3 Out Now, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
System-related updates, bug fixes & more
Square Enix said it would continue to improve Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on the Nintendo Switch, and at the end of last month it rolled out a new update, bumping the game up to Version 1.0.3. This patch includes system-related updates, some bug fixes and a few other changes. The team says it's...
Due to "popular demand" in Japan
Update [Fri 5th Jan, 2024 03:30 GMT]: When Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince arrived in Japanese stores last month, it quickly sold out. Square Enix at the time advised anyone who wanted to play the game to consider purchasing the digital version instead. So, what's the latest? As highlighted by social media...
News Square Enix To Be "Aggressive In Applying" AI Going Forwards
Must... Consume... Content
Ah, what a lovely way to kick off 2024, eh? Square Enix's President Takashi Kiryu has revealed that the company will be "aggressive in applying" AI in its content development and publishing divisions in the future after he praised the technology in a New Year's Letter (thanks, VGC). Published on January 1st, 2024, the...
Memory Pak Secret Of Mana's Dazzling World Of Colour Opened My Eyes
You're looking a bit green
Welcome to the latest instalment in our nostalgia-inducing column, Memory Pak, where we deep-dive into some of the most memorable moments in gaming – good and bad. Today, Secret of Mana turns 30 years old in Japan, and to celebrate this seminal action RPG's anniversary, Alana is reminiscing about how the game's use of...
Soapbox It Feels Like Everyone Forgot The Best Switch RPG Of The Year
Eight's not a crowd
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Alana is talking about her favourite RPG of 2023, one that everyone seems to have completely forgotten about... Eight travellers. Eight stories. These eight adventurers’...
News Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Update Announced For Switch
Will include "quality of life improvements" and more
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince got off to a strong start on the Switch earlier this month, and if you were hoping to see post launch support, you're in luck. The official Dragon Quest social media account has confirmed the team behind the game is currently working on an update for The...
Feature Dragon Quest Monsters Producer On Introducing Series To A Whole New Audience
Revisiting Chapters of the Chosen
As a beloved RPG series in Japan, Dragon Quest took a pretty long time to make waves in the West. In Japan, games in the mainline series get released on the weekends to stop people skipping work and school, and the franchise has sold millions just in its native home. Dragon Quest XI changed that. Originally...
News Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Comes To Apex Legends Early Next Year
A surprise crossover
In yet another surprise collaboration announcement at this year's Game Awards, Apex Legends has announced a crossover with Square Enix's action role-playing game Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It will be taking place next year in EA's battle royale shooter on 9th January 2024. Here's a first look: <related...
News Visions Of Mana Announced By Square Enix, But Not For Switch
Update: Revealed at The Game Awards 2023
Update [Fri 8th Dec, 2023 02:00 GMT]: Today's trademark has been confirmed — Visions of Mana is a brand new action RPG in the Mana series. Revealed at The Game Awards 2023, the trailer showcased some gorgeous new visuals and more open combat, seemingly inspired by the Trials of Mana remake. However, the...
Gotta scout 'em all
While Pokémon has long been the undisputed king of the monster-catching RPG niche, there have always been other releases that have offered up their own distinct take on that unique brand of recruitment gameplay. Megami Tensei, for example, pioneered the concept with ‘Demon Negotiation’ in 1987 and Dragon Quest took a crack...
News Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Sora amiibo Locks In February 2024 Release Date
The Kingdom Hearts rep is on the way
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate may have wrapped up its development a long time ago, but Nintendo is still busy releasing amiibo figures for the DLC fighters. Following a confirmation in September that the Kingdom Hearts representative Sora would be getting his very own figure in 2024, Nintendo has now narrowed down...
News Square Enix Asks Dragon Quest Fans To Refrain From Posting 'Dark Prince' End Game Spoilers
But you can "after 31st January 2024"
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince was finally released on the Nintendo Switch last week. And if you are one of the many people playing it, just so you know, Square Enix has now issued a brief message on social media asking fans not to spoil the experience for other players. It's hoping players can refrain...
Round Up The First Impressions Of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Are In
What do you think of it so far?
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is now available on the Switch and various player impressions are already doing the rounds online. It's already received a score of 36/40 from Famitsu, matching the scores of games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, but what do the fans think of it so far? Well, on Metacritic, the...
News The First Review For Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Is In
It's received the same score as Mario Wonder
It's the end of the week and that means more new game releases for the Switch! Today we've got Square Enix's newest Dragon Quest spin-off, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince. The first review by Japanese publication Famitsu has now rolled in and the game's got near-perfect marks. This outlet has a...
News Square Enix Appears To Be Teasing Another Dragon Quest Announcement
DQX Offline localisation rumours resurfaced this week
Dragon Quest has already been in the headlines this week after new trailer uploads for Dragon Quest X Offline appeared on YouTube, and now, Square Enix producer and director Yosuke Saito appears to be teasing something. According to a translation of a social media post (via Eurogamer), he's...
Video The Mario Sports Game On DS That's A Slam Dunk
Shooting hoops
Mario Golf. Mario Tennis, Mario Strikers. When people talk about Mario sports games, these are the ones that are most commonly brought up. But we're here to change that. Today, over on our YouTube channel, the lovely Felix is celebrating one of the most underappreciated Mario sports games: Mario Hoops 3-on-3, known as Mario Slam...
News Little Goody Two Shoes Combines Cute And Creepy This Halloween On Switch
From Square Enix's indie label
Square Enix Collective has announced that it will be bringing the adorably creepy horror adventure game Little Goody Two Shoes to Switch and other consoles on 31st October 2023. Developed by AstralShift, best known for the RPGMaker title Pocket Mirror, Little Goody Two Shoes puts you in charge of a young girl's daily...
The jump hasn't been smooth
The Dragon Quest series is no stranger to spin-off titles, but few are as confusing as Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai. This action RPG is based on an anime adaptation of a manga based on the world of Dragon Quest, but it is never clear who the game is designed to appeal to. The few things it does well...
News Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake "Progressing Quite Steadily", According To Series Creator
But he's got no development updates about DQXII
It's been some time since we last got an update about the development of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Thankfully the series creator Yuji Horii has finally broken this silence. Speaking to Japanese outlet Famitsu during Cosplay Summit 2023 back in August, Horii revealed the remake was "progressing...
A divine force
Saying that the original PlayStation was a treasure trove of RPGs is a bit of an understatement. But even with that statement, Star Ocean: The Second Story remains a standout to many RPG fans. Its blend of sci-fi and classic fantasy, action combat, and crunchy synth tunes hit a particular chord back in the late ‘90s. This was the...
News Get Two Square Enix RPGs In This New Switch eShop Bundle
Octopath Traveler II and Various Daylife
If you're a fan of Square Enix games, you may want to check out the new Switch game bundle it's offering in the US and UK. Right now, you can get Octopath Traveler II (main game) and Various Daylife (main game) for the single price of $64.99 / £52.99. Here's a bit about each one: OCTOPATH TRAVELER II The...
News Star Ocean The Second Story R Scores Free Demo On Switch Today
Seeing stars
Square Enix has dropped a surprise demo for Star Ocean The Second Story R on Switch, and other consoles, today. No, you didn't miss a Nintendo Direct announcement — the publisher shared the news on social media shortly after the showcase instead of during. You know, where the PS1 remake was announced back in June 2023? Oh well...
News Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's Final amiibo Is Coming In 2024
Sora is unlocked
The final amiibo for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is finally coming. Sora — the last fighter to be added to the game — will be getting his very own figure in 2024. Fans have been waiting for its reveal for a long time, and today's Nintendo Direct at last confirmed the inevitable. Sora, the hero of the Kingdom Hearts series, was...
News Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Updated On Switch, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Fixes and improvements for every game
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster recently celebrated a new sales milestone with Square Enix announcing the compilation has now sold three million copies worldwide. It turns out that at the end of last month, the collection was also updated for both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. Each game has apparently had...
News Final Fantasy's Pixel Remaster Series Has Now Sold Three Million Copies
"Thank you so much for your support"
Square Enix's Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series has been a huge success, with the Japanese publisher and developer announcing sales have now hit the three million mark worldwide. This includes copies sold not only on the Nintendo Switch but also on other platforms including PlayStation 4, Steam as well as...
News Square Enix Adding 11 Final Fantasy XVI Songs To Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
Joining Season Pass Vol. 3 this November
Final Fantasy Switch fans are in for a treat this November, with Square Enix announcing it will be adding 11 songs from the new entry Final Fantasy XVI to the rhythm game Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. These 11 songs will arrive on 1st November as part of the Season Pass Vol. 3. The good news is the pack will...
News Great Scott! PowerWash Simulator Announces Back To The Future DLC
JUSTINTIME
Some movie fans are going to go wild with this announcement — PowerWash Simulator is teaming up with Back to the Future for a brand new DLC pack later this year for $7.99 / €7.99 / £6.49. Yes, you're going to get to clean the DeLorean. Really. FuturLab made the announcement with a very short teaser trailer, featuring the iconic...
News Square Enix To Publish Whimsical Horror Adventure 'Little Goody Two Shoes'
Shoe shiner
Developer AstralShift has shared the debut trailer for its horror adventure RPG Little Goody Two Shoes — which looks cute and dainty on the surface, but there's a sinister root running through this forest. Published by Square Enix Collective, Little Goody Two Shoes is the prequel to AstralShift's cult RPG Maker title Pocket Mirror —...