E3 07: Square-Enix's Lineup @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on July 09, 2007

News: Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy, wherefore art thou Final Fantasy XIII?

Square-Enix has taken the "slimmed down E3" ideal to heart as the company announced it's lineup for the 2007 show. Nearly every game not scheduled for release this year (including Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy Versus XIII, Dragon Quest IX and The Last Remnant) will be a no show at E3 2007.

But what do they plan to show? Here's their full list:

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: November 6, 2007

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker is the latest installment in the venerable RPG franchise, developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS and arriving in North America on November 6, 2007. Scout, train and synthesize a colorful array of over 200 classic Dragon Quest Monsters as you compete in the Monster Scout Challenge. Already achieving sales of more than 1 million units in Japan, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic Dragon Quest RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure.

Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Platform: Wii
Genre: "Virtual Experience" RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: TBA

Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the Wii and its motion-sensing technology, Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is set to slice its way onto Nintendo's next-generation platform. This exclusive title utilizes the Wii's motion-sensing controls as players use the Wii Remote to slash, parry and blast their way through a land filled with trademark Dragon Quest foes. Developed with both longtime fans and casual players in mind, Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is poised to take video gaming to an entirely new level of fun and interaction.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Spring 2008

Few titles epitomize the very essence of multiplayer camaraderie like the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series. Released in 2004 as an innovative title that took advantage of the Nintendo GameCube-to-Game Boy Advance connectivity, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles bred an entirely new gameplay experience that expanded the horizons of conventional RPG gaming. Primed for a release on the Nintendo DS, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates is poised to continue this tradition by providing fans with two distinctly unique games: a fully fleshed single-player RPG experience and an addictive multiplayer element for up to four players.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Platform: PSP system
Genre: Tactical RPG
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: October 9, 2007

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a portable update to 1997's turn-based strategy game Final Fantasy Tactics -- an undisputed classic that gave birth to the World of Ivalice. In this first title of the Ivalice Alliance, players take center stage as the events of an epic conflict threaten to destroy the lands and peoples of Ivalice -- the same World featured in such classic titles as Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions features PSP system-exclusive content such as stunning CG sequences, powerful new jobs, a widescreen presentation, head-to-head multiplayer, new storyline elements, and an all-new English translation. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions will be released simultaneously in North American and European territories.

Final Fantasy II
Platform: PSP System
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: July 24, 2007

Originally released in 1987 in Japan, Final Fantasy was hailed by gamers and critics alike as one of the first RPGs to create a fantasy world that captured the imagination of players around the globe. Now its sequel, Final Fantasy II, seeks to continue the Square Enix tradition of providing quality RPG experiences on a wide variety of formats and platforms. Featuring completely redrawn graphics, 16:9 widescreen presentation and an all-new dungeon, Final Fantasy II carries on the legacy of the award-winning franchise that has shipped more than 75 million units worldwide.

Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess
Platform: PlayStation 2 system, Windows, Xbox 360
Genre: MMORPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Winter 2007

Experience the next chapter in the immersive and ever expanding World of Vana'diel in Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess, a content-rich expansion pack that brings exciting new features to the World of Final Fantasy XI. Delve into new quests, meet new players, view new sights and experience the fourth chapter in the award-winning MMORPG that has a community of more than 500,000 active subscribers and over 1.7 million characters from around the world. Final Fantasy XI is the only title capable of triple-platform simultaneous multiplayer, allowing players to take up arms together on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Windows and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, whether they are in North America, Europe or Japan.

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: November 20, 2007

Following the story of the beloved classic that captivated more than 5 million players around the world, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings continues the tale that won numerous accolades from the industry's top publications. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is an all-new experience that uses the unique features of the Nintendo DS to their fullest. Utilizing full Touch Screen functionality, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings allows players to control massive armies, unleash special moves and activate Gambits, all with the use of the stylus. As the next installment in the Ivalice Alliance, the World of Ivalice comes alive through the respected musical stylings of Hitoshi Sakimoto, the guidance of Akitoshi Kawazu and the direction of Motomu Toriyama, director of Final Fantasy X-2 and the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII.

Front Mission
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Strategy RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: October 23, 2007

Discover the origins of the Front Mission series in this explosive handheld saga that was never before localized for North America. Reborn exclusively on the Nintendo DS, Front Mission introduces exciting new features, such as dual screen presentation and multiplayer modes, that update the classic that gave birth to seven beloved sequels. Using Touch Screen functionality, players command a squad of customizable mechs known as wanzers and direct them through turn-based skirmishes across the battlefields of the 21st century.

Heroes of Mana
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Strategy RPG
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Release Date: August 14, 2007

Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Heroes of Mana breathes new life into the World of Mana by taking it into an entirely new dimension. For the first time in the history of the series, stylus-wielding generals must plan, plot and strategize their way to victory on the battlefield. Utilizing the Touch Screen to the fullest, players take full control of the battle as they gather resources, assemble armies and experience an all-new perspective on the ever-evolving battle for the World of Mana.