E3 08: Square-Enix's Lineup @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on July 09, 2008

News: The house of Final Fantasy has no new Final Fantasy on display.

It's time once again for the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) video game showcase. Running from July 13 through the 17, most major game companies will have their newest projects on hand. Square-Enix has planned to show eleven titles at E3. While most of the games are coming to the DS, PSP or Xbox 360, Square-Enix also plans to show off their first game for the iPod (Song Summoner). The company has also confirmed that the Star Ocean remakes for the PSP will be released outside of Japan and that Star Ocean: The Last Hope will only be coming to the Xbox 360.

Missing from the list is any mention of Dragon Quest IX (DS) and Final Fantasy XIII (PS3). While Square-Enix has yet to confirm a delay for either game, their lack of an appearance at E3 likely means they will not be released in 2008 as previously stated.

Here's the full list:

Multiplatform Games

The Last Remnant
Platform: Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3
Genre: RPG
Release Date: (Xbox 360) This Winter / (PS3) TBA
The Last Remnant is a brand-new RPG crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer. Set in a fantasy world, war-torn and scarred by years of conflict, gameplay revolves around mysterious artefacts Ц Remnants Ц that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics only possible on Xbox 360 bring the intensity to a whole new level. The Last Remnant will only be available on Xbox 360 this winter.

iPod Games

Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes
Platforms: iPod Nano with video, iPod Classic and fifth generation iPod
Genre: Role-Playing
Now Available (EU, JP, NA)
Now at the iTunes Store in 22 countries around the world, Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes is a Role-Playing Game that transforms tracks on your iPod into powerful "Tune Troopers" that you can control in battle! As the protagonist Ziggy, you will embark on an epic journey to rescue your brother from the clutches of the Mechanical Militia! Intriguing characters, an epic story and a tactics-based battle system combine for a rich RPG experience previously only available on home consoles.

Nintendo DS Games

Chrono Trigger DS
Genre: RPG
Re-mastered exclusively for Nintendo DS, Chrono Trigger is a true classic that has set the benchmark for the RPG genre. This all-new edition of the game contains all the classic essence of the original release while introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS, taking players back in time to re-experience the epic RPG that started it all.

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen
Genre: RPG
For the first time, a fully-fledged Dragon Quest adventure arrives on Nintendo DS with Dragon Quest IV: The Chapters of the Chosen. Experience an adventure of epic proportions, presented through multiple character perspectives. While retaining the classic look and feel of the original release, this remake breathes new life into a much-loved entry in the Dragon Quest series with 3D graphics, dual screen presentation and newly animated monsters.

Final Fantasy IV
Genre: RPG
The latest entry in the franchise that has shipped 85 million copies worldwide (As of May 2008), Final Fantasy IV for Nintendo DS features beautiful, fully 3D cut-scenes with voiceovers, capturing the emotional drama that first touched the hearts of fans over fifteen years ago. The new ability system and added DS functionality introduce a fresh experience to both new and returning Final Fantasy IV fans. With a storyline that sets the stage for all subsequent Final Fantasy titles, Final Fantasy IV is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.

Exit DS
Genre: Action Puzzle
The stylish and inventive action puzzle game comes to Nintendo DS! As professional escape artist Mr.Esc, players must manoeuvre through burning buildings and sinking ships as they dodge disaster and save survivors along the way. EXIT DS makes a smooth return to the portable scene with all-new Touch-Screen functionality and over 100 stages to solve.

The Legend of Kage 2
Genre: Action
The hit arcade game is back! The thrilling ninja action of The Legend of Kage 2 takes over both Nintendo DS screens, fully utilizing the dual-screen presentation and scrolling to draw players into a dynamic world filled with exhilarating midair combat. With rich, elaborate stages and a compelling story that follows the tale of two protagonists, The Legend of Kage 2 breathes renewed excitement into the classic action adventure experience.

PSP Games

Star Ocean: First Departure
Genre: RPG
Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. Star Ocean: First Departure marks the first time that the initial instalment in the popular Star Ocean franchise is available in North America.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution
Genre: RPG
Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfil a prophecy and save a newfound race. Star Ocean: Second Evolution continues the Star Ocean saga!

Xbox 360 Games

Infinite Undiscovery
Genre: RPG
Release Date: September 5, 2008
Infinite Undiscovery is the newest fantasy role-playing console game from Square Enix, drawing gamers into a real-time world woven of countless threads where player choices spin untold discoveries. Players will be confronted with a variety of dramatic situational battles such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amidst towering tidal waves. Dynamic environments change and respond in real time, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre. The title is scheduled to release exclusively on Xbox 360 in September 2008.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope
Genre: RPG
Release Date: 2009
Star Ocean: The Last Hope is the long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy RPG series. Slated for release on Xbox 360 in 2009 and published by Square Enix, this prequel set during the aftermath of World War III combines sci-fi and fantasy elements spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the Star Ocean universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise's famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects only possible on Xbox 360.