E3 09: Square-Enix's Lineup @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 29, 2009

News: Final Fantasy, more Final Fantasy and a new Front Mission game.

E3 (that's the Electronic Entertainment Expo) is just a few days away. The 2009 edition of the ultimate video game trade show runs from June 2 through June 4 and companies putting the finishing touches on the demos and details of the new projects they'll have on hand. Such as this announcement from Square-Enix about what they plan to spotlight at the show.

As is their custom, Square-Enix has waited until the very last second to reveal what they have in store for E3. Unsurprisingly, there's plenty of Final Fantasy games on the list (five to be exact) as well as Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days for the DS.

What is a surprise is their announcement of the next Front Mission game, Front Mission Evolved. The PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 game will also not be a turn-based strategy game like previous entries in the series. Instead, it will be a third-person shooter developed by Double Helix Games (the megastudio that used to be The Collective and Shiny Entertainment). Square-Enix has one other new title to announce, an action game "set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark" titled Nier.

Here's a quick look at Square-Enix's E3 lineup, with a more detailed look after it.

Dissidia Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy XIII

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

Front Mission Evolved

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

Nier

Order of War

Supreme Commander 2

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord

Dissidia Final Fantasy
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Street Date: August 25, 2009*

Dissidia Final Fantasy does what no other Final Fantasy title has done before, bringing together an all-star cast to give players a chance to see their favorite Final Fantasy characters engage in high-intensity battles. Experience this renowned franchise, which has shipped over 85 million units worldwide, in a brand new light with this dramatic 3-D action game. Soar through expansive environments and participate in gripping combat, all while enjoying RPG-based character development that adds a rich layer of depth to the story behind the clashing forces. The battle between good and evil begins Ц What will you fight for?

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/Dissidia/.

*Limited-edition Dissidia Final Fantasy PSP Entertainment Pack to launch at Gamestop day and date with stand-alone game.

Final Fantasy XIII
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PlayStation 3/Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: 2010

Square Enix proudly presents Final Fantasy XIII, the latest installment in the world-renowned Final Fantasy series. To celebrate the 13th numbered release in the series, Square Enix has undertaken a colossal project involving the development of various content for multiple platforms. Fabula Nova Crystallis, defined in Latin as "the new tale of the crystal," is made up of several different titles based on variations of the Final Fantasy XIII universe. While each title in the project features different characters, different worlds and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

In Final Fantasy XIII, players will embark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse, encountering and fighting alongside a diverse group of allies. Execute powerful attacks with weapons and magic, and summon the enigmatic Eidolons with an evolved Active Time Battle system. Experience seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics. Do you have the courage to face your destiny?

The official website can be found at http://www.finalfantasyxiii.com.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: TBA

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers provides a fresh take on the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of Final Fantasy with motion-driven, real-time action gameplay. In this world, realistic gameplay and fantastical art direction are brought together for a truly unique experience for Wii users around the globe.

The official website can be found at http://www.thecrystalbearers.com/.

Front Mission Evolved
Developer: Double Helix Games
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: TBA

From the creative minds of Square Enix and Double Helix Games, Front Mission Evolved brings the classic Front Mission franchise into an action-packed third-person shooter that gives players full control of a massive humanoid war machineЧthe wanzer. Players will battle through intense combat situations as they explore an immersive world in both the single player campaign and online multiplayer.

The official website can be found at http://www.frontmissionevolved.com.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./h.a.n.d.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: Fall 2009

Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the "other" hero from Kingdom Hearts II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favorite Organization XIII members!

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/khdays/.

Nier
Developer: cavia, Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: PlayStation 3/ Xbox 360
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: 2010

Nothing is as it seems in Square Enix's latest action adventure game, set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark, unrecognizable creatures. Players assume the role of the unyielding protagonist, Nier, resolute in his quest to discover a cure for his daughter, who is infected with the Black Scrawl virus. With powerful allies and a mysterious book, Nier encounters things that will confound even the mightiest of warriors.

Official website coming soon.

Order of War
Developer: Wargaming.net
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: Fall 2009

Square Enix teams up with strategy game specialist Wargaming.net to present Order of War, a brand-new IP set for a simultaneous release across multiple territories. Developed exclusively for Windows PC, the game features massive-scale battles brought to life with a cinematic intensity never seen before in a WWII strategy game. Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all-out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns Ц American versus German forces on the western front and German versus Russian on the eastern front. Missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944.

The official website can be found at http://www.orderofwar.com/.

Supreme Commander 2
Developer: Gas Powered Games
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: 2010

Experience brutal battles on a massive scale! In Supreme Commander 2, players will wage war by creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Take the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre, or fight the battle online. Where do your loyalties lie?

Official website coming soon.

Downloadable Titles

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Launch Date: June 1, 2009

A true sequel to the classic Super NES title, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years is an episodic game coming exclusively to Nintendo's WiiWare service June 1, 2009. With both single and multiplayer modes, Wii users will now be able to explore the world of Final Fantasy IV with up to three of their friends and coordinate commands into a single attack. Unravel a mystery told through the intertwining stories of a familiar cast of characters, and complete the Final Fantasy IV experience with this latest installment in the franchise.

The official website can be found at http://www.ff4theafteryears.com/.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Launch Date: 2009

The latest installment in the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles franchise for Nintendo's WiiWare service, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord turns the tables on players by challenging them to take on the role of the villain. As the newly appointed Darklord with a mission to take over the world, players must strategically place monsters and traps inside their tower to ward off invading adventurers. With this follow-up to the kingdom-building simulation Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King, Wii users can now enjoy the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles world from an entirely new point of view!

The official website can be found at http://www.mylifeasadarklord.com/.