Network now...FEATURE
The Great TGS Preview
SQUARE-ENIX'S TGS LINEUP 
Square-Enix are not doing too well (says me). Recently, they tried to buy Tecmo, and Tecmo wouldn't be bought. Square-Enix makes all their money from remakes of old games or schizophrenic fanfiction remixes of said games. It's a little disturbing.
They've had this "Final Fantasy XIII Fabula Nova Crystalis" project lumbering along for several years now, and we've yet to see any details whatsoever on how Final Fantasy XIII will play. Square-Enix's big contribution to E3 was an announcement that Final Fantasy XIII would come out on the Xbox 360 as well as the PlayStation 3, though only in America. Square-Enix Japan was quick to apologize profusely and say that the game would never come out on the Xbox 360 in Japan.
Square-Enix is the company that had previously announced -- at a private expo -- that they were working on a sequel in their Star Ocean series, and that all they could announce at the present date was the name of the actor voicing the hero. They then announced the date that they would announce more information about the game; on that date, they announced that the game had a "4" in its title, and that its logo look Like This. They said that the platform for the game had not been decided, which was obviously a lie.
The "fans" put up with Square-Enix -- and this is the dead truth -- because
1. They loved Final Fantasy as a kid
2. They loved Dragon Quest as a kid
3. If they keep buying remakes, Square-Enix will announce the remake of Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation 3.
Square-Enix painted themselves into a corner years ago; of late, all they've been able to do is ask for a smaller paintbrush, remove their shoes, and start painting the tiny spaces between their toes.
There is one way (actually three ways) out of this corner:
1. Announce concrete details (release date, etc) re: Final Fantasy XIII
2. Announce Kingdom Hearts 3
3. Announce remake of Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation 3
It is imperative that they do these three things in this order.
They have already announced that there will be a playable demo of Final Fantasy XIII included on a separate disc in the Blu-Ray re-release of the "Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children" "non-interactive software experience" (their words, not mine). They will not, however, have a playable demo of FFXIII at TGS.
Nor will they have a playable demo of their surefire multi-million-seller Dragon Quest IX. This is most likely because they will be announcing details on the remake of Dragon Quest VI, and don't want to eclipse that. (Again with the corner-painting.)
From my perspective, it doesn't seem like there's really any ultra-compelling reason for Square-Enix to be at Tokyo Game Show unless they are announcing something new. My bet is on a meta-announcement of Kingdom Hearts 3. That is, they'll announce that it's in development, with the fanfare games publishers normally lavish on a game they actually have screenshots and gameplay videos of. They will then announce when they will announce more.
Square-Enix fans are used to living on scraps. They'd eat up any meta-announcement Square-Enix makes.
Actually, I partially take back that "no ultra-compelling reason" statement -- I really want to try out The Last Remnant for PS3 and Xbox 360. It looks kind of interesting.
Contact Us / About Us / Advertise With Us / BeltwayBlips / TechBlips / MassiveBlips / GamerBlips / FAQ
Subscribe To Edge Magazine / Corrections / Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy
Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court 30 Monmouth Street Bath, UK BA1 2BW
England and Wales company registration number 2008885
Subscribe To Edge Magazine / Corrections / Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy
Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court 30 Monmouth Street Bath, UK BA1 2BW
England and Wales company registration number 2008885
I agree that loving Final Fantasy and/or Dragon Quest as a kid has its own appeal with the "FINAL FANTASY VII IS GOD!" thing too.
However Square Enix does deserve the praise whilst meriting the hatred also. I find it really weird as a huge Final Fantasy fan as to understand the direction sometimes but with periodical releases what can a fan really expect?
I think this is the fatal flaw with the Square Enix. They are bringing out titles like they have a point to prove, but what that point is i am unsure. All i know is they need to spend time consolidating their games assets and spend the time to make these epic games they are so renowned for.
Its disheartening to see the huge companies that is Square and Enix actually competing within the merged company to do better than the other. It was also found that these companies actually try and do the opposite of each other to say "yeah we can do and you can't".
WHY?!
Merger is meant to be beneficial and prevent outright confrontation between companies that are working toward the one goal. So why do they persist in doing things the way they do? No wonder Hironobu Sakaguchi left Square with this pig headed willingness to compete at the fore front of the development teams minds. I understand that a bit of friendly competition can be healthy for the gamer and the companies but there seems to be a distinct lack of direction and co-ordination within the teams.
This is having a direct knock on effect on us - the fans - to the point where we just wonder, where to next? Will our beloved series rejoice and re-invent the FFVII days? Will it develop a truly compelling tale of mystique and adventure in the form of a revolutionary Dragon Quest? Spin-offs should not be endorsed and yet i do not want to miss something possibly glorious.
Square Enix, get it together and prove that you are still worth it.
" The "fans" put up with Square-Enix -- and this is the dead truth -- because
1. They loved Final Fantasy as a kid
2. They loved Dragon Quest as a kid
3. If they keep buying remakes, Square-Enix will announce the remake of Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation 3.
Square-Enix painted themselves into a corner years ago; of late, all they've been able to do is ask for a smaller paintbrush, remove their shoes, and start painting the tiny spaces between their toes. "
===
Mr. Rogers you certainly have a knack for comedic writing.
This 7 page journalistic mixer of snarkiness, comedy, and information is just what I needed to read before bed time.
I have to agree, this article is very well written. Delusional, but well written. Square-Enix with a meta-announcement, not so much. Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope for the Playstation 3 was a given. Because it is a beloved franchise and the Xbox360 has a floundering installed base in Japan, this was a gimmie. I expected even less from Square though.