Final Fantasy IV E3 2008 Trailer Released

Square Enix have released a new trailer for Final Fantasy IV at E3 2008. Final Fantasy IV follows Cecil’s RPG journey. The game will be released on the Nintendo DS.
Final Fantasy IV Trailer

Other trailers released by Square Enix at E3 2008 for the DS include:
Dragon Quest IV
Chrono Trigger Trailer


Star Ocean IV: The Last Hope for the Xbox 360 was also given a new trailer

Source: Game Trailers

Square Enix E3 2008 Preview

E3 2008 LogoSquare Enix fans are gearing up for a day of excitment in just a few days time at E3’s Media & Business Summit 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center at Concourse 401.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc. comments; “With simultaneous global releases for several platforms on their way, gamers around the world will be able to experience the full grandeur of our games as never before. Additionally, Square Enix has offerings at this year’s E3 for every gamer, from fan favourites newly available on portable platforms to casual games accessible to a wide range of users.”

Sadly for Final Fantasy XIII enthusiasts there is no new news nor information regarding this game. I guess that this just means us fans have to wait around around a bit longer for the start of August where Final Fantasy XIII, Versus XIII & Agito XIII content is set to be shown at Square Enix’s Private party.

The whole time table for E3 can be found following (please note the times are PST):

Monday, July 14
* 10.30am - Microsoft press conference
* 12.30pm - Square Enix press conference
* 1.00pm - Shane Kim roundtable
* 3.00pm - EA press conference
* 7.00pm - Gears of War 2 reception

Tuesday, July 15
* 9.00am - Show floor opens
* 9.00am - Nintendo press conference
* 11.30am - Sony press conference
* 2.30pm - Ubisoft press conference
* 4.30pm - Capcom press conference

Wednesday, July 16
* 9.15am E3 Keynote by Gov. Perry
* 10.00 am Sony roundtable
* 10.45am Take-Two press conference
* 1.00pm State of the Industry keynote
* 2.30pm Konami press conference

The confirmed products set to appear on Square Enix’s part at E3 include:

THE LAST REMNANT
Platform: Microsoft Xbox 360 / PLAYSTATION 3
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: (Xbox 360) This Winter / (PLAYSTATION 3 system) 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 – Remnants – 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

SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes (PLAYABLE DEMO)
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

CHRONO TRIGGER (PLAYABLE DEMO)
Genre: RPG
PAL Release: TBC

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: Chapters of the Chosen (PLAYABLE DEMO)
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: September 2008

For the first time, a fully-fledged Dragon Quest adventure arrives on Nintendo DS with Dragon Quest: 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 (PLAYABLE DEMO)
Genre: RPG
PAL Release Date: TBA

The latest entry in the franchise that has shipped 85 million copies worldwide*, 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.

*As of May 2008.

PSP system

STAR OCEAN: FIRST DEPARTURE
Genre: RPG
PAL Release: TBC

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
PAL Release: TBC

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

INFINITE UNDISCOVERY (Xbox 360 Exclusive) (PLAYABLE DEMO)
Genre: RPG
PAL 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.

E3 2008 Line-up
(TAITO Corporation)

Nintendo DS

EXIT DS
Genre: Action Puzzle
PAL Release: TBC

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
PAL Release: TBC

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.

Square Enix admires DS sales

Square Enix recently posted its financial standings ending March 31, 2008, and suffice to say, the relationship with Nintendo must be amiable at worst.

The total sales for their games can be seen following:
* Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (DS) - 1,150,000 (Japan)
* Final Fantasy IV (DS) - 590,000 (Japan)
* Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS) - 540,000 (Japan), 222,000 (US), 280,000 (Europe)
* Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (DS) - 380,000 (Japan), 160,000 (US), 150,000 (Europe)
* Itadaki Street: Mario & Dragon Quest (DS) - 430,000 (Japan)
* Final Fantasy III (DS) - 480,000 (Europe. 2 million globally)
* Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP) - 800,000 (Japan), 450,000 (US)
* Dragon Quest Swords (Wii) - 490,000 (Japan), 110,000 (US)

However offline game sales fell 45%, and mobile game sales were less than expected.

The upside to this is that company boss Wada-san explained mobile content could easily be transferred to the Nintendo DS, so it’s not as unlikely we’d see Parasite Eve 3, Tobal, or Final Fantasy IV: The After (the sequel to FF IV) on the handheld, as Japan has with Front Mission 2089: Borders of Madness.

Square Enix also have the new Xbox 360 RPG game up their sleeve; Infinite Undiscovery, developed by tri-Ace.

This is going to be a hell of a year for Square Enix.