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Iconic Shibuya 109 Building Is Changing Its Logo
If you’ve been to Tokyo, you’ve seen Shibuya 109. The building is a symbol of Japanese youth culture. If you’ve played Square Enix’s The World Ends with You, then you also are familiar with it. In that game, however, 109 was rebranded as 104 Website Kai-You reports that now, after nearly 40 years, 109 is…
By Brian Ashcraft Published April 18, 2018 -
Kingdom Hearts III Features Retro Mini-Games
This weekend, Square Enix revealed that Kingdom Hearts III will feature playable retro-style mini-games. They include The Barnyard Battle, The Karnival Kid, Giantland and Musical Farmer. According to KH Insider, there will be over 20 in all.
By Brian Ashcraft Published April 16, 2018 -
My Favorite Moment In Nier: Automata Is A Musical Cue
Nier: Automata’s existential story about an endless war between androids and machines has a ton of great moments. My favorite moment of all doesn’t come from an epic sword duel on top of a tower or a difficult, fourth wall-breaking decision, but instead from a perfect musical cue. Early in the game, protagonists 2B and…
By Heather Alexandra Published April 11, 2018 -
Final Fantasy XV Is Never, Ever Going To End
Today at PAX East, Square Enix released this image (via ResetEra), proving definitively and thoroughly that Final Fantasy XV will never end thanks to downloadable content that’s currently planned through mid-2019. First up is Episode Ardyn, then Episode Aranea, then Episode Luna, then Episode Noctis, then Episode Bahamut, then Episode That Guy Who Looks Like…
By Jason Schreier Published April 6, 2018 -
Poll: The Most Beloved Japanese Games According To People From Around The World
The most recent issue of Weekly Famitsu polled 6,678 non-Japanese people, asking their opinions about Japanese video games. Which twenty did they say they liked most? Let’s find out! Here is the breakdown by age: Under 9 years old: 2 people In their teens: 717 people In their 20s: 4,429 people In their 30s: 1,378…
By Brian Ashcraft Published April 6, 2018 -
Chrono Trigger PC Will Get Patched To Add The Original Graphics
In February, publisher Square Enix surprised everyone with the release of Chrono Trigger on PC, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions as fans first grew elated to have new access to a classic game, then disappointed when they saw what it looked like. Today, the publisher says it’s hoping to change that. “We have been…
By Jason Schreier Published April 3, 2018 -
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age will be out September 4 on PS4 and PC. The game released last summer in Japan on PS4 and 3DS but the North American release will be an upgraded version including a new hard mode, camera mode, improved graphics, an overhauled UI, and dashing.
By Ethan Gach Published March 28, 2018 -
Square Enix Creates A New Studio Headed Up By Final Fantasy XV‘s Director
The studio is called Luminous Productions. It will be headed up by Hajime Tabata, director of Final Fantasy XV. According to Square Enix, it will primarily develop AAA games as well as new and unique entertainment experiences. Tabata will be the studio boss as well as the Chief Operating Officer, and the studio aims to…
By Brian Ashcraft Published March 27, 2018 -
Japan’s Newest Meme Is “Self-Defense Geezer”
Last week, a Japanese morning show interviewed a man on the street about the country’s national pension. His brief response has turned him into an internet superstar. The guy’s name was not given, and the show only listed him as a “35-year-old man.” He’s now known as “Jiko Bouei Ojisan” (自己防衛おじさん) or “Self-Defense Geezer.” In…
By Brian Ashcraft Published March 19, 2018 -
Shadow of the Tomb Raider Will Be Out This Fall [Update: Trailer]
A new teaser countdown from Square Enix promises big Tomb Raider news tomorrow, but a quick HTML check will give it to you right now: Shadow of the Tomb Raider is coming out this September. Head to the official Tomb Raider website and you’ll see a message promising an announcement on March 15, 2018 at…
By Jason Schreier Published March 14, 2018 -
The Game Franchises That Will Exist 100 Years Into The Future
Video games are still a relatively young medium. Many of the most iconic characters weren’t created that long ago. But what about a century from now? Which ones will remain? A thread on 2ch, Japan’s most popular bulletin board, covered those same questions. The answers probably won’t be a surprise, but here are some, but…
By Brian Ashcraft Published March 14, 2018 -
Final Fantasy XIV‘s New Eureka Area Is A Tedious Grind
The 4.25 patch for Final Fantasy XIV dropped today, adding theFFIII-inspired Forbidden Land of Eureka area to the game. It’s a magical island where players can group together and kill large numbers of creatures for very little reward until they fall asleep at the keyboard. Announced back in 2016 with the Stormblood expansion and delayed…
By Mike Fahey Published March 13, 2018 -
Square Enix Is Hiring “Core Members” For Final Fantasy VII Remake
Wondering how development for Final Fantasy VII Remake is going? Good, I hope! While we wait to hear how things are progressing, know that Square Enix is hiring for the remake. A Japanese job listing put out a call for “core member” (コアメンバー) recruits, looking for those with game planner experience and especially those with…
By Brian Ashcraft Published March 12, 2018 -
ReviewsMultiplatformSecret Of Mana: The Kotaku Review
Secret of Mana is a broken game that I will always love. Playing through the recent remake forced me to reckon with why that is. Originally released by Square in 1993 on the Super Nintendo, Secret of Mana is the textbook example of the “action role-playing game.” Like any RPG, the damage you do to…
By Chris Kohler Published March 9, 2018 -
A Peek Inside Final Fantasy‘s Ultimania Art Book, Now In English
In 2012, Square Enix Japan published a trio of Final Fantasy 25th Memorial Ultimania books collecting art, developer commentary and background information on the first 14 numbered Final Fantasy games. Now Dark Horse is publishing the books in English, with the first 336 page volume arriving in July. We got samples. Wanna see? Square Enix…
By Mike Fahey Published March 9, 2018
