[Kagari]

London (30th July 2012) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announced its lineup for gamescom 2012. This year’s lineup promises to be one of the strongest showings in the company’s history, with some of the biggest franchises in gaming appearing alongside fresh and innovative titles. gamescom will feature the world first exclusive gameplay presentation of FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm Reborn™ live on stage, with signing sessions from the game’s Producer/Director Naoki Yoshida on the Friday and Saturday, as well as the first-ever European hands-on demos of the highly anticipated HITMAN®: ABSOLUTION™, TOMB RAIDER®, and SLEEPING DOGS™. Alongside this, Square Enix has an original lineup of digital and mobile titles including the award-winning Quantum Conundrum™, the uniquely creative action adventure of Gameglobe™, the retro stylings of FINAL FANTASY DIMENSIONS™, and the brand new downloadable PC version of FINAL FANTASY VII. “gamescom is the biggest European games show and it’s great to be there with such a strong and diverse lineup of interactive experiences. This year we have a mix of some of the industry’s most identifiable characters and a host of highly original content – it’s going to be a great show,” said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. To get a first-hand look at the Square Enix lineup, please visit booth B051 in hall 7 of the Koelnmesse. gamescom attendees will be able to preview and play the following titles: HD Consoles and PC Lineup FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn – Set in the realm of Eorzea, after the devastating attacks from the Garlean Empire, FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn presents an adventure for players around the world to undertake epic quests and battle with familiar FINAL FANTASY monsters as they work together to help forge the fate of Eorzea. For more information on the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn stage presentation and signing session timings, please visit the official Square Enix DE Facebook® page: https://www.facebook.com/SquareEnixDE HITMAN: ABSOLUTION – HITMAN: ABSOLUTION follows The Original Assassin undertaking his most personal contract to date. Betrayed by the Agency and hunted by the police, Agent 47 finds himself pursuing redemption in a corrupt and twisted world. TOMB RAIDER – Tomb Raider explores the intense and gritty origin story of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor. Armed only with raw instincts and the ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, Lara must fight to unravel the dark history of a forgotten island to escape its relentless hold. Sleeping Dogs – SLEEPING DOGS is a gritty and visceral open world cop drama set in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Taking the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, players are tasked with taking down one of the city’s most fearsome Triad gangs. Every street corner, market stall, harbour dock or city skyscraper can become an opportunity for intense shoot-outs, adrenaline-fuelled street races and intense, brutal martial arts combat. Players perform bone-crunching kicks and combos, vicious counters and cinematic environmental takedowns, making use of real-world items from circular saws to phone booths, incinerators to refrigerator doors. Quantum Conundrum – From the mind of PORTAL™ co-creator Kim Swift, Quantum Conundrum features engaging puzzle gameplay with the introduction of the Inter-Dimensional Shift Device (IDS), an invention that gives players the ability to shift to and from various dimensions, manipulating the world around them in order to solve puzzles of ever-increasing difficulty. Gameglobe – Gameglobe is a unique browser-based experience that allows players free access to endless game worlds and creative possibilities, all in HD quality. Players can choose to either create their own game or simply play the multitude of levels available at launch. (Gameglobe will be appearing at gamescom on the Bigpoint booth, C025-B024, in hall 8.) Final Fantasy VII – Initially released in 1997, FINAL FANTASY VII was critically acclaimed as the title that redefined the standard for role-playing games. This new downloadable version includes a range of new features such as a Character Booster that enables players to fully power up their characters, cloud saves, and in-game achievements to encourage players to explore various facets of the game. Mobile Lineup FINAL FANTASY DIMENSIONS – Drawing upon the roots of the series with such features as beautiful 2D pixel art, job-driven character growth, additional scenarios in which to inherit the jobs of your adventuring companions, and a classic story of light, darkness, and crystals, FINAL FANTASY DIMENSIONS delivers the best of FINAL FANTASY, retro and fresh alike, directly to your smartphone. KooZac™ – KooZac, the award-winning number puzzler is coming to iOS and Android. Previously released online, the game has been played over 15 million times across 135 countries. KooZac offers three ways to play with the overall objective of positioning the falling blocks on top of each other to make a target number. Motley Blocks™ – Motley Blocks is a fast-paced, 3D puzzle game. Drag your finger across the screen to connect blocks of the same colour as they rotate in a cyclonic pattern. Release your touch to send the blocks to the centre of the cyclone and reveal a fun image. Use power-ups to help complete harder levels. In addition to solving puzzles, make your own in the level creator and share them with friends! Qwirkle™ – The 2011 Spiel des Jahres winner and the Mensa Best Mind Game of 2007 is coming soon to mobile devices and Facebook. Earn points by building rows and columns of tiles that share a common shape or colour in this matching game that requires tactical manoeuvres and well-planned strategy. Earn achievements and use power-ups to add an additional layer of intricacy to the game. Play with multiple friends asynchronously in classic and arcade modes! SolaRola™ – Available on iOS and Android, SolaRola stars Wiz and Waz, the game's blob-like gung-ho duo, tasked with bouncing across a number of challenging planets with the ultimate aim of saving the galaxy. Using whatever comes to hand, the daring pairing must thwart the plans of their nemesis, Ping the Unmerciless, and release the four guardians of SolaRola's universe. With each planet inhabited by all manner of enemies and hazards, the player must navigate Wiz and Waz across a number of ill-positioned obstacles including rocks, slime, bombs and trampolines. Mensa Academy - Mensa Academy is a brain training game that will give player's minds the ultimate cerebral workout. Created in direct collaboration with Mensa, Mensa Academy is packed with 100+ replayable levels of fun and stimulating mini-games and challenges for everyone, plus for those really looking to test their grey matter, there is a rigorous test designed to calculate your Mensa score, directly inspired by questions faced by those attempting to join the renowned global high IQ society.

Via press email.

[Foffy]

2013, eh? :3c

Seems like a nice lineup.

[LuuKyK]

FFXIV 2.0 gameplay debut to the public.

Sorry, I am not following the game, but by gameplay they mean on PC right?

[Kagari]

2013, eh? :3c Seems like a nice lineup.

Gaf's slowness messed me up ( ._.) couldn't edit in time.

[Kagari]

Sorry, I am not following the game, but by gameplay they mean on PC right?

It's not specified.

[Canis lupus]

It's not specified.

Maybe PS3 this time since they want to release v2 this year for it.

[chickdigger802]

So w/e happen to that free 2 play card game for ios SE showed off at e3?

Is it out ?

[Inorigo]

Maybe PS3 this time since they want to release v2 this year for it.

They might have that version at the Sony Conf, actually.

[Psycho Powaa]

Is this first time they are actually acknowledging FFVII PC re-release?

[glaurung]

Is this first time they are actually acknowledging FFVII PC re-release?

I think there was a press release to that effect a while back.

However I am seriously interested in FFXIV... again. I bought the retard collector's edition with the non-waterproof mug when the first FFXIV debuted. God it sucked. It sucks less now, but the update seems real sweet. No doubt they'll go into closed beta approximately around autumn 2013.

[SuperAngelo64]

Being a Square fan has become a little tiresome.

First they merged with Enix so I stopped caring about half of their games.

Then they merged with Eidos so I have to sift through over 75% of junk I'm not interested in and get incredibly disappointed every time there's a "Square-Enix announcement".

[StuBurns]

They're showing the hot new title Final Fantasy VII? Exciting stuff, and Quantum Conundrum too, there is no end to the brand spanking new content on offer.

[Thoraxes]

I think there was a press release to that effect a while back. However I am seriously interested in FFXIV... again. I bought the retard collector's edition with the non-waterproof mug when the first FFXIV debuted. God it sucked. It sucks less now, but the update seems real sweet. No doubt they'll go into closed beta approximately around autumn 2013.

At least you didn't get only the lousy journal >.>

[HamPster PamPster]

Needs more Bravely Default! Has that even been announced for the west yet? Get on that SE

[Spiegel]

That handheld support

[Goli]

No Guardian Cross or Drakerider on the mobile line-up... how odd.
I wonder if this means they'll be out by then, which is why they're not showing them?
Then again SolaRola is already out and yet it's still gonna be there...
):

[speedpop]

Being a Square fan has become a little tiresome. First they merged with Enix so I stopped caring about half of their games. Then they merged with Eidos so I have to sift through over 75% of junk I'm not interested in and get incredibly disappointed every time there's a "Square-Enix announcement".

Because playing Dragon Quest is considered tiresome, and the thought of touching Deus Ex: Human Revolution sends a revulsion throughout the body.

[StuBurns]

Thief 4 is the big Eidos games I'm excited about, I'm sure with SE's deep pockets, and that studio's talent, and that IP's history, it could be something remarkable.

[Jawmuncher]

I thought Square buying Edios was one of the better moves this gen.

It's given square more of a catalog of games, in which their brand is associated with.
Not to mention I can't be the only one who saw the jump in quality from edios by them doing so. Last Gen lets be honest they didn't exactly have anything that could really be considered AAA. They had felt like a budget developer for awhile.

[Spanish Wrath]

DAT VERSUS

[H_Prestige]

Because playing Dragon Quest is considered tiresome, and the thought of touching Deus Ex: Human Revolution sends a revulsion throughout the body.

I agree with him. Western games are crap, and now that SE is Eidos, any SE announcement these days is probably about some shitty cinematic shooting game.

[Kagari]

Needs more Bravely Default! Has that even been announced for the west yet? Get on that SE

It is not.

[StuBurns]

I can't believe BD still hasn't been announced, they have to bring it out worldwide.

[Moobabe]

Suppose I should book in and see this

[Derrick01]

Isn't Sleeping Dogs going to be out by the time this rolls around?

Oh well I'm hoping against hope that we finally get some Thief news.

I agree with him. Western games are crap, and now that SE is Eidos, any SE announcement these days is probably about some shitty cinematic shooting game

Lol. posts like these just make me even happier about Square-Eidos' new and improved direction.

[The Praiseworthy]

I've waited long enough for FFXIV new version gameplay.... OMG hurry up :D

[chaosblade]

Kind of interested in FF Dimensions, but I doubt it will ever be available for my phone.

Aside from that Bravely Default is the only upcoming game from them I'm really interested in, and they haven't even announced it for the west yet.

[Opus Angelorum]

That handheld support

Really.

[xxczx]

First they merged with Enix so I stopped caring about half of their games.

Haven't heard this one is a while, it's time to get over it.

[Yamibito]

Being a Square fan has become a little tiresome. First they merged with Enix so I stopped caring about half of their games. Then they merged with Eidos so I have to sift through over 75% of junk I'm not interested in and get incredibly disappointed every time there's a "Square-Enix announcement".

Square-Enix themselves haven't really developed any great games for HD consoles so far this gen (on portables they've been great though), Eidos however have had some fantastic releases since they merged with Square- you cray boi.

[Cornbread78]

Lol. posts like these just make me even happier about Square-Eidos' new and improved direction.

He's not really far off from the truth really. People still consider SE a jRPG company mostly, so people want jRPGs on core consoles. They have been completely let down this gen by the lack of them.... We got more info on western games from Eidos, then we do from the types of games people want from SE....

[dramatis]

Gameglobe – Gameglobe is a unique browser-based experience that allows players free access to endless game worlds and creative possibilities, all in HD quality. Players can choose to either create their own game or simply play the multitude of levels available at launch. (Gameglobe will be appearing at gamescom on the Bigpoint booth, C025-B024, in hall 8.)

What's this? That's a wonderfully vague description.

[Kafel]

Free to play or not ?

[dramatis]

Free to play or not ?

If you mean XIV, no, it won't be free to play.

[StuBurns]

He's not really far off from the truth really. People still consider SE a jRPG company mostly, so people want jRPGs on core consoles. They have been completely let down this gen by the lack of them.... We got more info on western games from Eidos, then we do from the types of games people want from SE....

But that's nothing to do with Eidos. We haven't got less Command-RPGs on consoles because SE bought Eidos, we got a good Deus Ex because they did.

It's true, SE have only managed to ship two internal 'JRPGs' on HD consoles this generation, and that is a source of disappointment for people, but Eidos are not to blame in any sense.

[Ianan]

Free to play or not ?

Not now at least, suppose it could change but it is doubtful imo.

[Hindle]

I'm going to give TR one more chance to impress me, they need to show off gameplay that isn't scripted or QT'E ridden.

[chaosblade]

But that's nothing to do with Eidos. We haven't got less Command-RPGs on consoles because SE bought Eidos, we got a good Deus Ex because they did. It's true, SE have only managed to ship two internal 'JRPGs' on HD consoles this generation, and that is a source of disappointment for people, but Eidos are not to blame in any sense.

Wasn't it three? Or was Last Remnant not internal?

[Roxas]

FFX HD :(

[Pranay_]

FFX HD :(

tgs

[Goli]

Kind of interested in FF Dimensions, but I doubt it will ever be available for my phone. Aside from that Bravely Default is the only upcoming game from them I'm really interested in, and they haven't even announced it for the west yet.

Assuming your phone runs on Android, there's a chance it might. FF Dimensions IS getting released for Android in Japan, and given how FFIII has been selling well on Google Play, I don't see why SE wouldn't end up releasing it for Android overseas, eventually.

[Cornbread78]

But that's nothing to do with Eidos. We haven't got less Command-RPGs on consoles because SE bought Eidos, we got a good Deus Ex because they did. It's true, SE have only managed to ship two internal 'JRPGs' on HD consoles this generation, and that is a source of disappointment for people, but Eidos are not to blame in any sense.

Not blaming Eidos at all; they make pretty good games that reinate better with western audiences. Just reiterating the fact that people want jRPGs from SE and that is why they get all the greif they do these days for their "non-announcements".... People are waiting for a return of the jRPG glory, but it just never comes from them, nor should we bother to expect it anymore...

[StuBurns]

Wasn't it three? Or was Last Remnant not internal?

XIII-2 wasn't internal. Well, not entirely.

Not blaming Eidos at all; they make pretty good games that reinate better with western audiences. Just reiterating the fact that people want jRPGs from SE and that is why they get all the greif they do these days for their "non-announcements".... People are waiting for a return of the jRPG glory, but it just never comes from them, nor should we bother to expect it anymore...

Those traditional RPG experience have been interesting this generation, it feels like they're practically non-existent, but I imagine in reality there are actually plenty. We're had two Tales, a third coming next year, two from the Guch, Eternal Sonata, a few from tri-Ace, a few from SE, Ni no Kuni early next year. I think the issue is just that a lot of people didn't buy into the 360 when MS were courting those games, so a lot were just missed.

[DaBuddaDa]

I can't believe BD still hasn't been announced, they have to bring it out worldwide.

The same was said about Type-0...

[chaosblade]

Assuming your phone runs on Android, there's a chance it might. FF Dimensions IS getting released for Android in Japan, and given how FFIII has been selling well on Google Play, I don't see why SE wouldn't end up releasing it for Android overseas, eventually.

WP7 actually. Best bet is probably PS Suite someday.

XIII-2 wasn't internal. Well, not entirely.

They just farmed out the programming and asset creation didn't they? The actual direction, planning, writing, etc was all in-house so it's more or less internal.

The same was said about Type-0...

Bravely Default isn't on a dead platform, not quite the same situation.

[Goli]

WP7 actually. Best bet is probably PS Suite someday.

Well… SE did release Final Fantasy for WP7 a few weeks ago so you never know :).

[djplaeskool]

The same was said about Type-0...

Seriously, after beating the import, I told myself, "That was amazing. There's no way this doesn't get localized."

... :(

[StuBurns]

They just farmed out the programming and asset creation didn't they? The actual direction, planning, writing, etc was all in-house so it's more or less internal.

Wiki says they worked on game design, I have no idea though.

EDIT: And Type-0 will come over in some form, there is no way they leave it on the shelf.

[Raoh]

If you mean XIV, no, it won't be free to play.

If it were a better polished FFXI, I would have stayed and payed.

At this point I really don't see them doing anything special worth paying monthly for.

Hell if they just rebooted all the stats and everyone came back to start over to ffxi I would pay, but I don't see my continuing with ffxiv.

And I bought the special edition of ffxiv that allowed you to play two weeks early. I gave it a shot at first and thought it would become more like ffxi but nothing.

I missed my chance I think to try the new system out for free.

I'll look for some videos but my hopes for a better ffxi are slim.

I still hate Se for what they did to Front Mission.

[Feep]

What's weird is that I know several voice actors on Type 0, all of whom confirm they finished recording more than half a year ago. I have no idea what SE is doing.