E3 Recap: Square Enix
Few names in the game industry invoke the same level of respect and wonder that Square Enix does. E3 reminded many people why Square Enix is one of the best in the business.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
There’s almost no game out there that commands the same amount of nostalgia and respect that Final Fantasy 7 does. The new remake, while not retaining the same turn based gameplay, does feature voice acting and improved graphics, as well as fast paced combat that the Final Fantasy series is known for — especially since it is an action game and not a turn based game, like the original. Final Fantasy 7 is going to release on the Playstation 4 on March 3rd, 2020.
First Impressions: Final Fantasy 7’s remake is living up to the long, storied history that the original had, by improving the outdated aspects of the original while losing none of the heart.
Final Fantasy VIII
Speaking of updates to Final Fantasy, Square announced that Final Fantasy 8 is going to get a remaster. No release date was given, but Square assures us that the game should come out sometime in 2019 for PC, Nintendo Switch, XBox One, and Playstation 4.
First Impressions: While not being nearly as popular or as beloved as Final Fantasy 7, this remaster should be able to tickle the nostalgia bone for any fan of the FF series.
Dying Light 2
Dying Light 2, the sequel to the surprise 2015 hit, was shown off at E3 as well. Enix hasn’t shown off much in the way of gameplay, other than some new parkour moves like a wall run, but they did show off that the story of this game is looking much more apocalyptic than the original, where the breakout was much more contained by comparison. The game is coming out in the Spring of 2020 for Playstation 4, XBox One, and PC.
First Impressions: The first Dying Light was a very refreshing take on the typical first-person zombie adventure game. While it is disappointing that the game is taking a more generic approach to its world, the parkour looks as tight as the first game, which bodes very well for the game’s gameplay.
Dragon Quest Builders 2
It’s no secret that Minecraft is one of the largest gaming sensations ever made. In fact, it’s so big, that one of the cornerstones of the JRPG genre, Dragon’s Quest, is receiving a whole series of spinoff titles dedicated to emulating the same experience that Minecraft does. Unlike Minecraft, however, these games have stories, enriching the building experience with the context Minecraft lacks. Dragon Quest Builders 2 releases on July 19th, only for the PS4.
First Impressions: The new game, while not doing much in the way of innovating gameplay, looks beautiful, graphically. Fans of the original will feel right at home with this sequel.
Marvel’s Avengers
Last, but certainly not least, Square showed gameplay for Marvel’s Avengers after years of radio silence on the project. The game totes five playable heroes, in the form of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, and the Hulk (Sorry, Hawkeye. Maybe you’ll make the cut in the sequel.) The gameplay looks to be as varied as it comes, with each hero having gameplay that’s as unique as each Avenger. The game is set to release in May 2020, for PS4, PC, and XBox One.
First Impressions: The game looks like it’s Marvel’s answer to the Arkham series, with gameplay that’s faithful to each hero, and graphical quality that only Square can provide. The developers even hinted that more heroes might be added post release, meaning that any gripes about the roster you might have could be solved, eventually.
Square also announced the release date for Final Fantasy 14 and Life is Strange’s newest expansions, as well as fresh, new titles like Circuit Superstars and People Can Fly: Outriders. E3 2019 has not been a disappointment so far, and Square’s showings are no exception.
