We all know how big E3 2015 is turning out to be. Its been one of the best E3 I have ever witnessed, and indeed covered in my 3 years as self made game journalist. This year we had far more conferences than we usually do. Apart from the conventional Microsoft, Sony, Ubisoft and EA; Bethesda made a big splash this year. But they are not the only one, who are doing a one off conference at E3 this year.
Publisher Square Enix decided to show off their wares this year at E3. With games like Just Cause 3, Hitman, and Deus Ex among others in the pipeline, it wasn’t suprising that Square Enix wanted some piece of that hype pie. Though with the bombshells that were dropped on Day 0 at E3 2015, did Square Enix deliver. Let’s find out.
Just Cause 3
We have all been excited for Just Cause 3, ever since the news of its announcement hit. Square Enix just underlined that hype by first announcing a release date for the game. And then showing off a trailer which basically explosions and total carnage. Which was great!!!
Just Casue 3 will be hitting the stores on 1st December 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT4cr84C58w
HITMAN
Hitman had been revealed earlier at Sony’ press conference a day earlier. But once again, Square Enix fleshed out the details of the game, putting in a release date, and underlining it with a gameplay trailer. If Just Cause 3 was explosions and brimfire, then Hitman was all stealth and assassinations. From the highly fashionable Paris and sunny coast of Italy to the dust and hustle of the markets of Marrakesh and beyond, you have complete freedom of approach – where to go, when to strike and who to kill… is all up to you.
Hitman will be available on PS4, Xbox One and PC on 8th December 2015
Dues Ex: Mankind Divided
From the madness of Just Cause 3 and the stealth of the new Hitman, Square Enix then moved onto something which was a perfect balance. Deus Ex: Human Revolution turned out to be a turning point in the franchise, and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided looks set to build upon that success.
The year is 2029, and mechanically augmented humans have now been deemed outcasts, living a life of complete and total segregation from the rest of society. Now an experienced covert-agent, Adam Jensen is forced to operate in a world that has grown to despise his kind. Armed with a new arsenal of state-of-the-art weapons and augmentations, he must choose the right approach, along with who to trust, in order to unravel a vast worldwide conspiracy.
We don’t have a release window yet. But we do have #CantKillProgress and another awesome trailer.
Final Fantasy
The internet lost its collective mind, when Sony announce that they are remaking Final Fantasy VII. So much so, that anything and everything that was shown around that particular announcement was dim and forgotten. Square Enix not only reiterated that Final Fantasy VII was coming to the next gen. But they also pushed a few more Final Fantasy projects.
Like the FINAL FANTASY® PORTAL APP, a fun way to get the latest FINAL FANTASY news. The mobile app features FINAL FANTASY games and a point system, keeping players both informed and entertained. The application will be available for free this summer (with in-app purchases) on the iTunes Store and Google Play Store. Additionally, Triple Triad, the popular card game from FINAL FANTASY VIII, will be making its mobile debut through this portal app. Players can also get access to exclusive videos and information through this app.
WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY, will expand the FINAL FANTASY universe for a new generation of gamers. Players will collect, raise and take into battle the monsters of FINAL FANTASY lore, drawing on a rich history of iconic creatures, from the charming to the ferocious. WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY will be available in 2016 for the PlayStation 4 system and PlayStation Vita system.
KINGDOM HEARTS III
Square Enix teased Kingdom Of Hearts III last year at E3 2014. This year though, they were ready to show off a more concrete trailer for the game. Fans of the highly-anticipated title from the celebrated series from Disney Interactive and SQUARE ENIX will see Sora and his trusted friends, Donald Duck and Goofy, adventure through the world based on the hit animated feature film, Tangled. The trailer also gives new hints to the storyline and showcases gorgeous visuals, and new gameplay elements.
NieR
New IPs were celebrated too. Square Enix today revealed NieR New Project (temporary name), a new third-person action role-playing game (RPG) and follow-up to the 2010 cult hit NieR. Offering a fresh blend of action and RPG gameplay styles, NieR New Project is currently being developed in collaboration with PlatinumGames Inc. exclusively for the PlayStation 4.
STAR OCEAN
STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness is the latest chapter of the highly anticipated sci-fi role-playing game (RPG) series will be coming to Europe (incl. PAL territories) and the Americas. Developed by tri-Ace, the celebrated studio behind the STAR OCEAN series, and with character design by akiman (Akira Yasuda), the game is set to arrive in 2016 exclusively for the PlayStation4.
VERDICT
So there you have it folks. A total of around 9 games and 2 release dates. Lara Croft was not shown at the Square Enix conference, which was weird but not surprising since Microsoft are currently running with it. All in all, I was surprised Square Enix had so much to offer in the next 2 years or so. And most of them are games which will definitely bring out the nostalgia in the adult gamer. Personally I am the most excited for Deus Ex : mankind Divided.
What did you think of the Square Enix press conference. Were you suprised, or was it Meh! Let me know in the comments.