- Hilariously exaggerated press release accompanies Heroes of Mana
 The latest title in the Seiken Densetsu series, Heroes of Mana, was released this week in North America. Square Enix commemorated the occasion with a press release for your pleasure. "Breathing new life into the popular MANA™ franchise..." The opening line in the second paragraph is a comedic gem in itself. Full press release
- Spiral out: Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Gallery
 Final Fantasy VII's 10th anniversary made for some eye-bulging bonuses, as you may remember from some weeks ago. Evidently, these nifty extras weren't enough presents for ten-year-old Final Fantasy VII - a game that is perhaps Square's most popular entry into their staple series. Thus, in addition to the aforementioned extras, Square Enix has plans to roll out a Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Gallery in Spiral (a cornerstone of Tokyo's Aoyama district). Running from August 31 to September 2, the gallery is slated to boast a range of artwork from each Compilation of Final Fantasy VII denizen. In addition to classic artwork in the vein of Tetsuya Nomura's (in)famous character designs, never-before-seen art will also line the gallery, ensuring a visual feast for fanatics. Have your eyes popped out of their sockets? If so, you'll want to start reserving those flight tickets to Tokyo; this gallery certainly isn't traveling to the West. Kotaku
- By the numbers: Revenant sells, Itadaki smells
 Square Enix recently published some figures revealing sales of Revenant Wings, Itadaki Street DS, and anticipated remake Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, all over the first six-month period of 2007. What are the numbers? Well, Final Fantasy XII sequel Revenant Wings came in first with 520,000 copies, followed by The War of the Lions with 310,000 copies and Itadaki with 280,000. No surprises here: Revenant Wings reviewed solidly and followed up a stellar title, Lion War was purportedly plagued with several loading issues, and as for Itadaki DS...well...Itadaki Street has never been potent enough to receive a localization. Better luck next time. Jeuxfrance
- The Pioneers: Junya Nakano
 Junya Nakano started out as a music composer for Konami's arcade titles and began composing for Square during the 16-bit era. Since then, he has contributed to such soundtracks as Final Fantasy X, Musashi Samurai Legend, and Project Sylpheed. Square Haven takes a look back at the music composer's career thus far, including samples from nine of his game soundtracks chosen by Totz of Square Enix Music Online. The Pioneers
- Dragon Quest IV-VI remakes headed to the DS
 Two low-res scans of the Japanese gaming magazine Shonen Jump have appeared, revealing a surprise that, while not all that surprising, might be the makings of a nostalgia overload for Akira Toriyama fans. The second sequential trilogy of Dragon Quest titles is currently receiving a round of remakes for the Nintendo DS portable console with 2.5D isometric viewpoints reminiscent of the PS1 series entry and overhead maps viewable on both screens. For Dragon Quest IV Square Enix is shooting for a Winter release in Japan. Scans
- It's a Wonderful Japan after all
 Shibuya is but one area of Tokyo, Japan - a ward densely populated with those youngsters shunning the solace of sleep; those brave souls willing to resign themselves to the hip nightlife that only Japan can offer. Readers trailing information regarding the upcoming rhythmic action RPG It's a Wonderful World will surely recognize the Shibuyan setting; after all, the game promises to take place in an alternate incarnation of the same area. So, how does one advertise a game like this? Simple... In a fit of ingenuity expected only from a country such as Japan, advertisements for It's a Wonderful World have been sprinkled across the entirety of the Shibuya district in Tokyo. All of this is just in time for the game's Japanese release: July 27. Don't believe me? See for yourself
- Final Fantasy VII's 10th Anniversary means eye-bulging bonuses
 Square Enix recently unveiled its plan for promoting the latest entry into the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. Why? While the company is indeed one of the craftiest money-grubbing groups around, and each handheld FF title seems to require its own customized portable system, there is actually another reason behind this announcement. Everyone's favorite (overrated?) Playstation RPG, Final Fantasy VII, is turning ten years old. A slew of collectibles has been announced to celebrate the game's 10th anniversary, one of which is a limited edition Slim PSP with a Crisis Core facade (gasp!). Die-hard fans of all things Square and/or FFVII should take note of this upcoming special offer, because it won't be available for very long. What are you waiting for? See the goods
- E3 2007 - Square Enix gesticulates in regards to Revenant Wings bonus content
 Square Enix communicated through wavy, fluttering hand gestures to reporters attending E3 that the English-language localization of Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings will feature new content, including an added boss battle and gameplay tweaks. Director Motomu Toriyama comments, "The North American release will provide a completely different gameplay experience than the original domestic release." Details
- E3 2007 - Square Enix blames stagnation on gamers
 Dragon Quest IX, as you may or may not know, began as an Action RPG. After twenty years of traditional (classic?) grinding, Square Enix was ready to follow the rest of the RPG genre in moving away from traditional combat systems into new, innovative avenues. What happened? You did, apparently. As a Square Enix spokesperson said at E3, "People didn't want the change. When you've sold over 40 million copies, you've got to listen to your fans." Apparently the same syndrome that affects children when they purchase movie-based games and perpetuate the creation of terrible licensed titles has also infected the RPG market. Can there be any hope for change, especially within a flagship series such as Dragon Quest? Kotaku
- E3 2007 - Square Enix laughs in face of PS3 price drop
 It seems that a little is just not enough anymore. Earlier this week, European and US Square Enix President and CEO John Yamamoto commented on the $100 price decrease for Sony's poorly-selling Playstation 3. "[It's] still a bit expensive for most gamers," said Yamamoto. "Most of them think that price is still high." When asked if he was concerned by the success of the XBox 360 and the Nintendo Wii, Yamamoto responded, "Looking at Sony's history, Sony is selling PS2 all over. Even in Spain, Italy - they're very strong. I think it will depend on the titles available in each area."
- E3 2007 - Square Enix tactfully flaunts The War of the Lions
 That's right, a surprising new detail has emerged regarding Square Enix's upcoming Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions. What could they be showing off? The answer may surprise you. Indeed, it isn't a slew of new information, nor is it a gem of a gameplay trailer. Sorry, Final Fantasy VII fanboys, it's no confirmation of Sephiroth as a playable character either. What we have here are a new batch of localized screenshots with a surprising twist. Feast your eyes
- E3 2007 - Square Enix to bring online store stateside
 In addition to its E3 lineup announcement, Square Enix has revealed its scheme to open a North American online store. Square Enix, as a self-described "premiere [maker] of high end-collectibles" plans to stock a multitude of "popular and hard-to-find items" including Master Arms, Play Arts, and Mechanical Arts spanning various series, from Final Fantasy to Kingdom Hearts. Clearly, Square Enix has seen that someone, somewhere is making money selling its products. The immediate consequence will likely find many third-party vendors competing for profits with Square Enix itself. The Online Store
- E3 2007 - Square Enix announces lineup
 As the headline above might suggest, Square Enix has announced its 2007 E3 lineup and is ready to showcase some of its most anticipated and exciting titles. Which will be shown? Which will be shunned? Square Haven brings you the latest. Details
- E3 2007 - Final Fantasy XII: Zodiac Job System
 With the E3 fun underway, Square Haven starts you off with the Japanese Zodiac Job System trailer and a few tidbits about a game that, in all fairness, you'll probably never get to see. Cry with me... Details
- Time to Get AXed: Anime Expo 2007
 By far one of the largest collections of animé and video game enthusiasts its side of the Mississippi, Anime Expo has long been a haven for fanatics to meet, discuss their favorite forms of media, and embarrass themselves with hideous cosplay. That's why this Haven was there to witness the madness and bring you the Square side of things. Read More
- Dissidia Final Fantasy desiderata
 Square is commemorating 20 years of franchise fandom with the RPG brawler Dissidia Final Fantasy for the Playstation Portable. Ten playable characters from the series history have been rendered in 3D, along with their nemeses and memorable in-game locations. Square Enix posted the first video of the game today, revealing a previously unannounced popular villain will be entering the fray. Trailer
- Hiroki Kikuta: Lost Files Regained
 Hiroki Kikuta is the composer of such game music soundtracks as Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3, and Soukaigi. Square Haven spent an afternoon with the game creator to hear about his experiences working for Squaresoft during the 16-bit era as a debugger, sound designer, and game music composer. Full Story
- Chocobo's mysterious Wii trailer
 It's been ten years, and this mascot's still cute as ever! At the Square Enix Pre-Party conference, a new Wii game involving Final Fantasy's most popular yellow avian was revealed by producer Yuuki Yokoyama. The game is set to debut for the Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon 10th Anniversary. The first trailer for the game has appeared on the net and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: Labyrinth of Forgotten Time is the title's direct translation. Trailer
- First look at Final Fantasy Tactics A2: The Sealed Grimoire
 The spiritual successor to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance made its debut as a demo at the Square Enix Party. Now, through the power of YouTube, the trailer for Final Fantasy Tactics A2: The Sealed Grimoire has made its way onto the internet. The first video preview should give players an idea of what to expect from character designs, music, and the overall feel of Luso's adventures through Ivalice. Trailer
- Where Angels Fear to Tread: A Conversation with Hiroki Kikuta
 Hiroki Kikuta is the music composer behind Squaresoft action RPG's Secret of Mana and Seiken Denstesu 3. Just as his electronic music for Square left a lasting impression on the era of 16-bit games, his live orchestral tracks found in Soukaigi and Koudelka are among the most original songs created for the Playstation console. Today Square Haven talks with the composer and game designer about his latest album, Lost Files, and the future of Hiroki Kikuta. Square Haven Interview
|
|
16 Aug 2007 by 
Top of Page |
Staff Contact |
Bug Report |
Support Square Haven |
Jobs @ Square Haven |
Haven Web Hosting