The Xbox 360 on the other hand is brimming with RPGs of all varieties. However, while quantity sure is high, the quality hasn’t exactly been of the highest order. Other than a few shining stars like Lost Odyssey, Tales of Vesperia, and Mass Effect, the Xbox 360 RPG library is made up of titles ranging from merely decent to a few that are downright abysmal (Operation Darkness, I’m looking at you!). And right within that zone of mediocrity falls Square Enix’s new 360-exclusive action-RPG Infinite Undiscovery.

Actually, Infinite Undiscovery is more like a missed opportunity than anything else. In fact, many aspects of the game are excellent. For one, the gameplay is thoroughly engaging, addictive even. I love how the game world is structured in a similar fashion to Final Fantasy XII’s sort of faux MMORPG design, and the real-time combat system, which to me feels like a hybrid of the battle systems in Kingdom Hearts and tri-Ace’s Star Ocean titles, is about as satisfying a hack-n-slash-style combat system I’ve experienced in an action-RPG this console generation. Your AI teammates are actually pretty smart and help out as they should, and the lock-on mechanics function properly. tri-Ace even snuck in some surprise elements of variety with short action sequences that pull you away from the melee combat into other activities, like in one instance manning catapults to break through a castle door or in another where you carry a companion while on the run from an attacking dragon.

However, with such a huge virtual landscape to explore it’s disappointing that there is so little to actually do. Even though it spans two DVDs, the game only takes 15-20 hours to complete, and there is very little side content to dig into after that. The achievements are fun to go after and the game has a fairly deep crafting system that’s easy to get lost in for extended periods of time, but other than that there isn’t much to do to extend the life of the game. Yes, there are optional dungeons and side quests sprinkled in throughout, but they are few and far between and not nearly rewarding enough to sink additional time into. Unlockable difficulties are great and all too, but you can’t carry over character data from your completion saves, so starting all over again from square one defeats the purpose.

Certain control elements could’ve been streamlined better as well. Using items in battle, for example, is far too cumbersome. Opening the menu system does not pause the game, so while you’re bringing up the item screen and scrolling through your inventory, combat continues on around you. Bad things often happen when you stand idly by. You can tap the Y button to request aid from a teammate, but I still would’ve preferred a simpler real-time menu system or at the least a pausing of the action. The Connect system is awkward as well. During gameplay you can link up with a nearby companion and gain access to their special skills, but to do so you first have to press the right bumper, then the button associated with the party member you want to connect with, and then the button for their special attack you wish to use. Again, you have to do this all in real-time. It’s such a hassle.

Really though, many of the complaints I’ve laid out thus far are minor in the grand scheme of things. My main beef with this game is actually how weakly its narrative elements come together. The core concept behind the storyline, while certainly not venturing beyond traditional good-versus-evil fantasy themes, is pretty strong. The problem is that none of the characters (and there are a lot of them; 17 in total I think it is) ever develop beyond superficial boundaries, particularly the star character Capell. He comes into his own a tiny bit at the very end, but in general he’s an uninteresting, sometimes even unlikable, protagonist. That hurts a lot.

What’s more, the game’s production values simply don’t live up to Square Enix and tri-Ace’s typically high standards. The voice acting in particular is dreadful, made even worse by equally woeful lip-synching. Many serious moments in the storyline that have the potential to leave an emotional impact are continuously undermined by bad writing and voice over performances so bad that they become a distraction. These two twin 10-year-olds Rico and Rucha are the worse offenders. They’re like annoying knockoffs of Final Fantasy IV’s Palom and Parom. Thankfully the game fares much better graphically. Nothing that’ll blow you away, but it’s certainly attractive.

My expectations going into Infinite Undiscovery weren’t all that high, so I can’t honestly sit here and say it’s some colossal disappointment. But after giving it 20 hours of time and seeing how well certain elements of the game were designed I can’t help but come away feeling let down by the overall underdeveloped nature of the experience as a whole. This game could’ve been something truly special, but unfortunately tri-Ace just missed the mark this time out.

Basically, Infinite Undiscovery is the appetizer course for the RPG feast Square Enix has lined up with The Last Remnant, Star Ocean: The Last Hope and Final Fantasy XII. It’ll stimulate your taste buds just enough to be worth consuming, but it doesn’t have enough meat on its bones to fully satisfy your appetite.

Pros:
+ Fun, satisfying real-time combat system
+ Well designed MMORPG-style world structure

Cons:
– Absolutely terrible voice acting
– Shallow character development limits your ability to really involve yourself in the story
– Not enough side quests and other optional content to supplement the relatively brief campaign

Game Info:
Platform: Xbox 360
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: tri-Ace
Release Date: 9/2/08
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Teen
Players: 1

Hey, guess what? Infinite Undiscovery hits retail this coming Tuesday and I’ve got a huge batch of new screenshots and character art to share with you in anticipation of the impending launch. Very pretty game, really looking forward to getting my hands on this one.

Infinite Undiscovery GC 2008: Trailer HD [GameTrailers.com]

Square Enix’s lineup for next week’s E3 summit is now in and it’s loaded up with 11 games spanning the PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, DS and iPod (sorry, no love for the Wii). As it stands now, the lineup will include The Last Remnant (PS3, Xbox 360), Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes (iPod), Chrono Trigger (DS), Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (DS), Final Fantasy IV (DS), Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP), Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP), Infinite Undiscovery (Xbox 360), Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Xbox 360), Exit DS (DS), and The Legend of Kage 2 (DS).

That’s a lot of ports and remakes for the portables, but some intriguing original titles for the consoles. Best of both worlds, I’d say. Final Fantasy XIII, the next Kingdom Hearts titles, Dissidia: Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest IX are glaringly missing in action, as is the total lack of Wii games, but this is just an initial list. Surely there’ll be a few surprises in store, at least I hope so…

Below is a gallery covering Square Enix’s E3 lineup (one screen for each game), then post jump you’ll find the complete roster of game descriptions.

E3 2008 Lineup

(Square Enix)

Multiplatform:

THE LAST REMNANT

Platform: Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft/

PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system

Genre: RPG

ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: (Xbox 360) This Winter / (PLAYSTATION 3 system) TBA

The Last Remnant is a brand-new RPG crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer. Set in a fantasy world, war-torn and scarred by years of conflict, gameplay revolves around mysterious artifacts – Remnants – that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics only possible on Xbox 360 bring the intensity to a whole new level. The Last Remnant will only be available on Xbox 360 this winter.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/remnant/.

iPod:

SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes

Platforms: iPod nano with video, iPod classic and fifth generation iPod

Genre: Role-Playing

Now Available (NA, JP, EU)

Now at the iTunes Store in 22 countries around the world, SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes is a Role-Playing Game that transforms tracks on your iPod® into powerful “Tune Troopers” that you can control in battle! As the protagonist Ziggy, you will embark on an epic journey to rescue your brother from the clutches of the Mechanical Militia! Intriguing characters, an epic story and a tactics-based battle system combine for a rich RPG experience previously only available on home consoles.

The official website can be found at http://www.square-enix.co.jp/songsummoner/.

Nintendo DS:

CHRONO TRIGGER

Genre: RPG

ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: Holiday 2008

Remastered exclusively for Nintendo DS, CHRONO TRIGGER is a true classic that has set the benchmark for the RPG genre. This all-new edition of the game contains all the classic essence of the original release while introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS, taking players back in time to re-experience the epic RPG that started it all.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ctds/.

DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen

Genre: RPG

ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)

Ship Date: September 16, 2008

For the first time, a full-fledged DRAGON QUEST adventure arrives on Nintendo DS with DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen. Experience an adventure of epic proportions, presented through multiple character perspectives. While retaining the classic look and feel of the original release, this remake breathes new life into a much-loved entry in the DRAGON QUEST series with 3D graphics, dual screen presentation and newly animated monsters.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/zenithia/.

FINAL FANTASY IV

Genre: RPG

ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)

Ship Date: July 22, 2008

The latest entry in the franchise that has shipped 85 million copies worldwide*, FINAL FANTASY IV for Nintendo DS features beautiful, fully 3D cutscenes with voiceovers, capturing the emotional drama that first touched the hearts of fans over fifteen years ago. The new ability system and added DS functionality introduce a fresh experience to both new and returning FINAL FANTASY IV fans. With a storyline that sets the stage for all subsequent FINAL FANTASY titles, FINAL FANTASY IV is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.

*As of May 2008.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ff4/.

PSP system:

STAR OCEAN: First Departure

Genre: RPG

ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: October 21, 2008

Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. STAR OCEAN: First Departure marks the first time that the initial installment in the popular STAR OCEAN franchise is available in North America.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.

STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution

Genre: RPG

ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: January 6, 2009

Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfill a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution continues the STAR OCEAN saga!

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.

Xbox 360:

INFINITE UNDISCOVERY (Xbox 360 Exclusive)

Genre: RPG

ESRB: T (Teen)

Ship Date: September 2, 2008

Infinite Undiscovery is the newest fantasy role-playing console game from Square Enix, drawing gamers into a real-time world woven of countless threads where player choices spin untold discoveries. Players will be confronted with a variety of dramatic situational battles such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amidst towering tidal waves. Dynamic environments change and respond in real time, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre. The title is scheduled to release exclusively on Xbox 360 in September 2, 2008.

The official website can be found at http://infiniteundiscovery.com/.

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE

Genre: RPG

ESRB: Not Yet Rated

Ship Date: 2009

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy RPG series. Slated for release on Xbox 360 in 2009 and published by Square Enix, this prequel set during the aftermath of World War III combines sci-fi and fantasy elements spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise’s famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects only possible on Xbox 360.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.

E3 2008 Lineup

(TAITO Corporation)

Nintendo DS:

EXIT DS

Genre: Action Puzzle

ESRB: E (Everyone)

Ship Date: October 7, 2008

The stylish and inventive action puzzle game comes to Nintendo DS! As professional escape artist Mr.Esc, players must maneuver through burning buildings and sinking ships as they dodge disaster and save survivors along the way. EXIT DS makes a smooth return to the portable scene with all-new Touch-Screen functionality and over 100 stages to solve.

The Legend of Kage 2

Genre: Action

ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)

Ship Date: October 7, 2008

The hit arcade game is back! The thrilling ninja action of The Legend of Kage 2 takes over both Nintendo DS screens, fully utilizing the dual-screen presentation and scrolling to draw players into a dynamic world filled with exhilarating midair combat. With rich, elaborate stages and a compelling story that follows the tale of two protagonists, The Legend of Kage 2 breathes renewed excitement into the classic action adventure experience.

The Last Remnant Soulbound Trailer HD [GameTrailers.com]
Star Ocean 4 Warp Chasm Trailer [GameTrailers.com]
Infinite Undiscovery Twins Trailer HD [GameTrailers.com]

Man, the Xbox 360 is turning into quite the hotbed for new RPGs, it’s quite surprising. Stemming from Microsoft’s Xbox 360 RPG press event in Tokyo today, Square Enix has confirmed global launch plans for three titles that are on tap for 2008-2009 releases on Microsoft’s console. First up will be the 360-exclusive Infinite Undiscovery, which, as was already announced last month, will be shipping in North America on September 2nd, followed by September 5th and September 11th launch dates in Europe and Japan respectively.

Coming up after IU will be The Last Remnant, which despite being multi-platform is being developed with the Xbox 360 in mind first and foremost. The 360 version will be released worldwide this winter, with the PS3 version now dropped to the dreaded “TBA” status.

Square Enix will then continue to show the 360 a lot of love come 2009 with Star Ocean: The Last Hope. Once presumed to be a PS3 exclusive, the latest Star Ocean title now appears that it may just be a 360 exclusive, though at this time it has not been specifically announced as such.

“Square Enix is expanding on its commitment to deliver exciting gaming experiences to our fans all around the world,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. and Square Enix, Ltd. “INFINITE UNDISCOVERY, THE LAST REMNANT and STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope represent significant steps in bringing our titles to a global audience and to make each new release a global event.”

Hit the jump for new screenshots from all three titles.

Infinite Undiscovery:

The Last Remnant:

Star Ocean: The Last Hope:

Infinite Undiscovery Exclusive Trailer 2 SD [Gametrailers.com]
Infinite Undiscovery Exclusive Trailer 2 HD [Gametrailers.com]

Infinite Undiscovery, the new fantasy RPG in collaborative development for Xbox 360 by Square Enix and Star Ocean/Valkyrie Profile developer tri-Ace, has been given an official launch date today. And that date is, drum roll, please… September 2nd!

“With the simultaneous release of INFINITE UNDISCOVERY, Square Enix is entering an exciting new period of delivering great gaming experiences to our fans all around the world at the same time, creating new global communities,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. and Square Enix, Ltd. “This is something that we have aimed to do for a long time and we look to continue to deliver worldwide gaming experiences across all platforms well into the future.”

Check below for a new trio of screenshots, then hit the jump for a complete overview of Infinite Undiscovery’s story and gameplay features.

INFINITE UNDISCOVERY envelops players in an engaging real-time world where every decision you make leads to a myriad of discoveries and affects every encounter. The developers that set a new standard for RPGs by fusing exploration with battle in the STAR OCEAN series establish a new benchmark for the genre, perfectly integrating traditional tri-Ace elements with the technological power of Xbox 360. The experience is enhanced with a soundtrack by composer Motoi Sakuraba from the STAR OCEAN and VALKYRIE PROFILE series.

GAMEPLAY : DISCOVERY & IMPACT

Every discovery and action that players make has an instant impact on the world, creating an unpredictable gaming experience.

Situational Battles:
As players are faced with a variety of episodic situational battles, they will discover that they may have to try various methods to defeat the enemy, where the most obvious solution is rarely the right move. Players can assemble parties from a pool of 18 characters, choosing those with the best combination of abilities for the job. Snipe distant enemies with the help of a bow-wielding ally or skilled magic user. Based on each player’s decisions, the intricate environments will offer a variety of experiences, presented in a way never before seen in RPGs.

A Seamless World and Real-time Action:
Players are drawn deeper into the world as each act becomes more crucial to survival. To make careful decisions and advance, players will need to rely not only on sight and sound, but also scent.

Combat, exploration and other actions will all take place within the same environment, seamlessly shifting between each game facet.

STORY

Known as the throne of the gods, the moon rested peacefully in the heavens.

Man enjoyed great prosperity by harnessing the power of the celestial body.

Until one day…

A sinister force ensnared the moon with chains and fastened them to the surface, bleeding the life from the planet. The enchained lands were transformed into withering wastelands, and their once carefree inhabitants now lived in fear. Behind the world’s plight were the Dreadknight and his menacing horde, the Order of Chains.

Deep in a forest, in one of the Order’s prisons, a young boy named Capell was being held captive. His captors called him the “Liberator,” though he had no clue as to what they meant. On the third day of his imprisonment, he was rescued by a spirited young woman named Aya. She was a member of a small band of brave warriors who had gathered under the banner of Sigmund the Liberator to free the world from the iron grip of the Order.

Upon meeting Sigmund, he was surprised to find a man who shared his very face and appearance. This meeting would change Capell’s life forever and shake the foundation of the world itself.

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES SHIP DATE FOR INFINITE UNDISCOVERY [Square-Enix.com]

In a sign of growing support for the Xbox 360, Square Enix has revealed the development of Infinite Undiscovery, a new fantasy RPG for Microsoft’s console in development at tri-Ace. Release details are mum at this point other than it’s “coming soon.” It’s also worth pointing out that the press release indicates that the game is being developed for “next-generation hardware,” and although the 360 is the only platform specified, nowhere is there mention of exclusivity. So maybe there’s a PS3 version coming down the road too, we shall see…

Speculation and rumor-mongering aside, hit the jump for a snippet from the press release describing the game and a pair of first-look screenshots.

Discovery & Impact:

The actions taken by the player with each discovery will have a real-time impact on the world.

Situational Battles:

Players will be confronted with a variety of dramatic “situational battles” such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amidst towering tidal waves. The dynamic environments change and respond in real-time to player commands, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre.

A Seamless World and Real-time Action:

Combat, exploration, and other actions all take place within the same environment, seamlessly shifting between each game facet. Battles are carried out in real-time, bringing the vibrant fighting sequences of the STAR OCEAN series out of the traditional battle screen into a beautiful and lush environment.