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Star Ocean: The Last Hope Gets International PS3 Port

Matt Litten — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:10:46 +0000

Hey, guess what? Square Enix’s Xbox 360 “exclusive” RPG Star Ocean: The Last Hope is getting a port to the PS3. I know, big shocker, right?

The new PS3 version, dubbed Star Ocean: The Last Hope International, is scheduled for a simultaneous global launch on February 9, 2010. There won’t be too much different compared to the Xbox 360 version, but Square Enix is taking time to add a few things for the PS3, including minor menu and battle system tweaks, English and Japanese voice options, and six language options in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Japanese. So it really is international! Of course, the PS3 version will also be on Blu-ray, so you won’t have to worry about disc swapping anymore either.

Unfortunately, none of these things can save the game from its horrid story, characters and voice acting — I was planning on reviewing the 360 version but after a while I just couldn’t stomach the dialogue anymore, even though the gameplay was actually highly entertaining. But I’ll still give the PS3 version a go. Perhaps the multiple language tracks will make the voice overs at least somewhat bearable.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope Takes Up Three Discs, In Case You Were Wondering

Matt Litten — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:00:25 +0000

Got my final Star Ocean: The Last Hope review copy in from Square Enix today and popped it open to find three game discs lurking inside — thankfully all held tightly on the case’s spindle thingamajig, unlike some multi-disc games that have come with loose discs in sleeves knocking around. I hadn’t heard Squenix state how many discs it was going to take up beforehand, so just thought I’d throw up a quick mention of it for any curious minds out there.

Well, off to fire up the game and see how it turned out. Back with a review once I’m able to play it through.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope Gameplay Videos

Matt Litten — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:00:26 +0000

I’ve been looking forward to Star Ocean: The Last Hope for a while now, but with the game about to ship next week I’ve suddenly become very worried. Square Enix released these new gameplay videos today, and they’ve made me grow concerned about the game’s narrative. The gameplay and graphics sure look spectacular, but some of the dialogue is just plain awful, both in terms of writing and acting. The female characters sound particularly laughable. Hopefully this doesn’t turn out to be another Infinite Undiscovery where fun gameplay and nice visuals are wasted on a terrible plot…

More Star Ocean: The Last Hope Screenshots Blast Into Orbit

Matt Litten — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:00:27 +0000

24 new Star Ocean: The Last Hope screenshots here showing a good mix of game activities, from battle to event scenes to field navigation to menu tinkering. Watch for this Xbox 360-exclusive RPG to land in stores on Feb. 24th.

[E3 2008] Square Enix Unveils Jam-Packed E3 Lineup

Matt Litten — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:35:21 +0000

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.

Square Enix Xbox 360 Trailer Extravaganza

Matt Litten — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:43:56 +0000

In accompaniment with yesterday’s Xbox 360 lineup announcement, Square Enix has released a new round of trailers for all three of its 360 RPG projects. For me, The Last Remnant trailer easily steals the show. Really digging how that’s coming along. Infinite Undiscovery is looking great too, but the trailer is the same one that was debuted last month so it’s hard to get as excited as I did before. And then there is a short teaser for Star Ocean: The Last Hope (aka Star Ocean 4). Doesn’t show a whole lot, but it certainly looks pretty.

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

Square Enix Outlines Global ’08-09 Xbox 360 Lineup

Matt Litten — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:29:12 +0000

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:

Star Ocean: First Departure and Star Ocean: Second Evolution Screens

Matt Litten — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:20:11 +0000

Determined to remake pretty much every classic game its ever produced (except for Final Fantasy VII, still!), Square Enix is working on enhanced PSP ports of the first two Star Ocean titles — titled Star Ocean: First Departure and Star Ocean: Second Evolution respectively — brining both up to speed with retooled graphics, voice acting, new cinematics and new playable characters. Still no word on when exactly these games are coming out or if they’re even coming to the US, but until we find out let these screenshots tease you into a fan frenzy.

Star Ocean: First Departure:

Star Ocean: Second Evolution: