Heavensward, the first expansion pack for MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, is all settled in for a June 23rd launch on PC, PS3, PS4, and, for the first time, Mac OS. That means it’s time for collector’s editions and pre-order campaigns to begin. Yay!

A number of options are available to cater to existing players and newcomers alike, including a $39.99 standard edition, an all-in-one bundle containing both A Realm Reborn and Heavensward for $59.99, a digital collector’s edition with bonus in-game items for $59.99, and the big daddy of them all, a $129.99 physical collector’s edition containing all this good stuff:

• “Dragonsong War” Exclusive Box featuring art by famed Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano

• Expertly-Crafted Dragon Mount Figure

• The Art of Eorzea – Heavensward – Artbook

• Additional Content Blu-ray Disc: Eorzea in Motion – A Realm Revisited

• In-game items including:

– Exclusive In-Game Flying Griffin Mount: Take to the skies and fly through the clouds on the back of the majestic griffin.

– Dark Knight Cecil-themed Baron Helm: Relive the magic of FINAL FANTASY IV with this specially designed headgear exclusive to the Collector’s Edition.

– Wind-up Kain: Summon a clockwork rendition of Kain Highwind, legendary dragoon from the mythical kingdom of Baron.

If you’re ready to throw your money at Square Enix, these are the pre-order incentives to look forward to:

– Early Access: Pre-order Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward and access the game servers ahead of the official launch. (Early access is currently scheduled to begin on June 19th. To participate, customers must already own A Realm Reborn and have completed the base game’s main campaign scenario.)

– Baron Circlet & Baron Earrings: Relive the days of old and don the gear worn by the ever-loyal Cecil Harvey in FINAL FANTASY IV.

– Chocobo Chick Courier: This cute Chocobo chick will follow you on your new adventures heavensward.

Visit store.na.square-enix.com/final-fantasy-xiv to go over the many available buying options.

Nintendo sent over a massive pack of screenshots from its latest Nintendo Direct web stream a couple days ago, so that’s where things begin on this edition of Screenshot Saturday. Nintendo fans are in for a real treat with new pics from Wii U standouts like Super Smash Bros., Monolith Soft’s RPG tentatively titled X, Bayonetta 2, and Mario Kart 8, as well as upcoming 3DS titles like Yoshi’s New Island, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Mario Golf: World Tour, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, and more.

Nintendo games grab the headline, but you’ll also find updated galleries for the PS4 version of Final Fantasy XIV, South Park: The Stick of Truth, indies like Broforce and Cloudbuilt, a selection of newly announced PS3/Vita titles from NIS America, and DLC updates for heavy hitters like Assassin’s Creed IV and Borderlands 2. Plus more!

Super Smash Bros. (3DS, Wii U):
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‘X’ (Wii U):
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Bayonetta 2 (Wii U):
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Mario Kart 8 (Wii U):
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Yoshi’s New Island (3DS):
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Kirby: Triple Deluxe (3DS):
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Pokémon Battle Trozei (3DS):
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Mario Golf: World Tour (3DS):
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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U):
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NES Remix 2 (Wii U):
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Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (3DS):
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Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball (3DS):
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Steel Diver: Sub Wars (3DS):
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Squids Odyssey (3DS, Wii U):
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Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – Guild of Rogues DLC (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One):
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South Park: The Stick of Truth (PC, PS3, Xbox 360):
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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (PS4):
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Borderlands 2 Headhunter 5: Sir Hammerlock Versus the Son of Crawmerax (PC, PS3, Xbox 360):
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Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair (PS Vita):
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Fairy Fencer F (PS3):
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Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited (PS Vita):
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Battle Princess of Arcadias (PS3):
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Broforce (PC, Consoles):
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Earth Defense Force 2025 – Special Ops Mission Pack (PS3, Xbox 360):
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Cloudbuilt (PC):
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The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 (PC, Mac, Linux):
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The Blackwell Epiphany (PC):
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World of Speed (PC):
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PlayStation 4 owners itching to get their fantasy MMORPG on won’t have to wait too much longer. Square Enix has confirmed this evening that the PS4 version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will launch on April 14th. Furthermore, the game’s beta testing is scheduled to begin on February 22nd.

PS4 pre-orders will open Monday, January 27, including the standard edition for $39.99 and a collector’s edition for $79.99. (A digital PSN collector’s edition will also be sold for $59.99.) In-game items the Mog Cap and Cait Sith Doll minion will be offered as pre-order bonuses for either version, in addition to early game access starting on April 11th. Current owners of a previously registered FFXIV collector’s edition will automatically receive the Fat Chocobo Mount and Wind-up Moogle minion, in-game items new to the PS4 collector’s edition.

The full retail PS4 collector’s edition will include:

– Special box featuring artwork by Yoshitaka Amano
– Art Book – The Art of Eorzea: A Realm Reimagined
– Special Soundtrack -The Sounds of Eorzea-
– Seventh Umbral Era Special Movie Content Disc – The Waning of the Sixth Sun
– Art Card Set
– Themed Security Token
– In-Game Items – Coeurl Mount, Behemoth Barding, Baby Behemoth minion, Helm of Light, Fat Chocobo Mount and Wind-up Moogle minion

Existing PS3 players will be able to upgrade and transfer their accounts over to the PS4 version for free, but once the migration is complete it will not be possible to switch back to the PS3 version. Anyone who wants to maintain the ability to continue playing on PS3 will need to buy a separate PS4 copy to play on both platforms. Square Enix will be announcing more information about the platform transfer process soon.

Final Fantasy XIV, meet Lightning Returns. Lightning Returns, meet Final Fantasy XIV. Are you BFFs now? Good, so why not throw a fashion swap party?

That’s just what Square Enix is doing for its two latest Final Fantasy games. This cross-title collaboration sees Final Fantasy XIII heroine Lightning descending upon Eorzea for a Full Active Time Event in Final Fantasy XIV. Once players complete the event, fighting alongside Lightning, they will receive outfits and weapons like those worn by the stars of Lightning Returns.

Similarly, when Lightning Returns launches in February, players will be able to search for clues to unlock a Miqo’te outfit for Lightning and complete side quests to unlock weapons and shields themed after the Limsa Lominsa, Ul’dah and Gridania city states of Final Fantasy XIV. This comes on top of that sweet Cloud Strife pre-order gear Lightning already has in her bonus costume wardrobe.

Final Fantasy XIV dressed like Lightning Returns looks like this:
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And Lightning Returns dressed like Final Fantasy XIV looks like this:
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Oh, and here’s video footage of Lightning’s FATE appearance in Final Fantasy XIV:

Before Final Fantasy XIV is officially reborn on August 27th, Square Enix has one more testing phase scheduled for the weekend of August 17th through the 19th. This fourth and final phase will be an open beta for all MMORPG adventurers on PC and PS3.

Once the open beta is complete, eager Eorzeans who have pre-ordered the game will get a headstart on everyone else with early access to the final game beginning August 24th. Loyal returning players from the game’s disastrous original 1.0 build will also be welcomed back with free gameplay until Monday, September 9.

A week after game launch, Square Enix plans to release Final Fantasy XIV: Libra Eorzea, a free companion app that will tether players to the game wherever they go via their iOS device of choice. A Veteran Rewards program will be in place as well, rewarding players with bonus content based on the length of their subscription, in tiers of 30, 60 and 90 days. Square Enix did not mention what exactly these bonuses will be in today’s news release.

The latest video tour of Final Fantasy XIV takes us deep into the Eorzean dungeons new adventurers will encounter early in the game. From the caverns of Sastasha lit by glowing plant life to the monster-infested tunnels of Copperbell Mines to the gothic halls of Haukke Manor to the scenic but oh so deadly wilderness of Brayflox’s Longstop, you will see a full nine minutes of panoramic gameplay footage.

And while you’re hanging around, Square Enix has announced updated details for the fourth beta leading up to the August 27th game launch. PC and PS3 owners who register a beta code by Tuesday, July 30 will be automatically accepted into the final testing phase. The beta application site will reopen once the fourth beta begins.

Now – without further delay – let the dungeon crawl tour begin!

The third phase of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn‘s ongoing PC and PS3 beta is now back up and running as of 5AM EST this morning. How long will this session last? Unfortunately I can’t say yet because Square Enix hasn’t announced the end date. Hopefully it lasts beyond the weekend as I will be away from my PS3 for a few days and am eager to put more time into the beta. So far I’ve only been able to make it up to level 5 doing entry level fetch and hunt quests. What I’ve played has been pretty fun. Basic MMORPG stuff, but fun nonetheless. And quite lovely on the eyes.

Speaking of lovely on the eyes, Square Enix has released its third ‘Tour of Eorzea’ video showcasing seven minutes of gameplay and beautiful scenery from various locales across the game world. Below that, is a new developer commentary explaining the new Duty Finder, a feature that makes finding groups for dungeons and raids super simple. Players from different worlds can quickly team up to complete a mission and then drop right back to where they were in their part of the world before joining the party.

Anyone else out there in on the FFXIV beta? How are you liking it?

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As an addendum of sorts to yesterday’s post about Final Fantasy XIV‘s PS4 confirmation, I thought you might want to hit the pause button and join me for a moment of pure video game art appreciation as things begin to wind down on the final day of our hectic week of E3 coverage. I won’t bog things down with a lot of chatter here. Just take your time browsing through our updated gallery of Final Fantasy XIV CGI renders and concept artwork. And, if you’re like me, pick out a new wallpaper or two for your desktop.

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Already set for an August 27th launch on PC and PS3, the rebirth project for Square Enix’s troubled MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV, will now encompass a PlayStation 4 release in 2014.

Square Enix is also working with Sony to put the necessary infrastructure in place to give PS3 players the ability to transfer their accounts over to PS4 once it becomes available, but I think we better see how the initial relaunch goes before looking that far ahead. The process of getting the game onto PS3 has been excruciating enough as it is. Expecting a smooth, timely launch on PS4 would be foolish, I say, unless of course the new version becomes a smashing success. Cautious optimism is my mentality at this point.

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Square Enix is rolling into this year’s E3 with a strong lineup of games to show off, including a few Final Fantasy offerings, a pair from the Deus Ex universe, the all-new IP Murdered: Soul Suspect and more. Of course the main attraction will be the first look at the next-gen Final Fantasy. All eyes will be on Square Enix’s pre-E3 press event on Tuesday, June 11, when brand director and senior vice president Shinji Hashimoto is expected to talk about that PlayStation 4 Final Fantasy that was ever so briefly teased at the console’s coming out party in February.

Will Final Fantasy Versus XIII finally reemerge as a next-gen title? Or could some other Final Fantasy surprise be planned? We’ll let you know next week! Until then, let’s take a quick gander at the games confirmed for E3 2013, per Square Enix press release:

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to have been completely rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on all systems, gameplay and player experience. FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn invites players to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends from around the world.

Platforms: PlayStation®3 system, Windows® PC
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: August 27

THIEF

THIEF is the reinvention of the classic franchise that allows players to take on the role of Garrett, the Master Thief. As the tide is about to turn in the City, Garrett, takes cover amidst the growing uprising and sneaks into the Baron’s manor to steal his most prized possession.

Platforms: PlayStation®4 system, Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC
Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company)
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: 2014

MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT

The hardest case to solve is one’s own murder. Murdered: Soul Suspect takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach. When Ronan O’Connor, a detective with a checkered past, gets caught up in a violent burglary, his life is brought to an untimely end by a brutal and relentless killer. Shocked to find himself in the afterlife, his only escape from the limbo world of ‘Dusk’ is to uncover the truth behind his killer, track him down and bring him to justice using his detective instinct and newfound supernatural abilities.

Platforms: Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Airtight Games
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: Early 2014

LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII

As Lightning, it is your mission to save souls so they may be brought to a new world. However, with only thirteen days remaining, not everyone can be saved. Armed with all-new weapons, player customization and battle abilities, you are in a race against time to fully understand your destiny. It all ends here.

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: February 11, 2014

KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX

Fully remastered in high-def, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX is a compilation of the critically acclaimed KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX and KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories titles. Players can now relive the origins of the celebrated franchise with Sora, Riku and the colorful cast of Disney characters, including Mickey, Donald and Goofy.

Platform: PlayStation®3 system
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: September 10

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION® – DIRECTOR’S CUT

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION – DIRECTOR’S CUT is the enhanced return to one of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises of all time. By offering players the chance to advance through the game in multiple and vastly different ways, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION – DIRECTOR’S CUT provides an experience where every choice has a lasting consequence. Director’s Cut features include visual improvements, overhauled boss fights, reinforced combat mechanics and much more making it the ultimate HUMAN REVOLUTION experience.

Platform: Nintendo Wii U
Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company)
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
Available: 2013

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster takes players into the adventures of Tidus and Yuna in beautifully remastered high definition.

Platforms: PlayStation®3 system, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: 2013

DEUS EX: THE FALL

DEUS EX: THE FALL is the next chapter of the award winning DEUS EX series. Developed by Square Enix Ltd. in collaboration with the original DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION team at Eidos-Montréal and N-Fusion, DEUS EX: THE FALL is a story driven action-RPG and the first DEUS EX in the series to be released on mobile and tablet devices.

Platform: iOS
Developer: Square Enix Ltd./ Eidos-Montréal/ N-Fusion
Available: Summer

MINI NINJAS®

Mini Ninjas is the first mobile and tablet game in the action adventure franchise. Based on authentic ninja values, this beautiful, fast-paced game takes players on an epic journey, free from gruesome violence and high on Ninja fun. Hiro and his Mini Ninja friends run, jump and slash their way through spellbound lands to retrieve the stolen artefact from the dragon.

Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Magic Pockets SAS
Available: Now