After a short delay from its originally planned January 6th ship date, Star Ocean: Second Evolution finally makes its debut on PSP next week, and none too soon given the dearth of PSP titles of late. Here are 30 new screenshots to get you pysched up for the impending release.

Remember a couple weeks ago when Star Ocean: Second Evolution was given a ship date of January 6th? Slight change of plans. Square Enix has announced a minor delay today, now penciling the title in for a January 20th launch. This is both good and bad really. Rather than having it come out right after the turn of the year, a couple weeks later provides more time to finish up the glut of games coming out right now. Then again, that glut of current games doesn’t include much of anything for the PSP (Star Ocean: First Departure is the only recent worthwhile title I can think of, ironically enough), so two more weeks of nothing to play on Sony’s portable may feel like an eternity to some.

Square Enix still have three major releases left for 2008 (Chrono Trigger DS, The Last Remnant and Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories), but they won’t be waiting long to kick 2009 off with a bang. The house that Final Fantasy built today outlined its game lineup for early next year, a lineup consisting of four big games including Star Ocean: Second Evolution for PSP (January 6th), Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride for DS (February 17th), Star Ocean: The Last Hope for Xbox 360 (March 3rd), and Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume for DS (March 17th). Quite a lineup there, sure to keep RPG fans plenty busy following the ongoing holiday crush.

Read up on all four Q1 2009 titles after the break.

STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution

Developer: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP system
Genre: RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: January 6, 2009

Following the exploits of humankind’s journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN saga comes to life in the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution, exclusively for the PSP system. Now with a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen, players can experience their journey through the rich STAR OCEAN universe like never before.

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

DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride

Scenario & Game Design: Yuji Horii
Character Design: Akira Toriyama
Music Composer: Koichi Sugiyama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Developer: ArtePiazza
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: February 17, 2009

Never before released in North America, this entry in the Zenithia Trilogy follows a journey that transcends three generations. Travel alongside your father on his quest to see the world, grow to set forth on a journey of your own and face life-altering decisions as you continue your family’s legacy. DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride makes its way to Nintendo DS on February 17, 2009.

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

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE

Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: March 3, 2009

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the latest entry in the futuristic STAR OCEAN series of RPGs. Science fiction and fantasy meld in this long-awaited continuation of the celebrated franchise from developer tri-Ace Inc.

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

VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume

Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: March 17, 2009
Character Illustration: KOU YOSHINARI / YOU YOSHINARI

Destiny by sinner sought. Tragedy by power wrought. The origins of a cult classic are revealed in VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume, the third entry in the critically acclaimed VALKYRIE PROFILE series. Development studio tri-Ace returns to craft a gameplay experience that boasts a captivating storyline with ties to Norse mythology and a familiar yet refreshing battle system enhanced with deeper strategic elements. VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume marks the debut of the series on Nintendo DS with its arrival on March 17, 2009.

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

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.