Square Enix Unveils Last Remnant, PSP, Wii Titles

Ahead of its upcoming Square Enix Party in Japan, Square Enix has unveiled a number of both previously announced and new forthcoming titles in development for multiple platforms, at a press conference at its headquarters. According to a report by consumer website GameSpot, a key announcement made during the Square Enix press conference came in the form of The Last Remnant, a new original action RPG being developed for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Designed to appeal to a global audience rather than just those players in Japan, The Last Remnant is being helmed by Nobuyuki Ueda, and is being built using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 middleware technology. The company originally licensed the technology from Epic earlier this year, stating at that time that the publisher is “now building a combined technology platform to use throughout the company, utilizing proprietary technologies as well as third-party solutions such as Unreal Engine 3”. Among those titles announced by Square Enix were two additions to the company's long running Star Ocean franchise, which includes three titles developed by tri-Ace dating back to 1996 for the Super Famicom. The newly unveiled titles, Star Ocean: The First Departure and Star Ocean: The Second Evolution, are PSP remakes of the first two games in the series, featuring updated 2d and 3D graphics, voice acting, and new in-game content. Additionally, the company also revealed that it is working with developers tri-Ace on the next game in the series, Star Ocean 4, though at this time little is known about this anticipated sequel, including the intended platform. The previously announced PS2 title, Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System, a remixed version of Final Fantasy XII's North American release, was also showcased during the presentation. The remixed version will include a number of enhancements included in the North American release, such as English audio and a 16x9 widescreen mode, as well bolstered character customization options through a new Zodiac job system that includes 12 new license boards. The game, which will also include a retooled combat system and a bonus DVD, is expected to ship in Japan on August 9. Square Enix also announced during its presentation that a new game starring Final Fantasy's iconic yellow chocobos is in development for the Wii, tentatively titled Chocobo's Dungeon: Toki Wasure No Meikyuu. The game represents the series' 10th anniversary, and will serve as a spiritual successor to the recently released Chocobo Tales for the Nintendo DS. Finally, the company also addressed a pair of titles in development in its Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series, including Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates for the Nintendo DS, which is expected to ship in Japan on August 23, 2007. Square Enix also confirmed continuing development on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers, the upcoming Wii sequel to 2004's GameCube original. While details remain light on a number of these newly announced titles and ongoing projects, more information should be made available in the weeks leading up to the ESA's revamped E3 Media & Business Summit in July, at which Square Enix will be one of a handful of exhibitors.