E3 2019 | Square Enix Presentation Recap

June 11, 2019

Square Enix returns for another press conference after opting for a video presentation last year. The Final Fantasy VII Remake release date was announced recently, which raises questions about what the publisher has in store for that title in particular. Will we see any new announcements, or will this be a repeat of the previous year where we were mostly shown old titles or games that were revealed at other conferences? Square Enix is a fairly unpredictable company at times, so they may have some surprises in store that no one was expecting. Let’s find out!

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Square Enix

The project is still episodic, but enough new content has been added to each individual part that essentially makes up a full game in itself. New scenes and scenarios have been added to flesh out the story further than before. They finally revealed Tifa, and she looks good!

The battle system was also explained in detail and is essentially a mixture of multiple Final Fantasy battle systems rolled into one. Basic attacks are executed in real time and function similarly to auto combos in FFXV, they don’t do much damage alone, but serve a higher purpose. The ATB gauge from the classic series is back, and when filled up (very quickly when using basic attacks) activates tactical mode. Tactical mode is a new take on the classic turn based combat, freezing the action until you choose a command. There are also elements of FFXIV in the form of environmental raid mechanics like hiding behind debris to avoid a powerful attack. They’re pushing all the right buttons for me, personally.

Life Is Strange 2

Dontnod Entertainment

If you haven’t jumped into the adventure series, Square Enix would like to remind you that it exists, and you should play it.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition

Square Enix

Now coming to mobile devices alongside PS4 and Switch, this multiplayer action RPG was originally released on the Nintendo Gamecube in ancient times, 2003.

Octopath Traveler

Square Enix / Acquire

The adventure is now available on PC, if you haven’t heard. Octopath Traveler is a very unique classic style RPG I really enjoyed.

The Last Remnant Remastered

Square Enix / Guild Studio

This divisive RPG was remastered for PC and PS4 a few years back, and is now available, tonight, on Nintendo Switch.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

Square Enix

The sequel to the hit game that combines Dragon Quest with Minecraft. Releases July 12, with a playable demo in late June on PS4.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition

Square Enix

Touting one the longest titles I’ve seen in a while, the updated version of the hit RPG releases later this fall on Switch. New scenarios, orchestrated music, and a full blown 2D mode are included in this version.

Circuit Superstars

Original Fire Games

A top down racing game combining multiple eras of racing into one charming package. To be released in 2020.

Battalion 1944: Eastern Front

Bulkhead Interactive

First person competitive FPS with a similar look and feel to Counter Strike.

Square Enix Music

Final Fantasy soundtracks are now available on various streaming services.

Kingdom Hearts III Re:Mind

Square Enix

New DLC for the latest Kingdom Hearts adventure has players battling as Aqua, Roxas, and Riku this Winter 2019.

Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

Square Enix

Naoki Yoshida himself made an appearance to give some more details for the newest expansion. The new trailer revealed some surprising story details about the Warrior of Light’s adventure to the First to become the Warrior of Darkness. Fair warning, there is a pretty massive story bomb dropped in the trailer, so watch at your own risk. Shadowbringers officially releases July 2, 2019.

Dying Light 2

Techland

Some more gameplay footage of the long awaited sequel. Spring 2020.

Romancing SaGa 3 / SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions

Square Enix

Two classic RPGs in the SaGa series that never made it to the West are on the way. More details will be revealed soon.

War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius

Square Enix / Gumi Inc.

Another game based in the same world as Brave Exvius, the popular mobile title. The new title is currently in development.

Outriders

People Can Fly

This is a new one to three player cooperative shooter from the developers of Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgement. Summer 2020.

Oninaki

Tokyo RPG Factory

A new action RPG from the makers of I Am Setsuna and Lost Sphear. August 22, 2019.

Final Fantasy VIII: Remastered

Square Enix

For those of you who have been waiting so long, Final Fantasy VIII is finally on the way to all consoles and PC with up-scaled and updated visuals.

Marvel Avengers

Crystal Dynamics / Eidos Montreal / Crystal North

The long rumored collaboration between Square Enix and Marvel was finally showcased. This bombastic action game has been in development for a long time and definitely looks the part. On top of the story campaign, there will be an online multiplayer added later that will be constantly updated for free. PS4 users get a few special perks as well. May 15, 2020.

Square Enix really brought the heat this year with some exciting reveals, with a mixture of older content thrown in to flesh things out. Like most conferences this year, I’d say it was a solid show, with higher high points than other companies so far. Kudos to the many developers under the Square Enix banner.