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Supreme Commander 2 declares war in March, 2010
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Nov 20th 2009 at 1:00AM }
Supreme Commander 2 has registered a deployment date of March 2 and 16, 2010, for PC and Xbox 360, respectively. Gas Powered Games' real-time strategy sequel, which is set 25 years after the first game's "Infinite War," will enter retail right in the middle of what we are slowly thinking of calling "the endless Q4." Then again, it is an RTS -- and a console title as well -- so the field isn't as crowded.
The original Supreme Commander was well received back in 2007, and Gas Powered's Creative Director Chris Taylor states that the team has "continually exceeded all of [his] expectations throughout [the] development." Check out the video above and see if you agree with how the game is coming along.
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Diner Dash, Gyromancer
by Richard Mitchell { Nov 18th 2009 at 6:45PM }
, $15), an RPG take on PopCap's Bejeweled Twist. For those who prefer something a little more manic, there's Diner Dash (800, $10), which tasks players with running a restaurant and keeping customers happy. If you've ever dealt with real customers before, you'll know that keeping them happy is harder than it sounds.See both games in the latest episode of XBLA in Brief.
Download the trial version of Diner Dash
Download the trial version of Gyromancer
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Square Enix's new Lufia game is a Lufia II remake
by JC Fletcher { Nov 18th 2009 at 3:45PM }
According to IGN's summary of a Famitsu article, that's not the only change. The game is now an action RPG instead of a turn-based game -- with combo-based attacks, and the ability to launch enemies into the air, as well as switch party members mid-combo. In addition, it will be fully voice acted. Estpolis will be released in Japan on February 25.
Square Enix chief confident in Modern Warfare 2's success in Japan
by Andrew Yoon { Nov 17th 2009 at 9:15PM }
Western-developed games have rarely found success in Japan. However, Square Enix head Yoichi Wada doesn't believe it's because of inherent nationalism. "In the past, Japanese retailers have said that Japanese gamers have their own idiosyncrasies and tastes, and that that is the reason why the audience is not accepting of overseas titles," Wada told Ars Technica. "But I believe that is not the case, it was just a matter of poorly executed marketing."
Microsoft would probably take offense to that claim, considering it has poured considerable effort into the territory with arguably little return. Still, Capcom's success with the Grand Theft Auto franchise shows that Japanese gamers aren't entirely adverse to Western-style games. Square Enix believes it can follow suit with Modern Warfare 2, which launches in Japan in December, given the publisher's "extensive experience with the Japanese market."
We're not exactly sure what Square Enix is doing to increase Modern Warfare's appeal in Japan (the image above is not part of the campaign), but it seems to be working. Taketo Matsuo, a representative of Japanese retailer Tsutaya, has predicted Modern Warfare 2 to be one of Japan's top 10 games this holiday. Considering the rest of the list is made up of new Final Fantasy, Mario and Zelda games, that would be quite an accomplishment.
Here's the requisite Kingdom Hearts PSP
by Andrew Yoon { Nov 17th 2009 at 5:15PM }
We're a little disappointed that Square and Sony didn't make a special edition PSP Go bundle, as that's something we'd love to see. Perhaps that's being set aside for when Square Enix finishes its other big PSP games: The 3rd Birthday and Final Fantasy Agito XIII.
Alexander O. Smith on localizing games for Square
by JC Fletcher { Nov 16th 2009 at 11:00PM }
"We would get a copy of the game," Smith told Gamasutra about working on Final Fantasy VIII, "and we would say, 'Well, what about files?' And they would say, 'Oh, I don't think you need those.' So we all bought Game Sharks." Smith called the situation "very sad." He compared it to Final Fantasy XII, for which the team got full gameplay footage.
The interview covers not just work for Square, but Smith's subsequent move into freelance with Joseph Reeder, and a lot of inside information about the localization work (and surprise musical careers) of both.
Square Enix and Eidos working on first collaboration
by JC Fletcher { Nov 16th 2009 at 7:00PM }
Wada framed the development as part of Square Enix's effort to think more globally. What he didn't talk about was what the game is, be it new IP or another sequel. Presumably, it's the first of many such collaborations, since Square Enix is unlikely to let its subsidiary work totally autonomously.
This Wednesday: XBLA takes you out for Diner and a Gyromantic date
by Ludwig Kietzmann { Nov 16th 2009 at 2:58PM }
($15). If it's a cohesive concoction of puzzles, RPG elements and item collection, your departure is likely to be at no point.PlayFirst is also serving up an XBLA version of Diner Dash for 800
($10). The culinary-themed time management game should be an ideal snack in between gorging on Dragon Age: Origins, Modern Warfare 2, Assassin's Creed 2, Left 4 Dead 2 and ... hmm. How good are you at time management?Tweet about Xbox Final Fantasy XIII, win a mystery prize
by Richard Mitchell { Nov 13th 2009 at 4:15PM }
Let's say you want to drum up some interest for the Xbox version of a beloved RPG series that has traditionally appeared on the Playstation. What would you do? Why, use Twitter, of course! The Xbox.com Final Fantasy XIII page is holding a social media event of sorts, offering Xbox Live members the chance to win "a secret Xbox Live prize." The gist of it is pretty simple, register at the Xbox.com Final Fantasy XIII page (US or UK), then post a tweet that contains the #FFXIIIXBOX hash tag and the URL of said Xbox.com page.
Once a certain number of tweets has been reached, the prize will be unlocked. There is no indication of what the prize may be, but we're hoping for some outlandish spiky hair for our Avatar. Barring that, we'd settle for a giant sword or some bizarrely effeminate accessories.
Once a certain number of tweets has been reached, the prize will be unlocked. There is no indication of what the prize may be, but we're hoping for some outlandish spiky hair for our Avatar. Barring that, we'd settle for a giant sword or some bizarrely effeminate accessories.
Hands-on: Just Cause 2
by Randy Nelson { Nov 13th 2009 at 12:00PM }
We've posted no fewer than six videos of Just Cause 2 to date, but this week I had my first chance to actually get behind the controls of the Avalanche Studios developed title, which reintroduces us to Rico Rodriguez, who's bringing his Desperado-era Antonia Banderas looks (sans the long locks this time) to the massive -- yet fictional -- island sandbox of Panau.
Gallery: Just Cause 2 (11-13-09)
Final Fantasy XIII launches March 9, 2010 on PS3, 360
by Ludwig Kietzmann { Nov 13th 2009 at 10:30AM }
Download in HD from BigDownload
Final Fantasy XIII will launch in North America and Europe on March 9, 2010, just a few months after it debuts in Japan and nearly four years after it was originally announced. Since that time, Square Enix's flagship role-playing game has become a multiplatform project -- the English version will debut on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 simultaneously -- as well as the first part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series. It's also no longer the highest-numbered Final Fantasy game.
"We know that our fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installation of the franchise -- FINAL FANTASY XIII will exceed all expectations," said John Yamamoto, president, chief executive officer and official title shouter of Square Enix, Inc. "Coming simultaneously to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for the first time, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be available to all players who are looking for the most immersive gaming experience of 2010."
And you'll have to look -- we hear Q1 2010 is already swamped with immersive gaming experiences. That's not a complaint!
Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII
Square Enix announces new Lufia game, platforms unknown
by Griffin McElroy { Nov 12th 2009 at 1:00PM }
Update: It's been brought to our attention that the Famitsu article actually reveals that Taito (which Squeenix owns) is working on a new installment in the Lufia franchise (known as Estopolis in Japan), which looks a lot like "Luffa," so you really can't blame us for getting confused. No platforms have been announced, but the team from the original Lufia & the Fortress of Doom will be behind the wheel, so it should be fairly reminiscent of the classic SNES RPGs of yesteryear. Also, it probably won't help you clean yourself in the shower. Sorry about that.
[Via Andriasang]
North American Final Fantasy XIV site introduces Gladiator and Pugilist classes
by Griffin McElroy { Nov 12th 2009 at 12:15PM }
The two classes are detailed on the game's North American site, and a few of their deadly-looking tools of the trade have also been revealed. If you're a melee enthusiast who's looking forward to the next Squeenix-branded MMO, we highly suggest checking it out. Personally, we're waiting to hear more about the Thaumaturge. (He's got a pointy Black Mage hat, but he's not a Black Mage! We're so confused.)
Final Fantasy XIII trailer coming Home tomorrow [Update]
by Justin McElroy { Nov 12th 2009 at 9:25AM }
On the bright side, maybe there's some real news coming and the trailer's just a nice compliment, or on the even brighter side, maybe there's big news nestled lovingly within the clip. On the double-triple bright side, the Home theaters are also showing a sneak preview of Steven Seagal: Lawman on
Update: We incorrectly reported the time for "Lawman." It will debut in Home on Wednesday, Nov 18 for one hour at 5pm PST/8pm EST.
Japanese Final Fantasy XIII includes 'secret in-game item' for FFXIV
by Ben Gilbert { Nov 11th 2009 at 4:00PM }
Apparently, Famitsu also notes that the item is exclusive to Japan and, though limited, will be included with all FFXIII PS3 bundles (also Japan-exclusive). Since we're certain that someone reading this is currently weighing the import costs of one of those bundles against the value of an exclusive virtual goody, we hope for you and your family's sake that a friend is by your side, calling in an intervention right now. It's really for the best.
