FTS: Square Enix Reveals PAX West 2018 Lineup and Events

SQUARE ENIX UNVEILS LINEUP AND EVENTS FOR PAX WEST 2018

Game Demos for DRAGON QUEST XI, KINGDOM HEARTS III, LIFE IS STRANGE 2 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider Available on the Show Floor

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 23, 2018) – From August 31 - September 3, SQUARE ENIX® will host gameplay demos, giveaways, panels and a variety of interactive events at PAX West 2018, held at the Washington State Convention Center. At Booth #2141 attendees will be able to play DRAGON QUEST® XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age™, KINGDOM HEARTS III, LIFE IS STRANGE® 2, Shadow of the Tomb Raider™, and THE QUIET MAN™. Advance tickets to play the KINGDOM HEARTS III demo will be distributed at the booth at 10:00 a.m. Pacific each day.

SQUARE ENIX will also host a series of developer panels and events at PAX West, providing fans with an in-depth look at the latest game developments and upcoming updates.

EXPANDING THE LIFE IS STRANGE UNIVERSE
Friday, August 31, 12:00 PM, Wyvern Theater
Join writer Christian Divine and key figures from the LIFE IS STRANGE 2 development team as they take you behind the scenes of their most ambitious game in the series to date. Discover how they apply the core concepts of the LIFE IS STRANGE franchise to bring the relatable characters and realistic environments in the LIFE IS STRANGE Universe to life. Learn how they tackle the challenges of telling a branching story of education and brotherhood within an evolving episodic narrative adventure.

LIFE IS STRANGE 2 FAN MEET UP PARTY with What’s Good Games 
Friday, August 31 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at  Unicorn 1118 E. Pike Street 
Relax at PAX with the team from What’s Good Games and developers from DONTNOD Entertainment to celebrate the upcoming launch of the first episode of LIFE IS STRANGE 2. Share your favorite moments from the series, enjoy refreshments and a chance to win games, SQUARE ENIX prizes and custom What’s Good Games items.

JUST CAUSE 4 SHOWCASE
Saturday, September 1, 11:30 AM, Hydra Theater
Join key members of the JUST CAUSE 4™ development team - Avalanche Studios - as they talk exclusively about the next game in the hugely popular, multi-million selling JUST CAUSE series. Set in the fictional South American world of Solis, JUST CAUSE 4 takes the incredible destruction and unique physics the series is known for to a whole new level with the introduction of fully simulated tornadoes and other Extreme Weather events. Rico Rodriguez returns in JUST CAUSE 4 with his trademark parachute, wingsuit and, of course his grappling hook, now enhanced with new functionality and fully customisable, making it the most powerful and creative tool the player has ever had.

SHADOW OF THE TOMB RAIDER - Uncovering the Hidden City of Paititi
Saturday, September 1, 4;30 PM, Wyvern Theater
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is filled with many surprises and secrets. Perhaps the biggest discovery Lara Croft® will make is the hidden city of Paititi, a civilization untouched by modern culture and the largest hub ever created in a Tomb Raider® game. Moderated by Andrea Rene, join the team behind Lara Croft’s defining moment as she becomes the Tomb Raider. The panel will feature Dan Chayer-Bisson (Game Director), Mario Chabtini (Senior Producer), and Rich Briggs (Senior Brand Director).

Creator of the legendary DRAGON QUEST series, Yuji Horii, will also be attending and participating in photo sessions at the SQUARE ENIX booth on Saturday, September 1, at the following times:

• Session #1: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Session #2: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Session #3: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A limited number of tickets will be distributed at the DRAGON QUEST area of the booth starting at 10:00 a.m. the day before each session and the day of each session. Lucky attendees who receive a ticket will have the chance to meet the famed creator and receive one photograph together.

Other activities at the SQUARE ENIX booth include:

• Win a Shadow of the Tomb Raider inspired custom Xbox One X console by participating in an Instagram Relic Hunt
• Have a chance to win early copies of DRAGON QUEST XI for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system by participating in a photo contest on site
• Check out members of the talented FINAL FANTASY® XV modding community as they create mods for FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION live on the show floor
• Participate in a photo booth featuring backgrounds from KINGDOM HEARTS III, DISSIDIA®FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA™ and STAR OCEAN®: ANAMNESIS™
• View the KINGDOM HEARTS III Toy Story Keyblade and Shooting Star Keyblade on display

Daily giveaways at the booth, while supplies last, include: 

• JUST CAUSE 4 merchandise
• DRAGON QUEST XI t-shirts and double-sided posters
• KINGDOM HEARTS III PopSockets, each day at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY™ hand fans
• FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS® bags
• DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA and STAR OCEAN: ANAMNESIS buttons featuring the characters of the game
• THE QUIET MAN posters

Fans can compete in the FINAL FANTASY Trading Card Game (“FFTCG”) Crystal Cup tournament, held at the Westin Seattle Hotel’s Pine Ballroom on September 1^st & 2^nd. Players who pre-register for the tournament will compete for a seat at this year’s FFTCG North American Championship. New players are invited to visit the SQUARE ENIX booth for lessons, while experienced players can participate in Gunslinger Challenges to earn Premium Foil FFTCG Cards! Chocobo™’s Crystal Hunt card game demos and tournaments will also be available at the booth’s merchandise section. More information, including how to pre-register for the FINAL FANTASY Trading Card Game Crystal Cup tournament, is available at:fftradingcardgame.com.

The full lineup of SQUARE ENIX games includes:

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA 
Platform: iOS® and Android®
Developer: Square Enix, Koei Tecmo
Available: Now Available
DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA continues the DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY adventure on mobile devices, where players can form parties from dozens of their favorite FINAL FANTASY heroes and villains and equip them with a variety of weapons from the series. The mobile game features an extensive story and strategic turn-based combat that the FINAL FANTASY series is known for.

DRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Platform: PlayStation®4 system, STEAM®
Developer: Square Enix
ESRB: T (Teen)
Available: September 4, 2018
DRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age tells a captivating tale of a hunted hero and is the long-awaited role-playing game from series creator Yuji Horii, character designer Akira Toriyama, and composer Koichi Sugiyama. While it is the eleventh mainline entry in the critically acclaimed series,DRAGON QUEST XI is a completely standalone experience that features entirely new characters, a beautifully detailed world, finely tuned strategic combat, and an immersive story that will appeal to longtime fans and franchise newcomers alike.

FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS 
Platform: iOS, Android, Amazon
Developer: Square Enix, gumi Inc.
Available: Available Now
Reaching its second anniversary earlier this year and recently surpassing 30 million downloads worldwide, FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS is a full-scale FINAL FANTASY adventure made for mobile devices. Fusing together the epic features of all FINAL FANTASY titles, including a captivating story and a classic turn-based battle system with a simplified mobile interface and pixel art style, FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS is an adventure appealing to both newcomers and long-term fans alike.

FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION 
Platform: STEAM, Origin, Windows 10
Developer: Square Enix
ESRB: T (Teen)
Available: Now
FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION brings ultimate 4K quality to the acclaimed RPG along with add-on content and new features. Join Prince Noctis and his closest friends as they fight against the empire in an effort to reclaim their fallen kingdom. Players can now enjoy the FINAL FANTASY XV base game, all season pass content, all-new side quests and enemies, and more.

KINGDOM HEARTS III
Platform: Xbox One and PlayStation®4 system
Developer: Square Enix
ESRB: Rating Pending
Available: January 29, 2019
In the upcoming action RPG, KINGDOM HEARTS III, players can join forces with Donald Duck and Goofy for the adventure of a lifetime traveling across worlds based on beloved films like Disney•Pixar’sToy Story, and Monsters, Inc., and Walt Disney Studios’ Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Hero 6, Tangled, Frozen and more. Attendees will be able to experience a boss battle against the Rock Titan from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Hercules and uncover the Toy Box world from Toy Story alongside Woody and Buzz.
 

LIFE IS STRANGE 2
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation®4 system, Windows PC
Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
ESRB: Rating Pending
Available: September 27, 2018
The award-winning LIFE IS STRANGE series continues with an incredible new 5-episode story from original developers, DONTNOD Entertainment. Experience an all-new journey into the LIFE IS STRANGE universe, a diverse world of storytelling that will solidify the franchise as a source of immersive narrative adventures for years to come.

MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY 
Platform: iOS, Android and STEAM
Developer: Square Enix
ESRB: T (Teen)
Available: Now Available
MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY is an all-original FINAL FANTASY RPG game custom-tailored for mobile platforms, featuring in-depth character customization, ongoing live events, and HD graphics that push the boundaries of the mobile platform. The story centers around a man who wakes up in a world called Palamecia with no memories of his past, tasked with bringing hope to the world by unraveling a mysterious prophecy around the legendary warrior of light. Played by well over 10 million players worldwide, the game was created by an all-star development team including producer Yoshinori Kitase and writer Kazushige Nojima.

SHADOW OF THE TOMB RAIDER
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation®4 system, Windows PC
Developer: Eidos-Montréal™
ESRB: Rating Pending
Available: September 14, 2018
Experience Lara Croft’s defining moment as she becomes the Tomb Raider. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Lara must master a deadly jungle, overcome terrifying tombs, and persevere through her darkest hour. As she races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, Lara will ultimately be forged into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.

STAR OCEAN: ANAMNESIS 
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: tri-Ace
ESRB: M (Mature)
Available: Now Available
A brand new journey in the popular sci-fi STAR OCEAN series, STAR OCEAN: ANAMNESIS, the mobile action RPG, puts players in the captain’s chair as they lead a squad of heroes across the galaxy. With fast-paced real-time combat, gorgeous 3D graphics, and a brand new co-op multiplayer mode, players have the freedom to build endless strategic and iconic teams with returning all-star characters from the beloved series.

THE QUIET MAN
Platform: PlayStation®4 system, STEAM
Developer: Human Head Studios
ESRB: M (Mature)
Available: TBD
THE QUIET MAN takes players beyond sound and words to deliver an immersive story-driven cinematic action experience, which players can complete in one sitting, seamlessly blending high-production live action, realistic CG and pulse-pounding action gameplay. The story unravels across a single night with the player taking the role of deaf protagonist, Dane. He fights through a “soundless” world to discover the reason behind the kidnapping of songstress Lala.

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Nintendo Switch: Is Nintendo Power... back?!

Are you going to be playing with Nintendo Power at launch, wait more games, a price drop or pass?

Questions... questions!

The Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017... wasn't as up to snuff as some Nintendo Direct presentations, but it was quite enjoyable. I didn't go in with any expectations, but Nintendo ridding itself of the region locking was smart (about damn time)... because all you do is take a steaming hot crap on the sales that a game might of received (by taking away options).

I didn't see anything around an achievement system, but they were just covering the overall hardware and game software. I do hope there is an achievement system though, a lot of games receive replays (by many gamers) because there are achievements there that they want to obtain. If it adds to an overall achievement score, that's a badge of honor... because your skills are spoken for.

There wasn't a ton of games, but Super Mario Odyssey... is one of the titles that I must get my hands on. I saw some games that were yesterdays news, but i'm glad they didn't take those and put them smack dab at the forefront like they are must haves for a new console. One that may get a pass is Skyrim... but the truth is in the sales (ultimately).

Super Mario Odyssey should've been a launch title for the switch... just like Super Mario 3D World should've been a launch title for the Wii U, but they are lining themselves up for the next Holiday season (which I don't want to think of right now, time is flying).

Outside of the holiday itself... Super Mario Odyssey looks freaking awesome and... that... I look forward too. Here are some images for your viewing pleasure.

One of the biggest questions I have about this game is... "How big is the world?". - Blu

Where ever Mario is... Bowser isn't far behind. GWAHAHAHA!!! - RkRk

Thinking about the launch date of the Nintendo Switch, it lands in a place... that's (hmmm) a bit interesting. A launch right after the holiday's misses the... holiday shoppers, and some gamer's are still working on building those saving back up in the new year. Take a look at the North American launch dates for Nintendo handhelds and home consoles below, while it's not spot on... the Nintendo Switch's launch date isn't that far off from the 3DS. If developers begin releasing games for the console before and after the E3 2017 window... it could nab gamers that are full of the... E3 spirit. :p

Wii U | November 18, 2012
3DS | February 26, 2011
Wii | November 19, 2006
DS | November 21, 2004
Gamecube | November 18, 2001
Gameboy Advance | June 11, 2001
Gameboy Color | October 21, 1998
N64 | September 29, 1996
Virtual boy | August 16, 1995
SNES | November 21, 1990
Gameboy | July 31, 1989
NES | October 18, 1985

This is minimalist friendly, no TV needed. - Yang

I wonder what the feel will be like... in hand. - Blu

About damn time we can play Nintendo's console games in handheld form, but I wish it was a phone so the only fee would be the phone service. - Luis D. Lucha

Now that you mention it... I wonder how well this would run connected to my phone's

internet sharing. If it works well, that would be online gaming on the go for this home & 

portable hybrid. - Blu

How durable is the screen? - Yang

It had better be durable. - Blu

They will probably give us custom wallpaper options like the 3DS. - RkRk

It would be dumb if they didn't or didn't give us the option to change it ourselves. - Luis D. Lucha

Nintendo's taking you into a world of arena style battles via a game simply titled... ARMS. This game delivers motion controlled action that feels like an updated and even more action packed version of Wii Sports Boxing. You use the Joy-Con controllers to control your fighter and knuckle up to take down your opponent with precision... or crossed fingers if your aim isn't that good. Seems like it could be fun... for awhile, but I hope there is depth that makes this title well worth the $60 price tag. I want a fantastic single player campaign and I also want to be able to play ARMS without flailing mine around.

I don't want to sound like a hater, but will it hold up? It's pretty and all but I hope it isn't motion controlled only. Please Nintendo, i'm a lazy gamer. - Luis D. Lucha

Another exclusive title that "seems" more like a gimmicky experience for the console is... 1, 2, Switch. You don't need the screen to play this game... you use the left and right sides of the Joy-Con controller. I can't write it off as a game that no one will be interested in, its just not one of the games that catches my interest... but the variety is good.

Splatoon 2 is... almost a given, and as you see (whether Nintendo wants to admit it or not)... they listened to us. This second installment will be released in the summer time (go back and take a look at the post for the 1st installment of Splatoon). I mentioned then that I feel its one of those games that's perfect for summertime and gaming the days away with friends. You can kick back after a day at the beach, a BBQ or around the pool with potential friends as you create new memories on the battlefield.

YES! Just... YES! - RkRk

Project Octopath Traveler captured my interest the most. I like the feel. - Yang

I've said this before and i'll say it again, a Nintendo portable console with steam similar to the 3DS (and hopefully better)... should keep the doors of interest wide open when it comes to developers seeking to get new games to an audience that makes the development worth their while financially.

If titles remain consistent when it comes to 1st and 3rd party, we will really be playing with Nintendo Power.

Now lets get to other games I want to see on the Nintendo Switch: I want an 8-player Monster Hunter, a new Phantasy Star Online, a great FPS adventure bringing Metroid back in mind blowing fashion, Shenmue 1 + 2 & 3... and other good time games that I can kick back and enjoy. Being portable allows for a little more time to be invested in playing when i'm away from home or the office. So that's why i'm even more interested in certain games being released on this (portable) console.

Get the Nintendo Switch... here!