Tag: Square Enix
News Final Fantasy 7 Remake Producer Says Narrative Changes 'Necessary' to Keep Players Interested
Be careful what you wish for
Final Fantasy VII Remake really could have gone either way, looking back. Remaking a game as iconic and important as the original Final Fantasy VII was no small feat, but thankfully Square Enix delivered the goods, and we got the outrageous Honey Bee Inn dance scene we deserved. As anyone who played through to the end...
News Actress Ella Balinska Has Seen Your PS5 Forspoken Memes, And She Ain't Fussed
Frey to go, girl
Forspoken isn’t the first game in video game history to have dodgy dialogue, and it certainly won’t be the last – but for some reason, it’s become the victim of a social media backlash, with no shortage of out-of-context clips shared online to ridicule lead character Frey. Actress Ella Balinska – who plays the character...
For the use of prohibited third-party mods
The Final Fantasy XIV raid scene has been rocked by controversy (again) following the revelation that the Japanese raid team that was World's First to clear The Omega Protocol (Ultimate) did so with the aid of third-party mods. The Omega Protocol is a super-challenging raid encounter added in patch 6.31...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Forspoken?
Spell it out
Well, this should be interesting! The time has come to have your say on Forspoken, the Square Enix action RPG that released on PS5 last week. It's more than fair to say that this open world adventure has divided opinion. It was met with mostly lukewarm reviews, and if we're being brutally honest, it feels like the game's already been...
News Scrub Guard Scorpion Clean in Final Fantasy 7-Themed PowerWash Simulator DLC
SCRUBBER 1st Class
In the crossover we didn't know we needed until literally right now, the profoundly satisfying PowerWash Simulator is getting free Final Fantasy VII-themed DLC in the form of the "Midgar Special Pack" We don't have a release date just yet, but we did get an idea of some of the filthy locations and objects we will be tasked with...
News Theatrythm: Final Bar Line Rocks Out Free Demo Launching 1st February
Bop to the beat
Theatrythm: Final Bar Line is shaping up to be the mother of all rhythm action games, boasting a record 385 bangers from across the Final Fantasy back catalogue in the standard edition alone. You can tap along to the beat with a playable demo, launching on 1st February on PS4, and progress will carry over to the full game, which...
Review Forspoken (PS5) - Messy Action RPG Is Massively Hit and Miss
It's a kind of tragic
Forspoken is one of the most hit-and-miss games we've played in a long time. For everything it does well, it fumbles something else, resulting in a fantasy adventure that's full of ups and downs. It's a game that feels a bit confused in terms of what it actually wants to be, chasing a AAA-style 'cinematic' story one minute and...
News Stranger of Paradise Producer Open to Sequel, Provided You Do the Legwork
Please be excited for more Chaos
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is kind of an odd duck. We didn't exactly love it in our review, but it resonated with some players and certainly stands out if nothing else. The jury is still out as to whether there is enough demand for a sequel, but legendary producer Tetsuya Nomura says he would be open...
Speak your mind
Forspoken is here, and it's safe to say that the game has divided opinion up until this point. Back when it was first announced, the Square Enix action RPG was billed as a PS5 showpiece, but initial reviews have been all over the spectrum. It's difficult to tell just how commercially successful Forspoken will end up being. We've...
News Forspoken Put Through Its Paces in Latest Digital Foundry PS5 Tech Test
Does it run like magic? No, it does not.
Forspoken is currently the topic de jure in core gaming circles and is, unfortunately, not exactly making headlines for the right reasons. Our own review has been delayed due to Square Enix's tardiness with the code, but we do have a first impressions piece you can check out in the meantime. But how does the...
Preview Forspoken on PS5 Feels Like a Weird Tech Demo
But it does have potential
As you may have already read, we were not sent early review code for Forspoken. This means that we won't have a full review for you to read in time for the game's launch on the 24th January. However, having spent most of the day with the PS5 action RPG, we wanted to write up some first impressions, which will hopefully...
Round Up Forspoken's Divided Reviews Make for Some Rough Reading
Speak up
The Forspoken reviews are starting to come in, and as many predicted, it's not looking great for the open world action RPG. Initial coverage is divided to say the least, with the title currently sitting at a 66 on Metacritic. Not outright bad, but certainly not the hit that Square Enix would have wanted. Generally speaking, reviewers have...
Site News Where's Our Forspoken PS5 Review?
We've just started to Push Square
Right around now, reviews of PS5 console exclusive Forspoken are hitting the web. As the world's biggest independent site dedicated to all things PlayStation, you're probably visiting Push Square to have a look at our own verdict. However, unfortunately, that won't be possible today. In fact, it probably won't be...
News Marvel's Avengers Support Officially Ends in September, Three Years After Release
No Cap
Support for Marvel's Avengers will officially end on the 30th September 2023, developer Crystal Dynamics has confirmed. The live service action game will be just three years old by then, having first launched for PS4 in September 2020. You'll be able to keep playing the game after the above date, both in solo and multiplayer, but there'll be...
News New Octopath Traveler 2 Trailer Is All About Ochette and Castti
Traveler's Tales also covered
Square Enix has uploaded another character-focused trailer for next month's Octopath Traveler II, which is mainly about Ochette the hunter and Castti, who's into apothecary. Sporting the lovely HD-2D art style, footage then changes gears to discussing Traveler's Tales, which act as side quests for the many characters in...
News Forspoken Is Leaking All Over the Place Ahead of Next Week's Release
Beforspoken
Less than a week out from its release, raw Forspoken gameplay is starting to pop up all over the place. The leaks started in the early hours of this morning, when the first 30 minutes of the action RPG appeared online, uncut and shared directly from someone's PS5. As the day's gone on, new footage has dropped on streaming sites like...
News Scrub the Tomb Raider Manor Crystal Clean in PowerWash Simulator
While the butler is locked away...
As far as crossovers go, this has to be up there with the very best. While Square Enix has sold off the Tomb Raider IP, it has still managed to secure a little linkup for PowerWash Simulator and the classic Lara Croft series. Available for free alongside the full game releasing for PS5, PS4 on 31st January 2023,...
Random Forspoken Might Have a Fight Against Autocorrect on Its Hands
'Forsaken' searches spike
Forspoken is out on PS5 next week, and as is usually the case just days before the release of any big budget title, more casual consumers are starting to show interest thanks to advertising campaigns and the like. Forspoken has a very specific problem on its hands, though, as recent Google search trends suggest that...
News Forspoken PS5 Demo to Be Updated with New Features, Bug Fixes
Apparently patch is coming today
A now-deleted Twitter post has revealed the PS5 demo for Forspoken will soon be updated with new features and fixes for bugs and glitches. Caught by ResetEra, the patch will apparently include button mapping functionality, tweaks to the lock-on system, adjustments to text size, and then fixes "various technical...
News Forspoken Will Take Up a Hefty Chunk of Your PS5 Storage Space
Must be all the particles
If you plan on picking up Forspoken when it launches later this month, keep in mind that you might have to make a fair bit of room for it on your PS5's SSD. According to the reliable PlayStation Game Size on Twitter, the action title weighs in at a rather large 87.3GB, putting it up there with some of the console's heftiest...
News Final Fantasy 16's Retail Marketing has Begun in Japan
Here we go
Good news, everyone: it's starting to look like that 22nd June release date for Final Fantasy XVI will stick. And yes, while we've totally just jinxed it, it's still exciting to see the game's marketing machine kicking into gear — particularly in Japan. As pointed out by @Genki_JPN on Twitter, advertising stands for Final Fantasy XVI...
News Forspoken Continues to Divide Opinion Following PS5 Demo
Latest trailer gets the dislike treatment
It doesn't take a genius to see that Forspoken might be in for a bit of a rocky launch later this month. The Square Enix action RPG has most certainly had its ups and downs when it comes to marketing, and following the release of a playable demo on PS5 in December last year, opinions appear to be more...
News Frey Faces Her Fears in Flashy Forspoken PS5 Cinematic Trailer
Fight or flight
You're no doubt aware, but the release schedule for 2023 is already getting busy. Among many other notable and interesting games launching in January, Square Enix is on the cusp of releasing Forspoken, its big new action RPG. With the game just a few weeks away, the publisher has put out a brand new trailer to get us all hyped up...
News Cult Hit PowerWash Simulator Cleans Up on PS5, PS4 Later This Month
Sparkling new release date confirmed
PowerWash Simulator is an oddity that really resonated with a lot of people last year, so we're pleased it's finally heading to PlayStation. Announced for Sony's platforms towards the end of 2022, no release date was attached, with the job sim left hanging with a "coming soon". However, publisher Square Enix...
News Big Final Fantasy Announcement Teased for 2023, Unrelated to Final Fantasy 7
A huge year for fans
Final Fantasy veteran Yoshinori Kitase has said that a "big announcement" is coming in 2023 — and it isn't related to the ongoing Final Fantasy VII saga. Kitase is currently working on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth as the game's producer, which makes his teasing especially interesting. "Rest assured we're working hard to make sure...
News Square Enix Commits to Business Consolidation in 2023 as Sony Buyout Rumours Start Again
We've heard this one before
Square Enix is placing a heavy focus on the consolidation of its business in 2023, according to a newsletter from president Yosuke Matsuda. The Japanese publisher has a busy year ahead, with a lot riding on the likes of Final Fantasy XVI, the continued evolution of Final Fantasy XIV, and maybe even Final Fantasy VII...
News Final Fantasy 16 Is Already Hyping Up a Huge Year
Still on track for June
22nd June, 2023. That's the big day for Final Fantasy fans in the year ahead, as Final Fantasy XVI remains locked in to its summer release date. We've got close to seven months before it arrives, but Square Enix is wasting no time in getting the ball rolling. In a straight-to-the-point social media post, the developer...
News Final Fantasy VII Rebirth PS5 Update Coming 'When the Time Is Right'
Yoshinori Kitase reveals his ambitions for 2023
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is arguably the most anticipated PS5 game, isn’t it? Well, we suppose Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 probably just about pips it – but it’s definitely close. Any scraps of information about the sequel to Square Enix’s remake series are welcome then, and we’ve got the...
News Final Fantasy 16 Will Showcase the Power of PS5, Says Developer
Power rangers
Final Fantasy 16 looks good – in fact, it looks real good. Speaking during a livestream, in the aftermath of the title’s recent release date trailer, producer Naoki Yoshida hinted that the console exclusive is really flexing the new-gen system’s power. He said, as translated by Genki on Twitter: “[The latest tr
News Silly Spin-Off Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Ushers a Different Future in PS5, PS4 DLC
Moogles make their first appearance
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin’s post-release content will conclude with DLC expansion Different Future on 27th January, 2023. The teaser trailer – embedded above but inexplicably age restricted by YouTube – includes a glimpse of the spin-off’s first Moogle appearance, as well as a few clips of...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion?
Welcome back
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion released on PS5 and PS4 about a week ago now, and it feels like Zack Fair has enjoyed a fairly positive return. We've seen a lot of people saying that this is their first time experiencing Crisis Core — originally a 2007 PSP title — and with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coming up next year (if it...
News Phew, Moogles Look Like Classic Moogles in Final Fantasy 16
They even sound like Moogles
Moogles have long been the mascots of Final Fantasy — well, alongside Chocobos. And Catuars. And Tonberries, kind of. Anyway, it's Moogles we're talking about today, because Square Enix has confirmed that the furry little creatures will appear in Final Fantasy XVI. As reported by Gematsu, a whole three seconds of...
News Final Fantasy 1-6 Pixel Remaster Confirmed for PS4 in Spring 2023, Separately and Bundled
Take your pixel
Square Enix has confirmed that the 'Pixel Remasters' of Final Fantasy I through VI are indeed coming to PS4, following the appearance of age ratings earlier in the week. All six remastered titles will arrive in spring 2023, and you'll be able to either buy them them separately or as one big bundle. On the publisher's store, the...
Random Crisis Core Remaster Somehow Uses a Watermarked Image Multiple Times
An actual crisis
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion may be a stellar remaster in terms of significant graphical upgrades, but players have already spotted an admittedly funny mistake. In its gathering of new assets for the re-release, Square Enix has seemingly plucked a watermarked picture for use in several of the game's locations. Said...
Poll Did You Buy Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion?
SOLDIER on
An impressive remaster of a PSP spinoff from 2007, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is out today on PS5 and PS4. Square Enix will tell you that this isn't a remake, but in truth, much of Zack Fair's updated adventure has been remade — just not in a completely new form, as is the case with something like Final Fantasy VII Remake...
News Final Fantasy 16 Collector's Edition Will Set You Back an Eye-Watering £330 / $350
Fantasy versus reality
Final Fantasy XVI finally has a release date, and you know what that means! Yep, it's time for Square Enix to unveil a very expensive Collector's Edition. This package is only going to be available through the publisher's online store — it's available to pre-order now — and you'll be paying an eye-watering £329.99 /...
Preview Forspoken PS5 Feels Like a More Magical inFAMOUS
Our impressions after four hours of play
Please note: This preview is not based on the recently released Forspoken PS5 demo. It’s based on a much bigger build played at a recent event. Sucker Punch Productions might not be interested in making a newinFAMOUS game any time soon, but Square Enix has you covered: its upcoming PS5 title Forspoken...
News Final Fantasy 1-6 Pixel Remasters Rated for PS4
About time
It looks like Square Enix's Final Fantasy 'Pixel Remaster' games are coming to PS4 in the relatively near future. The remastered series, which refreshes Final Fantasy I through VI with updated visuals, is already available on PC and mobile, having first released back in 2021. Console ports have always seemed likely, and now, ESRB age...
News Actress Ella Balinska Anchors Massive Forspoken PS5 Showcase
Frey to go
There’s no sign of the Forspoken media barrage slowing, with Square Enix and Sony unrelenting with their promotion of the release ahead of its 24th January launch. This video, anchored by Frey actress Ella Balinska, is not shy on spoilers, so if you’ve already decided to pick up the title and want to go in fresh – well, maybe give...
News Final Fantasy 16 Is Officially the First Mainline Game to Be Rated Mature, 18+
A bloody tale of vengeance
Yep, it's official: Final Fantasy XVI will be the first mainline game in the long-running RPG series to be rated M for Mature in the US, and PEGI 18+ in Europe. Now that the title can be pre-ordered following its release date announcement at The Game Awards, we know that the age ratings are going to stick (not that there...
News Final Fantasy XVI Has a Dog Party Member Who You Can Command in Battle
Get 'em, Torgal
Final Fantasy XVI may not have party members in the more traditional sense, but playable character Clive can be joined in battle by certain allies throughout his adventures. It sounds like his humanoid teammates will come and go depending on the story, but one trusty companion will be by his side more often than not, apparently...
News Final Fantasy 16 Summons June 2023 Release Date, Another Superb Trailer
Finally
Well, we finally got it: the Final Fantasy XVI release date is here. The 22nd June, 2023 is the date to mark on your calendar, putting it just weeks behind the likes of Street Fighter 6 and Diablo 4. Next summer is officially taking the p*ss. Anyway, Final Fantasy XVI continues to look like a potential stunner. This new trailer's got more...
News Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake News Could Be Coming 'Soon'
Finally!
The awkwardly named Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was announced back in May 2021 at a dedicated Dragon Quest event, and we've seen absolutely nothing of the project since. Its reveal trailer looked fantastic, with the reworked visuals breathing a whole new kind of life into the classic RPG, and so we've been patiently waiting on more news...
News Forspoken PS5 Demo Appears Ready for Release
PlayStation Japan tweets about it
Square Enix is ready to release a PS5 demo for Forspoken according to a now-deleted post from the official PlayStation Japan Twitter account. The text "demo announcement trailer" could very clearly be seen in the tweet, with official news of the pre-release tester expected at The Game Awards tonight. Alongside the...
News Square Enix Will Debut 11 Minutes of Forspoken PS5 Gameplay on Friday
More from the PS5 console exclusive
A Forspoken livestream featuring new gameplay footage has been revealed for this Friday, 9th December 2022. Lasting 11 minutes, proceedings begin at 6pm GMT /10am PT / 1pm ET on the official PlayStation YouTube channel. The PS5 console exclusive is currently slated to release on 24th January 2023. You can catch...
News Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII's PSP to PS5 Glow Up Is Outrageous
Fair play
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII was a stunning PSP game when it first released on Sony’s handheld in 2007, but Square Enix has done an absolutely outstanding job remastering the release for PS5. While you’d expect a bump in quality on a cutting-edge new-gen console, you’ve got to respect how the company has upgraded virtually every...
Review Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion (PS5) - A Fantastic Remaster of a Fun But Flawed RPG
That's Fair enough
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a PSP exclusive spinoff from 2007 that's often remembered fondly through the tinted goggles of nostalgia. In truth, the original Crisis Core was a messy game when it first released, and it's only gotten worse with age. Much like Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, the animated film that flanked...
News PowerWash Simulator Provides More Details on PS5, PS4 Versions Early Next Year
Hang in there
Back in September, we learned the cult-hit game PowerWash Simulator will indeed be coming to PS5 and PS4. However, the announcement stopped short of telling us exactly when we could join the fun. While we're still none the wiser, it looks like developer FuturLab is planning for a big update soon. In a statement on social media, the...
News Final Fantasy 16 Director Hosts 'Very Special' Live Presentation at The Game Awards
Release date incoming?
Well, it's all but confirmed now: Final Fantasy XVI is almost certainly going to be a headline act at The Game Awards next week. The fast-approaching event has confirmed that celebrated director Naoki Yoshida will be a guest host during the show, where he'll present a "very special live presentation". Rumours of Final...
News Final Fantasy 16 Given Brazilian Age Rating Amid Release Date Rumours
News could be just around the corner
Final Fantasy XVI has been handed a Brazilian age rating as speculation swirls of a release date announcement at The Game Awards next week. The JRPG has been deemed "not recommended for children under 16" due to "sexual content, sensitive issues, and violence". With the release window currently set for summer...
