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Square Enix

During the latest Nintendo Direct Square Enix has revealed a new trailer for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and the release date. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was announced during the the Dragon Quest 35th anniversary livestream back in 2021.

Dragon Quest III, which was first released in 1988 on the Famicom, is chronologically the first game of The Erdrick Trilogy. The remake features HD-2D graphics (like Octopath Traveler), new and modernized features and a refined narrative.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake will be released on 14 November 2024 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S and PC (via Steam or Windows Store).

Square Enix also added a surprise announcement at the end. The first two games of the Dragon Quest series will also receive the HD-2D Remake treatment and they will be released in 2025.

Dragon Quest I, II and III HD-2D artwork

Kingdom Hearts

Square Enix has announced that the Kingdom Hearts series is coming to Steam on 13 June 2024. This makes the PC versions of the Kingdom Hearts games no longer exclusive to Epic Games.

The Kingdom Hearts series consist of 3 collections: Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC). New to the Steam version of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX collection are textural updates to its graphics. Users who purchase Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC)) will also receive the new platform exclusive Keyblade “Dead of Night.”

“By bringing the Kingdom Hearts series to Steam, we’re excited to welcome in new fans to the series by making it more accessible than ever before.On behalf of the entire Kingdom Hearts team, I’d like to share our excitement for so many new players to discover and enjoy the action, magic, and friendship of Kingdom Hearts through Steam. Of course, we’re also excited for longtime fans to re-experience these classics in a new way.”

Ichiro Hazama, KINGDOM HEARTS Series Producer

Kingdom Hearts collection

A full list of Kingdom Hearts titles coming to the Steam is as follows:

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX

  • Kingdom Hearts FINAL MIX
  • Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
  • Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics)
  • Kingdom Hearts II FINAL MIX
  • Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX
  • Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (HD Remastered cinematics)

Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue

  • Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD
  • Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage–
  • Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover (movie)

Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC)

Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece (includes all of the above compilations)

You can wishlist the collections on Steam. Square Enix also released an announcement trailer, featuring the newly re-recorded single “Simple And Clean” from Hikaru Utada, which you can watch below.

Square Enix

Recently Square Enix has released a new game in the SaGa series, SaGa Emerald Beyond, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC and Apple iOS and Android devices.

SaGa Emerald Beyond brings together the core combat and free-form scenario elements of the RPG franchise to deliver the ultimate SaGa experience to fans and newcomers alike. Players can look forward to deeply strategic combat, diverse characters with thrilling backstories, an evolving choice-driven narrative and much more. The latest title in the SaGa franchise sees the return of legendary series icons including SaGa creator Akitoshi Kawazu, composer Kenji Ito and illustrator Satoshi Kuramochi, who have taken what fans of the series love and built it into a game that returning and new fans alike can enjoy.

SaGa Emerald Beyond key art

“2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the SaGa series. It also marks the first time we’ve been able to release a new SaGa title simultaneously worldwide. Without our fans, this would not have been possible. SaGa Emerald Beyond is the product of 35 years’ worth of innovation, experimentation, and a personal desire to examine what makes an RPG an RPG.  For our longtime fans, I hope you enjoy the ongoing innovations and callbacks to previous SaGa titles. I also invite newcomers to accept the offer of the emerald vision and embark on a new adventure. I hope everyone who picks up this title has an unforgettable experience with it.”

Akitoshi Kawazu, SaGa Series General Director

“As a longtime SaGa fan who now has the honor of working on this franchise, I couldn’t be prouder to present SaGa Emerald Beyond to the players. The things that made me fall for the SaGa franchise are all present in this title, from the free-form scenario system to the challenging strategic combat to the diverse and intriguing characters. Of course, one can’t forget about composer Kenji Ito’s incredible contributions as well. I’m also proud to say that we’ve taken steps to welcome in newcomers with the game’s emerald waves, which are key to the overall story and will guide players on their journey. I hope that through SaGa Emerald Beyond, players will be able to feel the team’s passion and love for the franchise that has kept the series going strong for 35 years.”

Masanori Ichikawa, SaGa Series Producer

If you interested in the game, you can still download the platform-exclusive demo's for PlayStation 4 / 5, Nintendo Switch and PC. You can transfer the progress of the demo to the full game.

Grandia

After the release of the Grandia HD Collection on Nintendo Switch and PC in 2019, the collection is now also available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This version will be compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, respectively.

Grandia HD Collection contains the first Grandia (Grandia HD Remaster) and Grandia II (Grandia II HD Remaster) with several new features listed below.

Grandia follows a young boy named Justin who dreams of becoming a great adventurer and uncovers a grand secret within the ancient Dom Ruins. Justin meets other adventurers who join him throughout his journey, and together they discover what lies beyond the End of the World.

Grandia HD Remaster features:

  • Enhanced details to UI, sprites, and texture art
  • Original cinematic videos receiving visual enhancements
  • Widescreen support and customizable resolutions
  • Trophies and Achievements
  • Audio: Japanese and English
  • Language Support: English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified and traditional)

Grandia II occurs eons after the battle of Good & Evil between the gods Granas and Valmar. The young mercenary Ryudo is tasked with protecting the acolyte Elena, a job that turns into a journey to protect the world from never-ending darkness.

Grandia II HD Remaster features:

  • Enhanced details to UI, sprites, and texture art
  • Original cinematic videos receiving visual enhancements
  • Widescreen support and customizable resolutions
  • Trophies and Achievements
  • Audio: Japanese and English
  • Language Support: English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified and traditional)

Grandia has been developed by Game Arts (Thexder, Sylpheed, and Lunar) and released on the Sega Saturn back in 1997 in Japan only. In 1999 the game was ported to the PlayStation and was also released in North America by Sony and in Europe by Ubisoft (in 2000). Grandia II was first released on the Dreamcast in 2000 and has been ported to the PlayStation 2 and PC in 2002. In 2015 the Grandia II Anniversary Edition was released on Steam and GOG. That version was renamed to Grandia II HD Remaster in 2019.

Grandia HD Collection is now available for download in the PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store. A physical version is available for pre-order in partnership with Limited Run Games until 14 April 2024.

Grandia HD Collection Limited Run Games PlayStation 4 version

Square Enix

During PAX East 2024, Square Enix has announced that the upcoming DLC for Final Fantasy XVI, The Rising Tide, will be released on 18 April 2024 on PlayStation 5.

The Rising Tide unlocks an all-new story, battles, sidequests, weapons, accessories, level cap and more, adding a new depth to Clive’s journey before the exciting conclusion of Final Fantasy XVI. In The Rising Tide, an unmarked letter arrives to Clive at the hideaway containing a request to rescue the Dominant of Leviathan the Lost. This new DLC takes Clive and his companions to the hidden land of Mysidia to uncover the tragic history of a forgotten people.

On the same date a free update (Version 1.30) will be available. This update will add quality of life improvements for the game, including:

  • Return to a quest giver immediately with the new “Quick Complete” function
  • Icon updates for important character quests
  • A new Skill Set feature which allows players to save up to 5 unique Feat and Ability sets
  • Abilities and Accessories adjusted for easier use
  • New “Custom” controller type allows for freely customizable button layouts
  • Tone correction, screen effects, and more added to Photo Mode
  • Numerous new orchestrion rolls added
Final Fantasy XIV

Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XIV will be available for Xbox Series X/S on 21 March 2024. The Final Fantasy XIV Starter Edition (which includes A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, and Stormblood) will be available for free as an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perk for a limited time.

Currently an open beta is in progress which is only available for new players who will be playing Final Fantasy XIV for the first time.

Final Fantasy XIV is an MMORPG and was released back in 2010. However the original version was badly received and resulted in a change of development team. In 2013 Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (first known as Final Fantasy XIV: Version 2.0) was released. Later four major expansion packs have been released: Heavensward (2015), Stormblood (2017), Shadowbringers (2019), and Endwalker (2021). A fifth expansion pack, Dawntrail, is to be released in Summer 2024.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Almost 4 years after part one of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy was released, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is now available worldwide for the PlayStation 5.

In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, players take on the role of mercenary Cloud Strife and his comrades as they pursue legendary swordsman Sephiroth, a haunting figure from Cloud’s past bent on ruling the planet, across a vast and vibrant world rife with danger, adventure, joy and uncertainty. These unlikely heroes, including beloved, iconic characters Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Red XIII, join forces with new companions like the spirited ninja operative Yuffie and the wisecracking, feline-shaped robot Cait Sith. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers an unforgettable experience to players filled with unexpected twists, memorable characters and jaw-dropping set pieces that longtime fans and newcomers can both enjoy.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth keyart

“As the director of the original Final Fantasy VII, I feel very proud that we were able to introduce a whole new generation to role-playing games and show so many newcomers a wider world of storytelling. Today, I’m filled with the same sense of pride when I look at what our development team has accomplished with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This adventure offers rich rewards to longtime fans while welcoming in newcomers to begin their Final Fantasy adventure here and experience a similar sense of wonder as they would have felt in 1997. I hope that both fans and those who have never played Final Fantasy before will enjoy this game.”

-Yoshinori Kitase, Producer

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a labor of love and our tribute to adventure – a massive world of compelling stories and our most ambitious game to date. Like those who first brought us the original Final Fantasy VII, we’ve reached for something that was never possible before today’s technology: a deeper portrayal of our main cast of friends, comrades and people of the Planet. By combining their powers in battle and strengthening their bonds through your choices, we hope you feel a powerful, connection with these characters and the world they inhabit.”

-Naoki Hamaguchi, Director

“For many years, I wondered what a remake of Final Fantasy VII could look like. Above all else, I felt we would need to do justice to the characters and story that had become so beloved by fans around the world. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers on this vision and vastly expands upon the original title not only in the size of its world, but in the quiet moments shared by party members, where warmth, joy, sorrow and tenderness can be found. As they press on and forge deeper bonds en route to their ultimate fate, I hope you will open your heart to feel these feelings alongside them. As the second title in a trilogy, we’ve enjoyed hearing our fans’ feedback from the previous title and incorporating elements into Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for a truly breathtaking follow-up. Thank you for playing our vision for a remake, in which the past is honored by the possibilities of the present to reimagine a story for future generations.”

-Tetsuya Nomura, Creative Director

You can watch the release trailer below.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

At the end of the special State of Play, dedicated to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Square Enix has announced that the demo is now available to play.

The demo is split in two parts. Part one, "Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim", which is now available to play, features an extended flashback section of the Nibelheim incident that takes place five years ago prior to the setting of the game.

After players complete "Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim", part two, “Dawn of a New Era in Junon.”, will be released on 21 February. This part let you explore a small area around Junon.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be released on 29 February 2024 on PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo

Square Enix

Square Enix has revealed a new trailer of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth entitled Destined for Rebirth. In addition to the video several new screenshots and renders for in-game characters and locale were also revealed.

The trailer, which is only one minute long, shows footage from the area's you visit and new gameplay.

Also new key art was released of Cait Sith and Yuffie that are new versions from the original that was released with Final Fantasy VII in 1997.

Yuffie - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Cait Sith - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be released on 29 February 2024 exclusively on PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive.

Hell and Heaven Net

I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2024!

When a look back at the year 2023 it was the year Final Fantasy XVI was released, the 16th main entry in the Final Fantasy series. The game received good reviews, but did not meet Square Enix's expectations in terms of sales figures. The game got several updates and recently the first paid downloadable content was released.

Happy Holidays!Another game that was released this year was Forspoken (titled Project Athia during development). The game did not receive good reviews causing Luminous Productions, the developer, to be disbanded.

Other games that came out this year are Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, Octopath Traveler II, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai – Infinity Strash, Star Ocean: The Second Story R (the remake to Star Ocean: The Second Story released in 1998) and Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince.

What will 2024 bring us? Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, the second game (of 3 parts) in the Final Fantasy VII remake project will be up first with the release on 29 February. Other games that will be released are SaGa: Emerald Beyond and the recently announced Visions of Mana. Maybe we'll hear something about Kingdom Hearts IV, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and Dragon Quest XII.

What about Hell and Heaven Net in 2024? Drupal, the system Hell and Heaven Net is running on, needs to be upgraded. I didn't had the time for it. If you want to support me, please let me know.

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