Square Enix

During the Xbox Games Showcase at Tokyo Game Show 2024 Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Legend of Mana and Trails of Mana are now available digitally on Xbox Series X/S.

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster
The Final Fantasy pixel remaster series comprises Final Fantasy I through Final Fantasy VI, bringing all the magic of the originals combined with quality-of-life upgrades while staying faithful to the retro design of these classic masterpieces. In the Final Fantasy pixel remaster series, features that were implemented in the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam versions, will also be available for the Xbox platforms. Players will have the option to switch between the rearranged and original-based soundtrack for the game, as well as a choice of in-game fonts where players can opt to play using the game’s default font or a pixel-based font. Additional boost features to expand gameplay options, including switching off random encounters and adjusting experience gained multipliers between 0 and 4 will also be available for the Xbox players.

Legend of Mana
Legend of Mana is the remastered edition of the fourth installment in the Mana series. In Legend of Mana, players will embark on a journey to find the mystical Mana Tree seen in a dream, only to discover that the world map is empty. Throughout their adventure, players will acquire special artifacts, which can be placed on the map to bring towns and dungeons to life via the unique Land Creation system. Legend of Mana features remastered visuals and rearranged soundtrack, which can be switched with original soundtrack. The game also includes the feature to turn off enemy encounters and the ‘Ring Ring Land’ mini game, which helps to strengthen pet monsters. During their travels, players will encounter a colorful cast of characters, square off against fearsome monsters in real-time combat and explore the vast world of Fa’Diel, all while experiencing Legend of Mana’s timeless story.

Trials of Mana
Originally released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 3 in 1995, Trials of Mana is a full, high-definition remake of the third entry in the classic Mana series. The game immerses players in an unforgettable adventure filled with exciting gameplay, memorable heroes and villains. Players will craft varying experiences by selecting a party of three from six unique characters as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime, upgrading their characters’ classes into more powerful forms, learning over 300 different abilities, and discovering a world of secrets and mysteries to explore.

Square Enix has released a playable demo of the upcoming action RPG Visions of Mana, the first mainline entry to the Mana series in more than 15 years.

In the demo, players will embark on a journey that begins partway through Chapter 1, starting at Rime Falls and continuing into different areas, including the Fallow Steppe and Rhata Harbor. Those up for the challenge can also take on the chapter’s final boss, the Kraken. Players can join up with three party members, Val, Careena and Morley, and experiment with the Wind and Moon classes to enhance their demo experience.

Although save data from the demo cannot be carried over to the full game, as the content has been altered for a more satisfying experience, players with save data from the demo and who purchase Visions of Mana will receive three weapons for Val, including the Gladius, Falx and Horn Lance, by starting their playthrough of the full game and proceeding as far as Chapter 1.

Visions of Mana will be released on 29 August 2024 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam. You can watch the demo announce trailer here.

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.

“2024 marks the 35^th 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.

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.

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