Square Enix

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.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R, the remake of the 1998 classic RPG, is now available worldwide both physically and digitally on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

In Star Ocean: The Second Story, the story begins with Claude, a Federation officer, who finds himself transported to an undeveloped planet. While searching for a way home, an encounter with a girl named Rena draws them into a quest to save her people, just as an ancient prophecy foretold. Players will begin their adventure with either Claude or Rena, and depending on their choice, the perspectives and the allies' players recruit will change. Players will get to know party members through the unique ‘Private Actions System’, which will allow them to grow relationships and unlock a variety of different endings.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a 2.5 remake developed by Gemdrops featuring a rearranged soundtrack, new difficulty settings, numerous quality-of-life improvements and more.

If you never heard of this game, you can try the demo where you can play the first three hours of the game. You can import your save to the full game. Below you can watch the launch trailer.