Tag Archives: Square Enix

Commercial captures the joy of gamers and the games that made them

Posted on by
VISIONS of MANA Official Site

For those who have shared a long-time relationship with video games will undoubtedly understand the emotion that is conveyed in the latest commercial for the upcoming Seiken Densetsu VISIONS of MANA.

EDITORIAL

The times may change, but our fond memories of the past remain unwavering. Although the past may hold both happy and unhappy memories, those regarding our childhood past times often remains part of our lives into adulthood and beyond. Some may find these things nothing more than a flight of fancy or indulging our inner child, but to others it means so much more.

It’s these long-standing video game franchises that give us gamers something to look forward to, something to get excited about, not just because it’s a new game to play after work or school, but because it encapsulates our so much more than a few hours in our past. Those moments are what made us and continue to shape us into the coming future.

We remember the desperate yet hopeful trek up Death’s Peak in Chrono Trigger in the attempt to turn back time, we rejoiced at the sudden appearance of a familiar face who joined our team in the sequel Chrono Cross, and still to this day over 25 years later, we wonder if there will ever be another installment in the franchise. That’s why we’re always filled with joy and wonder whenever a new game is announced in a series that we’ve loved for so long.

This new advertisement captures the feeling that so many of us feel about our most treasured games.

The advertisement takes a look back at the original releases of what’s commonly known as the Seiken or Mana series, originally by Square, now Square Enix. Beginning in 1991 with the release of Seiken Densetsu on the Nintendo Game Boy, which had its name changed to Final Fantasy Adventure in the West, the series continued in quick succession with Seiken Densetsu II in 1993 and Seiken Densetsu III in 1995. The series has seen multiple releases ever since.

VISIONS of MANA is due out this summer for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and Steam. Stay tuned for further updates!

▶︎ Related Links

Pre-orders open for a BRING ARTS figure of Bart from Xenogears

Posted on by


Square Enix is still teasing us Xenogears fans with all this new merch… Does this bode something else is possible in the works as well…? Like a remaster of the original game or something? That would be absolutely AMAZING!!

Square Enix just announced that pre-orders for the new Bart BRING ARTS figure are now open through its official release later in August. Check out the details below!

▶︎ The Details

  • Xenogears BRING ARTS – Bartholomew Fatima
  • 13,200 yen (tax included)
  • Releases August 24, 2024

Here’s a translation of the description from the product page on SQEX’s e-STORE site:

Introducing the new BRING ARTS figure of Bartholomew Fatima from Xenogears! Bart, the fearless leader of the Sand Pirates and successor of the Fatima Dynasty, comes to life with intricate details in this figure.

Bart’s courageous visage, adorned with his trademark golden braid, an eyepatch over his left eye, and a slender yet muscular physique, is faithfully recreated in this figure. Noteworthy features include a highly detailed jacket, waist belt, and fancy boots.

Posability is a key feature, as his arms can be swapped out for folded arms or other posable options, and his braid can be positioned to either hang in front or cascade behind him.

Included with the figure are interchangeable faces and hands, along with two bendable whips for both hands and an additional whip that can be attached to the waist. These accessories allow for a variety of dynamic poses and movements, enhancing the overall display and collectible experience.

square enix e-store

There are also a bunch of other amazing items that are currently available from the game, which you can find more info in a recent post that I had made here.

Square Enix drops final trailer prior to Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH release

Posted on by

Well, Square Enix surprised us again with one more final trailer for the highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH. We’ll have a brief look at some interesting things that were shown. Also, beware of spoilers. There’s really nothing spoiler worthy here, but just incase you’d rather go in absolutely blind, maybe skip this one.

First, let’s start with watching the trailer! Choose your pic of languages below:

▶︎ Japanese Trailer

▶︎ English Trailer

So, now that you’ve seen the trailer, let’s pick up a couple interesting pics and discuss them!

▶︎ Barret the Sailor Returns!

Many fans were wondering if they might recreate this moment when Barret is dressed in a white sailor’s outfit. You can all rest easy now because he’s back!

▶︎ Lots of Cloud Angst

We see many moments of Sephiroth antagonizing Cloud, who is very much in a mentally unstable condition.

▲ Sephiroth: “Bring me the Black Materia.”

▲ This sequence really has me worried for Cloud because it really seems like Sephiroth is playing his usual mind games…and is winning. I sort of get the feeling that Sephiroth isn’t necessarily there physically in this scene and is probably a manifestation in Cloud’s mind as he’s trying to keep himself together. This might be the moment where Cloud loses control.

Which leads me to the next curious thing…

▶︎ Cloud attacks Tifa??

▲ So, I think we know how Tifa falls… Cloud does it while he’s incompacitated and doesn’t know what is real or just Genova playing tricks on him. Tifa’s lines here are also super sad.

What I find super curious with Cloud throughout the trailer is that… his eyes seem weird to me, like they’re a weird color or the lines in his iris seems odd. The color also seems to be off, like they’re way more blue than they should be. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just me.

▶︎ Zack & Aerith = Zerith

▲ Zack says to Aerith: “I’m back.” – but back from where exactly…?
　 I feel like the Claerith folks aren’t going to like this game very much… haha

▶︎ Holy smokes, Rufus!

▲ They really didn’t need to make Rufus this amazingly hot looking…
　 They didn’t need to, but they certainly did!

▲ Who is this mysterious hooded man with facial hair…?

▶︎ Aerith and the White Materia

▲ Here we get a really great glimpse of Aerith’s White Materia that will supposedly save the world. What’s curious here is that the lines in Japanese and English differ quite a bit.

  • Japanese: これ。持ってて。このマテリアがきっと世界を救う。
    　　　　　 (Here. Take it. This Materia will surely save the world.)
  • English: 　Here. Take it. This isn’t about me, though. It’s about saving the worldーand you.

In the original Japanese, Aerith doesn’t mention anything about herself or saving Cloud… just that the White Materia will be the key to saving the world. It’s kinda interesting that she apparently gives Cloud the White Materia while they’re in the church… I don’t recall Aerith giving it to him at all in the original game. I don’t think we even knew that she had it until “that moment.”

▶︎ Battle against the one-winged angel…

▲ Whatever sequence this is looks amazing. Cloud looks absolutely pristine here, so maybe it’s closer to the end battle…?

There’s still a ton of other interesting things in the trailer, but these were the main points that I wanted to showcase here.

So, what did you think? More hyped for the release in about three weeks…?

Oh! And they also released a demo for the game as well, so definitely check that out and don’t forget to play through Intergrade if you haven’t yet to get the Ramah materia!

The Ultimate “Xenogears” Model Kit

Posted on by

I may not be a model kit fanatic, but if I need to have just one pristine kit made for me (because I have no talent or ability to do it myself), it would be the ultimate Gear, Xenogears. Check out the detail in this thing!!

Also, Square Enix will be releasing a video by professional modeler NAOKI later tonight at 7:00pm (JST). Check it out below!

Likewise, there will be another video scheduled to go live on Saturday, February 3 at 7:00pm (JST), focusing on painting the models. In this program the voice actors for Karellen (Ryotaro Okiayu) and Yuta Kasuya.

▶︎ Related Links

Funny animation recaps the story of FF7 for newbies

Posted on by

Oh, my gosh. If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy 7 and just happen to also be a fan of Japanese Owarai, this clip that Square Enix released will absolutely tickle your funny bone. My favorite part is when the dude blinks in rapid succession when he doesn’t understand.

Here’s a quick Google translate and additional editing for the special news page regarding this short animation.

Presenting the official short animation, “I guess I kinda sorta understand! FFVII Remake”. We’re excited to share a glimpse into the world of the upcoming “Final Fantasy VII Reverse,” set to release on February 29, 2024 (Thursday). This short anime offers insight into the previous installment, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” ensuring a spoiler-free experience for newcomers.

Designed to enhance your anticipation for “Final Fantasy VII Reverse,” the animation revisits the narrative of “FFVII Remake.” Whether you’re a seasoned player of the FFVII series or a newcomer, this content promises enjoyment. Feel free to explore the animation before the release of “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.”

The central theme of the animation revolves around a store clerk who works at a game store yet is completely unfamiliar with the FF7 series. Through humorous interactions with the store manager, a passionate FF7 series enthusiast, the clerk learns about the narrative of FFVII Remake. This newfound knowledge equips the clerk to respond to customer inquiries with utmost efficiency. The story simplifies the intricate and captivating world of FF7 REMAKE, known for its stunning universe, diverse characters, and intersecting narratives driven by conflicting agendas. Now presented in an “ultra-simple” format, the animation ensures accessibility for all audiences. Notably, scenes featuring FF7 characters in various settings add an extra layer of excitement to the narrative.

The animation was the product of FUNNYMOVIE. You can check out their YouTube channel here.

Final Fantasy 7 REBirth – short animation

▼ Audrey made some English subs!

▲ If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the latest “Destined for Rebirth” trailer.

And last but not least, here’s Ben Starr, the English voice of Clive from Final Fantasy XVI, letting his inner Tifa out it all her glory.

▶︎ Related Links