Overview
- Website
- square-enix.com
- Average Review Score
- 7.25/10
- Average Game Rating
- 7.92/10
Review Visions of Mana (PS5) - Classic RPG Series Returns with Good But Flawed Intentions
Branching out
There's always a degree of trepidation when a classic franchise returns with a brand new release. Down the years, we've seen countless properties attempt to reinvent themselves, either in a bid to reclaim a faded legacy, or to establish a fresh audience. Visions of Mana, however, feels like it's gunning for neither of these goals...
Review Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail (PS5) - Another Superb Expansion for an Excellent MMO
Dawn but not forgotten
Final Fantasy 14 is in a transitional period. The 2021 expansion Endwalker was effectively the finale to a story that began with 2013's A Realm Reborn way back on PlayStation 3. It was a sort of Final Fantasy meets Avengers Endgame; a story that capped off eight years, four expansions, and over 200 hours of story content in a...
Review Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide (PS5) - A Fantastic Sendoff for Square's Action RPG
Gonna need a bigger boat
The Rising Tide is the second and final expansion for Final Fantasy 16, adding another worthwhile chapter to the tale of Clive Rosfield. Only accessible near the very end of the base game, this DLC is designed to be something of a sendoff for the action RPG, providing a new storyline that brings additional weight to the...
Review Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5) - Strong Sequel Seeks a New Direction
Cloudy with a chance of pain
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth feels like a natural progression. Free from the steel skies of Midgar and its corridor-style design, this direct sequel to 2020's Final Fantasy 7 Remake fully embraces that sense of adventure found in the original Final Fantasy 7, as Cloud Strife and his ragtag group took their first few steps out...
Review Foamstars (PS5) - PS Plus' Sudsy Shooter Is Good, Clean Fun
What kinda game is soap?
Foamstars doesn't deserve the hate. Hand-waving comparisons to Nintendo's Splatoon are shallow; beyond both games featuring weaponry that fires something other than bullets, they're two quite different experiences. Square Enix's new multiplayer game is more of a hero shooter than anything else, and while its launch content...
Mini Review Final Fantasy XVI: Echoes of the Fallen (PS5) - A Short But Explosive Dungeon Run
Tower power
We're weren't totally convinced that Final Fantasy 16 needed story-based DLC, but now that we've played through Echoes of the Fallen — the first of two promised expansions — we're actually glad it's happening. If nothing else, this additional slice of adventure is a welcome reminder of how flashy and downright fun 16's combat can be...
Review Star Ocean The Second Story R (PS5) - A Near Perfect Example of a Remake Done Right
Integrity and faithfulness
Many would argue that Star Ocean: The Second Story — originally released for the PS1 all the way back in 1998 — is the pinnacle of the long-running RPG series, and we'd be tempted to agree. In some ways it does feel like it nails the core themes of the franchise, as sci-fi technology clashes with medieval fantasy —...
Strash and burn
Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai is a game of two halves: a surprisingly simplistic action RPG and an endless barrage of static, visual novel-style cutscenes. It bears the name Dragon Quest and is published by Square Enix, yet it feels entirely barebones; with basic gameplay and a poorly presented story, we're left...
Review Final Fantasy 16 (PS5) - Final Fantasy's Triumphant Return to the Top
Flames of Rebirth
Final Fantasy 16 is the furthest the mainline series has ever strayed from its traditional RPG roots. It's more of an action game with RPG elements bolted on than it is an RPG with action combat, but at the same time, it boasts all of the ingredients that we associate with the greatest Final Fantasy titles. Its character-driven...
Review Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust (PS5) - Better Than the Main Game
Square Enix just did that
In Tanta We Trust is a rare example of DLC better than the main game it's based on, but that doesn't mean you need to rush out and buy a PS5 copy of Forspoken in order to play it. This optional expansion trumps the original campaign purely because it doesn't need to bother with the baggage of an open world experience: vast...
News Final Fantasy 16 Producer Knows That Its Combat System Won't Satisfy Everyone
You never forget your first
Discussing Final Fantasy games can be divisive at times, especially amongst the most dedicated fans. Each game is different, featuring its own combat mechanics, systems and story. Everyone has their favourite, which usually just so happens to be the first they played, often during the latter years of high school. It's...
News Final Fantasy 14's Next Major Patch, Buried Memory, Launches on 23rd August
You reap what you sow
The release date for uber-popular MMO Final Fantasy XIV patch 6.2, Buried Memory, has been announced. You can look forward to living a carefree life on your Island Sanctuary on 23rd August, on PS5 and PS4. Buried Memory introduces a swathe of new content, and in addition to moving the MSQ along, making changes to PVP and...
News Find Final Fantasy 14 Intimidating? Get Onboard with This Six-Part Starter Guide Series
Its easy, just jump in
Ever wanted to get into Final Fantasy XIV, the critically acclaimed MMO from Square Enix? It's simple! Just make sure you check out this quick six-part video series first, to get your head around the many different aspects of adventuring in Eorzea. All kidding aside, this is a pretty cool series and a great way of minimizing...
News Tactics Ogre: Reborn Is Getting a Gorgeous 200-Page Companion Artbook
Let us cling to fine art
Tactics Ogre: Reborn has been officially announced after leaking all over the shop. But now that the cat is firmly out of the bag, we can revel in the licensed products set to accompany its rel
News Tactics Ogre: Reborn Rated in Australia, Square Enix Yet to Acknowledge the Project
Mum's the word
Tactics Ogre: Reborn continues to be the industry's worst kept secret, with a major leak last week revealing key elements of the project. Now the remade strategy RPG has been rated in Australia, and Square Enix has yet to acknowledge the title officially. The listing was first spotted on Twitter by analyst Wario64, and while it...
News Final Fantasy 10 Series Blitzes Past 20 Million Units Sold
Listen to my story. This may be our last chance
Final Fantasy X is either one of the best entries in the legendary series, the end of a golden age, or both, depending on who you ask and what day it is. Its direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2, proved divisive when it launched, but has its diehard fans and is an impressive game in its own right...
News Tifa's Moveset Was the Toughest to Create, Says Final Fantasy 7 Remake Battle Director
Nibelheim's favourite daughter can really pack a punch
The Square Enix blog is currently running a retrospective on Final Fantasy 7 Remake in which, chapter-by-chapter, the developers are asked about their memories, thoughts and feelings concerning the game's development. In the latest post, which focuses on Chapter 5: Dogged Pursuit, battle...
News Final Fantasy XIV Community Joins in Song; 1400 Vocalists Contribute to Powerful Cover
Be right back, we just have something in our eye
Music producer and orchestral composer extraordinaire, Alex Moukala, has done it again, arranging a powerful cover of the Final Fantasy XIV track "Close in the Distance" that features 1400 vocalists, 1000 of which are contributors from the game's community. It even features famous guest contributors...
News Final Fantasy XIV Is Getting a Farming Simulation Mode in Patch 6.2 Buried Memory
Chocobo chicks and building bricks
In the ever-expanding universe of Final Fantasy XIV, few stones have been left unturned in terms of content. We learned that yet more is coming to the massively popular MMO during yesterday's Letter From the Producer livestream. There have been casino-style minigames, returning card games from previous games in...
News Final Fantasy 16's English Cast Will Speak with British English Accents, Not American
‘Medieval fantasy = Europe’
If you were worried that Clive, the protagonist of the eagerly-anticipated Final Fantasy XVI, was going to end up sounding like Snow from XIII or something, then fear not! The English voice cast of XVI will have British English accents, so as to accentuate the game's fantasy medieval setting. Speaking to the Japanese...
News Final Fantasy XIV is Running a Free Login Campaign Until the End of the Month
But there is a catch. Several, actually
Final Fantasy XIV, the mega-popular MMO that just keeps on keeping on, is currently running a free login campaign, from now until the end of the month, or more specifically, until 30 June 2022, 3:59 pm BST. This means that if you are eligible you can return to the game for free, without paying the re
News Final Fantasy XIV's Patch 6.15 is Live, Patch Notes Released
By Zodiark, thats a lot of content
Final Fantasy XIV really is the gift that just keeps on giving. The massively popular MMO's most recent free content update, Patch 6.15, is now live. This latest update adds new steps in the Chronicles of a New Era questline, pushing Final Fantasy XIV's central narrative thread ever forward. There are also a bunch...
News It Looks Like Square Enix Won't Be Betting the Farm on the Blockchain After All
NFT No more-a
In a turnaround so rapid it's likely to cause whiplash, it looks like Square Enix may not be staking its future on NFTs and the blockchain after all. In its most recent financial report, the venerable purveyor of fine JRPGs has walked back its intentions somewhat. In an outline of the results, translated into English, Square Enix...
News Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Legacy of Kain, much more
Embracer Group, the enormous company that's always scooping up studios and franchises, is set to close its latest big deal, and it's a doozy. The conglomerate is about to acquire several developers and IPs from Square Enix. The acquisition will include studios Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, and...
Hands On NEO: The World Ends With You Brings a Stylish Afterlife to PS4
Put a pin in it
A little-known but well-loved entry in Square Enix's JRPG pantheon, The World Ends With You is a unique experience with gorgeous art from Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuyo Nomura. The game looked at concepts like social media influence and memetic learning way before those things were as pervasive as they are today. Nomura's designs,...
Guide When Is the Square Enix Presents Livestream?
Dates, times, where to watch, and what to expect
What time is Square Enix Presents: Spring 2021? When and where can you watch Square Enix Presents? The Japanese publisher is jumping on the bandwagon with its very own livestream broadcast, showcasing some of its upcoming games. In this guide, we've got all the details you'll need ahead of the event...
News Oh Boy, Now There's Going to Be a Just Cause Movie
Just 'cos
If there's any game series that's trying its hardest to ape every action movie trope in the book, it's Just Cause. Each entry has upped the ante in terms of explosive action, with Just Cause 4 introducing extreme weather events at the end of last year. Probably the weakest aspect of all the games is their mostly nonsense narrative, so...
News Tangled Shines in New Kingdom Hearts 3 Trailer
January is looking too good
Yes, guys! Kingdom Hearts 3 is a mere three months away, and short of a last-minute disaster, it finally does look like the game will see the light of day. Judging by this latest trailer at least, it looks ready to be taken fresh out the oven. Square Enix just a while ago gave fans a better glimpse on Twilight Town and...
News New Kingdom Hearts III Screenshots Give a Closer Look at the Twilight Town Gang
Is their summer vacation over?
At this point, one might think Square Enix has already spilled a lot of beans regarding story in Kingdom Hearts III, with trailers dropping left and right since E3 2018. Yet, we veterans know that, as many trailers and images bombard our screens, the series' plot has become as convoluted as Alice's trip to Wonderland...
Guide Just Cause 4 Release Date, New Features, Story - Everything We Know So Far
Bigger, better, more hurricanes
Just Cause 4 is the latest entry in the explosive sandbox franchise that was announced during Microsoft's Xbox One press conference at E3 2018. You'll once again play as Rico Rodriguez, and you'll take the fight to The Black Hand in their home turf. Good luck! In this guide we'll run you through everything we know...
Guide Shadow of the Tomb Raider Release Date, Story, New Features - Everything We Know So Far
Shining light on Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Square Enix shined more light on Shadow of the Tomb Raider during its E3 2018 press conference, and it's looking pretty gorgeous we have to say. It's the latest game in the rebooted Tomb Raider trilogy, and it's due for release later this year. In this guide, we'll run you through exactly what it is, when...
E3 2018 Check Out This Stunning Kingdom Hearts III PS4 Pro
Look but don't touch
It's been an exciting few days for Kingdom Hearts fans at this year's E3, and to top it all off, Square Enix has revealed a gorgeous limited edition PS4 Pro ahead of Kingdom Hearts III's release. Oh boy, isn't it a sight for sore eyes? However, it doesn't look too good for people living outside Japan, where Square Enix...
E3 2018 Here's Our First Look At Shadow Of The Tomb Raider's Gameplay
Guess who's back again?
Square Enix has unveiled a new gameplay trailer for its third instalment to the Tomb Raider franchise, Shadow of The Tomb Raider, featuring a seasoned Croft and all new locations to explore. Shadow was announced back in March, but Square Enix have kept hush-hush until now, giving us little more than...
E3 2018 New Kingdom Hearts III Trailer Features a Whole Lot of Frozen
Frozen Hearts
During Microsoft's Xbox E3 press conference, Square Enix showed off a brand new trailer for Kingdom Hearts III, which appears to feature a whole lot of characters from the movie Frozen. We also saw many from Tangled, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Hercules, and Mickey Mouse. An interesting feature we noted was that you can...
News Hajime Tabata's Luminous Productions Is Monkeying Around on More Than Just Games
Evolution
Remember a few days ago when we reported that Square Enix has a new studio headed by Final Fantasy XV director Hajime Tabata? Well, it appears this new studio, Luminous Productions, is working on more than just games. On the NHK website, as spotted by Kotaku,
News Final Fantasy 16 Producer Knows That Its Combat System Won't Satisfy Everyone
You never forget your first
Discussing Final Fantasy games can be divisive at times, especially amongst the most dedicated fans. Each game is different, featuring its own combat mechanics, systems and story. Everyone has their favourite, which usually just so happens to be the first they played, often during the latter years of high school. It's...
News Final Fantasy 14's Next Major Patch, Buried Memory, Launches on 23rd August
You reap what you sow
The release date for uber-popular MMO Final Fantasy XIV patch 6.2, Buried Memory, has been announced. You can look forward to living a carefree life on your Island Sanctuary on 23rd August, on PS5 and PS4. Buried Memory introduces a swathe of new content, and in addition to moving the MSQ along, making changes to PVP and...
News Find Final Fantasy 14 Intimidating? Get Onboard with This Six-Part Starter Guide Series
Its easy, just jump in
Ever wanted to get into Final Fantasy XIV, the critically acclaimed MMO from Square Enix? It's simple! Just make sure you check out this quick six-part video series first, to get your head around the many different aspects of adventuring in Eorzea. All kidding aside, this is a pretty cool series and a great way of minimizing...
News Tactics Ogre: Reborn Is Getting a Gorgeous 200-Page Companion Artbook
Let us cling to fine art
Tactics Ogre: Reborn has been officially announced after leaking all over the shop. But now that the cat is firmly out of the bag, we can revel in the licensed products set to accompany its rel
News Tactics Ogre: Reborn Rated in Australia, Square Enix Yet to Acknowledge the Project
Mum's the word
Tactics Ogre: Reborn continues to be the industry's worst kept secret, with a major leak last week revealing key elements of the project. Now the remade strategy RPG has been rated in Australia, and Square Enix has yet to acknowledge the title officially. The listing was first spotted on Twitter by analyst Wario64, and while it...
News Final Fantasy 10 Series Blitzes Past 20 Million Units Sold
Listen to my story. This may be our last chance
Final Fantasy X is either one of the best entries in the legendary series, the end of a golden age, or both, depending on who you ask and what day it is. Its direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2, proved divisive when it launched, but has its diehard fans and is an impressive game in its own right...
News Tifa's Moveset Was the Toughest to Create, Says Final Fantasy 7 Remake Battle Director
Nibelheim's favourite daughter can really pack a punch
The Square Enix blog is currently running a retrospective on Final Fantasy 7 Remake in which, chapter-by-chapter, the developers are asked about their memories, thoughts and feelings concerning the game's development. In the latest post, which focuses on Chapter 5: Dogged Pursuit, battle...
News Final Fantasy XIV Community Joins in Song; 1400 Vocalists Contribute to Powerful Cover
Be right back, we just have something in our eye
Music producer and orchestral composer extraordinaire, Alex Moukala, has done it again, arranging a powerful cover of the Final Fantasy XIV track "Close in the Distance" that features 1400 vocalists, 1000 of which are contributors from the game's community. It even features famous guest contributors...
News Final Fantasy XIV Is Getting a Farming Simulation Mode in Patch 6.2 Buried Memory
Chocobo chicks and building bricks
In the ever-expanding universe of Final Fantasy XIV, few stones have been left unturned in terms of content. We learned that yet more is coming to the massively popular MMO during yesterday's Letter From the Producer livestream. There have been casino-style minigames, returning card games from previous games in...
News Final Fantasy 16's English Cast Will Speak with British English Accents, Not American
‘Medieval fantasy = Europe’
If you were worried that Clive, the protagonist of the eagerly-anticipated Final Fantasy XVI, was going to end up sounding like Snow from XIII or something, then fear not! The English voice cast of XVI will have British English accents, so as to accentuate the game's fantasy medieval setting. Speaking to the Japanese...
News Final Fantasy XIV is Running a Free Login Campaign Until the End of the Month
But there is a catch. Several, actually
Final Fantasy XIV, the mega-popular MMO that just keeps on keeping on, is currently running a free login campaign, from now until the end of the month, or more specifically, until 30 June 2022, 3:59 pm BST. This means that if you are eligible you can return to the game for free, without paying the re
News Final Fantasy XIV's Patch 6.15 is Live, Patch Notes Released
By Zodiark, thats a lot of content
Final Fantasy XIV really is the gift that just keeps on giving. The massively popular MMO's most recent free content update, Patch 6.15, is now live. This latest update adds new steps in the Chronicles of a New Era questline, pushing Final Fantasy XIV's central narrative thread ever forward. There are also a bunch...
News It Looks Like Square Enix Won't Be Betting the Farm on the Blockchain After All
NFT No more-a
In a turnaround so rapid it's likely to cause whiplash, it looks like Square Enix may not be staking its future on NFTs and the blockchain after all. In its most recent financial report, the venerable purveyor of fine JRPGs has walked back its intentions somewhat. In an outline of the results, translated into English, Square Enix...
News Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Legacy of Kain, much more
Embracer Group, the enormous company that's always scooping up studios and franchises, is set to close its latest big deal, and it's a doozy. The conglomerate is about to acquire several developers and IPs from Square Enix. The acquisition will include studios Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, and...
Hands On NEO: The World Ends With You Brings a Stylish Afterlife to PS4
Put a pin in it
A little-known but well-loved entry in Square Enix's JRPG pantheon, The World Ends With You is a unique experience with gorgeous art from Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuyo Nomura. The game looked at concepts like social media influence and memetic learning way before those things were as pervasive as they are today. Nomura's designs,...
Guide When Is the Square Enix Presents Livestream?
Dates, times, where to watch, and what to expect
What time is Square Enix Presents: Spring 2021? When and where can you watch Square Enix Presents? The Japanese publisher is jumping on the bandwagon with its very own livestream broadcast, showcasing some of its upcoming games. In this guide, we've got all the details you'll need ahead of the event...
News Oh Boy, Now There's Going to Be a Just Cause Movie
Just 'cos
If there's any game series that's trying its hardest to ape every action movie trope in the book, it's Just Cause. Each entry has upped the ante in terms of explosive action, with Just Cause 4 introducing extreme weather events at the end of last year. Probably the weakest aspect of all the games is their mostly nonsense narrative, so...
News Tangled Shines in New Kingdom Hearts 3 Trailer
January is looking too good
Yes, guys! Kingdom Hearts 3 is a mere three months away, and short of a last-minute disaster, it finally does look like the game will see the light of day. Judging by this latest trailer at least, it looks ready to be taken fresh out the oven. Square Enix just a while ago gave fans a better glimpse on Twilight Town and...
News New Kingdom Hearts III Screenshots Give a Closer Look at the Twilight Town Gang
Is their summer vacation over?
At this point, one might think Square Enix has already spilled a lot of beans regarding story in Kingdom Hearts III, with trailers dropping left and right since E3 2018. Yet, we veterans know that, as many trailers and images bombard our screens, the series' plot has become as convoluted as Alice's trip to Wonderland...
Guide Just Cause 4 Release Date, New Features, Story - Everything We Know So Far
Bigger, better, more hurricanes
Just Cause 4 is the latest entry in the explosive sandbox franchise that was announced during Microsoft's Xbox One press conference at E3 2018. You'll once again play as Rico Rodriguez, and you'll take the fight to The Black Hand in their home turf. Good luck! In this guide we'll run you through everything we know...
Guide Shadow of the Tomb Raider Release Date, Story, New Features - Everything We Know So Far
Shining light on Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Square Enix shined more light on Shadow of the Tomb Raider during its E3 2018 press conference, and it's looking pretty gorgeous we have to say. It's the latest game in the rebooted Tomb Raider trilogy, and it's due for release later this year. In this guide, we'll run you through exactly what it is, when...
E3 2018 Check Out This Stunning Kingdom Hearts III PS4 Pro
Look but don't touch
It's been an exciting few days for Kingdom Hearts fans at this year's E3, and to top it all off, Square Enix has revealed a gorgeous limited edition PS4 Pro ahead of Kingdom Hearts III's release. Oh boy, isn't it a sight for sore eyes? However, it doesn't look too good for people living outside Japan, where Square Enix...
E3 2018 Here's Our First Look At Shadow Of The Tomb Raider's Gameplay
Guess who's back again?
Square Enix has unveiled a new gameplay trailer for its third instalment to the Tomb Raider franchise, Shadow of The Tomb Raider, featuring a seasoned Croft and all new locations to explore. Shadow was announced back in March, but Square Enix have kept hush-hush until now, giving us little more than...
E3 2018 New Kingdom Hearts III Trailer Features a Whole Lot of Frozen
Frozen Hearts
During Microsoft's Xbox E3 press conference, Square Enix showed off a brand new trailer for Kingdom Hearts III, which appears to feature a whole lot of characters from the movie Frozen. We also saw many from Tangled, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Hercules, and Mickey Mouse. An interesting feature we noted was that you can...
News Hajime Tabata's Luminous Productions Is Monkeying Around on More Than Just Games
Evolution
Remember a few days ago when we reported that Square Enix has a new studio headed by Final Fantasy XV director Hajime Tabata? Well, it appears this new studio, Luminous Productions, is working on more than just games. On the NHK website, as spotted by Kotaku,