Nintendo Switch

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.

During the latest Nintendo Direct Square Enix has announced that Star Ocean: The Second Story will be getting a remake titled Star Ocean: The Second Story R. This will be a 2.5D remake.

Star Ocean: The Second Story was originally released in 1998 on the PlayStation. In 2009 an enhanced remaster titled Star Ocean: Second Evolution was released on the PlayStation Portable. 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.

The remake will feature new difficulty modes, new battle mechanics, full Japanese and English voice overs, original and re-arranged music and fast-travel.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R will be released on 2 November 2023 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. You can now pre-order the game and the collector's edition. You can watch the trailer below.

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, the 5th entry in the rhythm action series, is now available for purchase on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line features 385 tracks from Final Fantasy games, three game modes, local and online multiplayer and over 100 Final Fantasy characters you can create a party with. If that is not enough you can purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition or Premium Digital Deluxe Edition to get access to more tracks.

If you never played a Theatrhythm game, there's a demo available that contains 30 tracks. Your progress can be transferred to the full game.

Below you can watch the launch trailer.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion, the remastered version of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, is now available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is an action RPG that was released in 2007 on the PlayStation Portable and is the prequel to Final Fantasy VII. The game is part of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII and follows the original story of SOLDIER 1st Class Zack Fair on his mission to find missing SOLDIER Genesis Rhapsodos, unraveling the stories of Cloud, Sephiroth, Aerith, Tifa and more.

The remaster features HD graphics, enhanced 3D-models, a fully voice-acted dialogue and a new arrangement for the soundtrack.

You can watch the launch trailer below.