Headlining this year's booth will be four of the hottest franchises in the industry from both the Square Enix and Eidos brands. Under Square Enix, the company delivers the highly anticipated MMORPG experience Final Fantasy XIV, the next installment in the iconic franchise that has sold more than 97 million units worldwide. For handheld platforms are The 3rd Birthday and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep for the PSP, a prequel that will unlock the secrets to the beloved franchise, as well as Kingdom Hearts Re:coded and Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light for Nintendo DS, a charming new adventure by the creators of the Final Fantasy III and IV remakes. Under the Eidos brand will be IO Interactive's Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, reuniting gaming's most notorious criminals in a raw shooter that introduces a new visual experience inspired by documentary film. Additionally, the year's biggest surprise announcement, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, the long-awaited next instalment, will be showcased for attendees anxious to get a first look at the newly imagined cyber renaissance world that will revolutionize the gaming experience – just as the original Deus Ex did a decade ago.
Downloadable titles such as Lara Croft And The Guardian Of Light, The Tales of Bearsworth Manor: Chaotic Conflicts and The Tales of Bearsworth Manor: Puzzling Pages continue the pedigree of great franchises in gaming while staying true to the Square Enix heritage of providing the best and most immersive experiences in interactive entertainment. The booth will also feature Square Enix's partnerships with North American developers, including Front Mission Evolved, being developed by Double Helix Games, and Dungeon Siege 3, being developed by Obsidian Entertainment Inc.
“We will be showing a truly diverse range of games at E3 this year which illustrate the strength and breadth in our product portfolio,” said Phil Rogers, chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. “Individually each game offers something original and exciting to make its own impact at the show and collectively our line-up characterizes the global ambition of Square Enix.”
E3 2010 Line-up
The 3rd Birthday
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platforms: PSP system
Genre: Action RPG
EU release date: TBC
Hideous creatures descend on Manhattan. Ground reports from the squad tasked with containing the pandemonium refer to these life forms as “the Twisted.” An investigatory team known as the CTI is formed within the year.
The Overdive system emerges as a means of opposition, but only one viable candidate exists –Aya Brea. A gift as she awakens from a lost past on this, the occasion of her third birth.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Developer: Eidos Montreal
Platforms: PS3/Xbox 360/ PC
Genre: Action RPG
EU release date: 2011
To save his life, the fundamental choice of whether or not to become augmented with cybernetics has been removed from Adam Jensen's life. Driven by the conviction of never having a choice taken from him again and using his newfound power, his need for answers will unravel the truth behind a conspiracy rooted in the foundation of the world around him as it incites a new revolution.
Dungeon Siege 3
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment, Inc.
Platforms: PS3/Xbox 360/ PC
Genre: RPG
EU release date: TBC
Torn asunder, the delicate balance of power between the kingdom of Ehb's powerful factions has fallen apart. As one of the few remaining members of the disgraced protectors of the land, the 10th Legion, it is up to you to rebuild the once great Legion and stop Ehb from falling into darkness. Joined by a group of unique companions, you will travel through the striking land of Ehb, defeating all manner of villains and beasts through a combination of heroic abilities, screen shaking magic and pure cunning.
Dungeon Siege 3 seamlessly blends intuitive action gameplay, a robust RPG system featuring a large selection of abilities, an extensive multiplayer component and the depth of story Square Enix and Obsidian Entertainment are known for creating.
Final Fantasy XIV
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platforms: PS3/ PC
Genre: MMORPG
EU release date: 2010
Take up arms with adventurers from around the globe and embark on an epic journey within the unforgettable realm of Eorzea – the stage for a revolutionary new MMORPG designed to fit the lifestyles of players everywhere, from casual users to the most hardcore gamers.
Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
EU release date: Autumn 2010
Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light is a beautifully rendered, original adventure brought to you by the acclaimed creators of Final Fantasy III and IV on Nintendo DS. Master all-new combat and game systems and immerse yourself in a charming storybook setting as you take on the roles of Brandt, Jusqua, Yunita and Aire. Though at first they don't always see eye to eye, these four Heroes of Light will embark on a journey full of joyous meetings and sad partings that will build bonds of trust and affection so strong that, in the end, they may even save the world…
Front Mission Evolved
Developer: Double Helix Games
Platforms: PS3/Xbox 360/ PC
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
EU release date: 17th September, 2010
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The tension between two global superpowers – the O.C.U. and the U.C.S. – has coalesced into a cold war. Each watches the other in taut vigilance. Towering far above the Earth's surface, colossal structures called orbital elevators grant both parties unblinking, planet-wide surveillance. Under these simmering conditions, a new enemy emerges to ignite the flames of war and watch as the world burns.
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days
Developer: IO Interactive
Platforms: PS3/X360/ PC
Genre: Action
EU release date: 27th August, 2010
Experience 48 hours of hell with two of gaming's most notorious criminals. In Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, Kane and Lynch face the consequences when a simple job gone wrong sets off a desperate and frantic struggle to escape the entire Shanghai underworld. Ground-breaking art direction, relentless action gameplay and innovative multiplayer redefine the action shooter experience and position this product as the standout shooter of 2010.
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platforms: PSP system
Genre: Action RPG
EU release date: 10th September, 2010
Long before Sora was chosen by his Keyblade, the worlds' safety lay in the hands of the true Keyblade Masters. Three youths – Terra, Ventus and Aqua – have been training long and hard under Master Eraqus to prove that they, too, exhibit the Mark of Mastery. But they will soon find themselves in the middle of a crisis affecting worlds far beyond their own – just as another Keyblade Master, Xehanort, goes mysteriously missing. Three friends, three destinies. Everything will link back to the beginning.
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./h.a.n.d. Inc.
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action RPG
EU release date: TBC
Sora's journey in Kingdom Hearts II has drawn to a close, and now a new tale is set to begin. Jiminy Cricket is looking over the journal he used to document his first adventure with Sora when he discovers a mysterious message. He didn't write it – so how on earth did it get there? King Mickey is determined to find out, so he and his friends decide to digitize the journal and delve into its deepest secrets. Inside this “datascape” dwells a second Sora who is about to embark on a grand adventure of his very own.
Downloadable Titles
Lara Croft And The Guardian Of Light
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Platforms: Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system/PlayStationNetwork for PlayStation 3 system
Genre: Action/Adventure
EU release date: Summer 2010
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is the first ever downloadable, co-op action/adventure game featuring Lara Croft. This brand extension incorporates the hallmarks of the Tomb Raider franchise including exploration, discovery, platforming and puzzle solving. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light allows players to experience Lara Croft from an isometric viewpoint, and combines new gameplay features such as character progression, fun and fast-paced combat, and elements of cooperation and competition. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will be available to download this summer.
The Tales of Bearsworth Manor: Chaotic Conflicts
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Action Puzzle
EU Release: Early Summer, 2010
Turn the tide of frantic battles by using the Wii Remote to throw animated paper bears into the pages of an unusual picture book. The battle-oriented Chaotic Conflicts will be releasing simultaneously with Puzzling Pages – a parallel game with its own unique tale and stages. Complete both games to uncover an even deeper mystery...
The Tales of Bearsworth Manor: Puzzling Pages
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Action Puzzle
Release: Early Summer, 2010
A crumbling mansion is home to a most peculiar picture book. Solve innovative puzzles by using the Wii Remote to throw animated paper bears into the picture book's unusual pages. Delve into the unfolding drama of Pina, the mysterious young girl residing in the mansion.