Tag: Square Enix

  • New Square Enix Party RPG Launches on Steam to Positive Reviews

    New Square Enix Party RPG Launches on Steam to Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Details: Octopath Traveler 0 is now available on Steam and other platforms, with a global release on December 4, 2025.

    2. Art Style: The game features retro SNES-style pixel art enhanced with modern technology, maintaining the beloved “HD-2D” aesthetic.

    3. Storyline: The narrative is darker than previous titles, focusing on your character’s quest for revenge after villains attack their town, with over 80 hours of gameplay.

    4. Combat System: The game offers a dynamic turn-based combat system with break/boost mechanics and allows for strategic team management during battles.

    5. Reception and Demo: A free demo is available, and early player reception shows positive reviews for gameplay, though some criticisms exist regarding audio and choice impact.

    Octopath Traveler 0 has officially launched on Steam, introducing Square Enix’s “HD-2D” JRPG franchise to PC users with a darker prequel. This new installment reimagines the mobile game Champions of the Continent as a complete console and computer experience. It was released alongside versions for Nintendo Switch (currently priced at $335 on Amazon), Switch 2, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles, with the global launch happening on December 4, 2025.

    Retro Art Meets Modern Technology

    This single-player JRPG showcases retro SNES-style pixel art, enhanced by modern lighting effects, depth-of-field, and particle effects, maintaining the “HD-2D” aesthetic that fans love. Acting as a prequel to the original Octopath Traveler, this game serves as a console and PC adaptation of the mobile-exclusive Champions of the Continent, but it is designed as an independent title without any gacha mechanics or mobile monetization.

    Engaging Storyline

    The gameplay loop remains familiar: players will explore the continent of Osterra, traverse towns and dungeons, encounter random foes on the field, and engage bosses in turn-based battles. Instead of managing eight distinct character arcs as seen in previous games, the narrative is consolidated into fewer, larger storylines, making it simpler to follow while still preserving the anthology feel of the series.

    The plot centers around your custom character, a resident of Wishvale whose life is shattered when three villains set the town ablaze, searching for powerful “divine rings.” One of the remaining elders gives your character a ring, designating you as the “Ringbearer” and setting you on a path to confront the attackers. The narrative leans more towards dark fantasy compared to earlier titles, with critics noting a grim central story that still allows for enjoyable side quests. The campaign is extensive, boasting over 80 hours for the main story, which can extend further if you pursue optional bosses and side missions.

    Dynamic Combat System

    Combat features the familiar break/boost mechanics but expands to eight-character battles, dividing your team into four frontline and four backline fighters that you can switch between during battles. The core gameplay involves exploiting enemy weaknesses to shatter their defenses, managing turn order, and timing powerful boosted attacks. Reviewers highlight that combat stands out as one of the most robust and adaptable elements of the game.

    On PC, Octopath Traveler 0 aims for 1080p resolution as a standard, with recommended specifications including a Ryzen 5 2600 or Core i5-8400, 16 GB of RAM, and a low-tier GPU like the Radeon RX 470 or GTX 960, plus approximately 10 GB of storage. The minimum requirements are also lenient, needing just a Ryzen 3 2300X/Core i3-8100 and 8 GB of RAM. For handheld PC gamers, initial tests show the game running smoothly at a locked 60 fps on Steam Deck with default settings, using less than 14W of power, making it ideal for portable gaming. It also performs well on mid-range laptops and compact SSDs.

    Demo and Early Reception

    A free three-hour demo for Octopath Traveler 0 is available on Steam, with progress saving if you choose to purchase the full game. On PC, early Steam charts indicate a peak of several thousand concurrent players during the launch week, marking a solid start for a niche JRPG. Review scores tend to be in the “strong but not perfect” range, with positive feedback focusing on the battle system and storytelling ambitions, while critiques highlight issues with audio design, a feeling that choices are more cosmetic than impactful, and some repetitive encounter designs.

    You can buy the game for $49.99 on Steam now, but unfortunately, there are no launch discounts at this time. Be sure to check out the game trailer below.

    Steam, SteamDB.

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  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Expected at The Game Awards

    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Expected at The Game Awards

    Key Takeaways

    1. Square Enix has a successful history at The Game Awards, winning awards for Final Fantasy titles and presenting new trailers, including for Rebirth in 2024.
    2. December-themed artwork revealed a snowboarding mini-game, which was previously part of the original game but is not included in the current installment.
    3. The calendar artwork highlights December 12th, coinciding with the airing of the 2025 Game Awards, sparking speculation about potential announcements.
    4. There are rumors that Rebirth may be released on Nintendo and Microsoft platforms in 2026, with the release date for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade set for January 22, 2026.
    5. Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi hinted at news regarding Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, with development progressing quickly and fans encouraged to stay tuned for updates at The Game Awards.

    Square Enix has a rich legacy at The Game Awards, having won awards for its Final Fantasy titles. At this year’s event, the company also presented various trailers, including one for the PC version of Rebirth set to release in 2024. With the emergence of new calendar-themed artwork, some fans are hoping for updates on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 during the 2025 broadcast.

    Snowboarding Mini-Game Artwork

    On social media, Genki pointed out that Square Enix revealed December-themed artwork, which showcases a snowboarding mini-game. This winter activity was featured in an image from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth but was not playable. Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi previously mentioned that this feature, which was included in disc 2 of the original game, would not be part of the current installment. Nonetheless, he left the door open for its return in a future game.

    Curious Calendar Details

    An interesting detail about the wallpaper is the date highlighted. While December 15th is marked as Barret Wallace’s birthday, the calendar prominently displays December 12th. Coincidentally, this date aligns with the airing of the 2025 The Game Awards in European and Japanese time zones.

    Some gamers believe that emphasizing the 12th is more than just a random choice. As Square Enix has yet to confirm their attendance at the awards, it is uncertain what announcements might be made. The release date for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2 and Xbox consoles is set for January 22, 2026. Attendees might witness an announcement related to those ports or the last two chapters of the remake series.

    Speculations on Future Releases

    While nothing has been officially stated, there are rumors suggesting that Rebirth could be available on Nintendo and Microsoft platforms in 2026. Hamaguchi has also spoken in detail about Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, which has not yet launched on any platforms. In October, he shared that development was moving swiftly and hinted that fans should be on the lookout for news “in the not too far future.”

    It wouldn’t be a shock if players were able to snowboard in Part 3, as Genki suggests. Fans will need to stay tuned for The Game Awards to find out if the snowy wallpaper hinted at something significant.

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  • Yoko Taro Reveals Many Axed Projects Behind the Scenes

    Yoko Taro Reveals Many Axed Projects Behind the Scenes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Yoko Taro’s recent projects include “Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden,” “NieR Reincarnation,” and “404 Game Re:set,” but fans are eager for a new major NieR game.
    2. Many of Taro’s projects have been halted by Square Enix, leading to frustration among fans who wonder about his recent work.
    3. During G-CON 2025, Taro revealed that several projects he was involved in were abandoned, contributing to misconceptions about his activity.
    4. Taro emphasizes quality over quantity in game development, expressing that he prefers not to release something unless it meets his standards.
    5. His unique game concepts often clash with publisher expectations, suggesting fans may have to wait longer for future releases from Taro or the NieR series.

    While it may seem like Yoko Taro, the mastermind behind NieR, has been taking a long break since the series hit over 13 million sales, the truth is quite different. In fact, Square Enix has been halting several of Taro’s projects, much to the dismay of fans.

    Recent Projects

    The latest works from this creative director and game designer include Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden in 2022, NieR Reincarnation in 2021 (a mobile gacha game), and another mobile game titled 404 Game Re:set released in 2023. Many fans are curious about the future of the series, especially since the last major AAA game Taro worked on was NieR: Automata, which debuted in February 2017 on the PlayStation 4.

    Insights from G-CON 2025

    At G-CON 2025 in South Korea, Yoko Taro took the stage alongside Hideki Kamiya, the creator of Bayonetta, during a panel moderated by Katsuhiko Hayashi. According to a report by 4Gamer, Taro acknowledged the pressing question about his recent work. He mentioned that he had been involved in a number of projects over the years, but many of them were unfortunately abandoned before completion.

    Taro added more context:

    “There’s been a lot of projects that have been canned lately. I often hear comments like, ‘Why aren’t you making NieR?’ or ‘Yoko Taro isn’t doing anything,’ but that’s because several projects I was part of got dropped during their development.”

    A Positive Outlook

    Despite the setbacks, Taro remains optimistic, suggesting that this situation emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in an industry known for its rushed annual releases. He further explained:

    “I don’t see this as a bad thing. If I’m going to release something odd, I’d rather not release anything at all.”

    Yoko Taro has always been known for his unique and unconventional game ideas, like Drakengard, NieR, and the Voice of Cards trilogy, which often don’t get the attention they deserve. This means that his quirky concepts might not always mesh well with publishers such as Square Enix. Fans may have to wait a while longer for another game from Yoko Taro or a new NieR installment as he goes back to the drawing board.

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  • Square Enix to Automate 70% QA with AI Amid Western Layoffs

    Square Enix to Automate 70% QA with AI Amid Western Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Square Enix plans to automate 70% of its quality assurance and debugging tasks by the end of 2027 to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
    2. The company is collaborating with the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo to develop AI systems for faster and more effective QA processes.
    3. Recent layoffs of over 100 employees in Western branches are part of a restructuring effort, raising concerns about potential job losses in QA due to automation.
    4. The gaming industry is increasingly adopting AI, with over half of surveyed companies using it for various development tasks, indicating a broader trend in the sector.
    5. Despite strong financial performance recently, the push for automation may risk employee morale and talent retention at Square Enix.

    Square Enix is aiming to automate 70% of its quality assurance (QA) and debugging tasks in game development by the conclusion of 2027. This move follows their recent announcement of significant layoffs across its Western branches.

    New Initiative Explained

    In its latest progress report for the medium-term business plan titled “Square Enix Reboots and Awakens,” the company outlined this initiative to tackle issues like the disappointing sales of games such as Final Fantasy XIV. Square Enix is collaborating with the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, which includes a group of researchers from the lab alongside engineers from Square Enix. Their ultimate goal is to streamline QA processes, making them faster and more cost-effective.

    Traditional QA Testing Challenges

    Traditionally, QA testing requires manual examination of games for bugs, glitches, and other problems, which can be particularly taxing for major titles like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Square Enix’s report clearly stated, “To automate 70% of QA and debugging tasks in game development by the end of 2027.” This initiative suggests that an AI debugging system could automatically create test scenarios, imitate player actions, and identify bugs and problems in video games. While there are similar tools in platforms like Unreal Engine 5, Square Enix appears to be eager to advance this technology even further.

    Layoffs and Industry Context

    Nevertheless, this progress comes at a cost, as the same day Square Enix announced it had let go of over 100 employees from its UK, U.S., and European offices. The company described this as a “fundamental restructuring” of its international publishing division, aiming to optimize the group’s long-term growth. The firm did not directly link the job reductions to the QA AI initiative, but there are speculations that a large portion of its testing staff might soon be replaced by AI.

    In the broader context, Square Enix is not alone in its AI ambitions. A survey by CESA in September 2025 revealed that 54 companies were asked about AI, with 51% confirming they are utilizing generative AI for creating artwork, story ideas, and coding. Furthermore, 31% acknowledged that they were adopting AI to develop game engines.

    Financial Performance and Future Prospects

    Square Enix believes that AI will enhance its competitiveness in an industry where the costs of AAA games have been soaring due to increasing licensing, labor, and QA expenses. It’s worth mentioning that the company has been performing well financially this quarter, partially due to the success of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.

    Despite its optimism, pushing for QA automation poses significant risks for the company, as it may alienate talent that could be difficult to replace if things go wrong. Employee morale is already under pressure at the company, and only time will tell if Square Enix’s “reboot” will truly yield positive results.

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  • Square Enix Announces Mass Layoffs Following Generative AI Expansion

    Square Enix Announces Mass Layoffs Following Generative AI Expansion

    Key Takeaways

    1. Square Enix is laying off hundreds of employees in the UK and US, focusing on marketing and IT roles.
    2. The company aims to enhance efficiency in Q&A departments, targeting them for job cuts.
    3. Square Enix is partnering with the University of Tokyo to integrate generative AI into game development, aiming to automate 70% of Q&A processes by 2027.
    4. Concerns arise among employees about job security due to AI potentially replacing human roles.
    5. Previous layoffs in 2024 did not significantly impact the company’s financial performance, with mixed results in the latest financial statement.

    Square Enix has become the newest significant game publisher to reduce its workforce. Known for its Final Fantasy series, the company is letting go of hundreds of employees in both the UK and the US. This decision follows the firm’s commitment to increasingly adopt generative AI technology.

    Job Cuts Announced

    According to Video Games Chronicle, Square Enix president Takashi Kiryu talked about the job cuts during a global video call. While exact figures are not disclosed, it is estimated that as many as 140 workers in London may be losing their jobs. The layoffs will impact various positions across the company’s offices in Europe and the United States, particularly affecting roles in marketing and IT. The indie game division, known as the Collective, might face significant reductions as well.

    Focus on Q&A and Efficiency

    The report from VGC also highlights that Q&A departments are among the areas targeted for layoffs. This has raised concerns among gamers, especially in light of another recent announcement. The company’s latest financial report outlined efforts to make the Q&A process in game development more efficient.

    Square Enix is collaborating with the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo to boost its use of generative AI. Q&A plays a vital role in assessing a game’s user-friendliness, and AI technology is expected to streamline the challenging bug-testing tasks. By the close of 2027, the company aims to automate approximately 70% of these processes.

    Concerns About Job Security

    Workers are worried that AI’s integration will progressively replace human roles to increase profits. Xbox Gaming has made significant investments in this technology, launching projects like Muse, which they say are designed to support creators rather than replace them. Nonetheless, employees at King, the developer behind Candy Crush Saga, have reported that colleagues were laid off due to the implementation of such tools.

    Previously, Square Enix had also made cuts in Europe and North America back in 2024. These actions, however, did not significantly alter the company’s financial situation. In the latest financial statement, the results were mixed; while operating income rose by 6% compared to the same timeframe last year, net sales fell by 23.7%.

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  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake Director on Game Preservation Challenges

    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Director on Game Preservation Challenges

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lack of Documentation: Original game developers in the mid-1990s did not preserve key documents, making remakes challenging.

    2. Experienced Team Members: The remakes benefit from the expertise of original creators, but more archived materials would enhance development.

    3. Availability of Playable Versions: Older playable versions exist, but they lack original source code and high-resolution assets.

    4. Source Code Issues: Overwritten source code from previous updates complicates the remaking process, as seen with Final Fantasy Tactics.

    5. Changes in the Remake: The remakes introduce expanded narratives and new areas, but not all fans are satisfied with the changes.

    It appears that gamers are discovering new remasters or remakes of beloved titles almost every week. However, recreating these games can become quite challenging due to the absence of key assets, similar to the situation with the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. In a recent interview with Eurogamer, director Naoki Hamaguchi shared that there are very few documents left from the original Final Fantasy games.

    Lack of Documentation

    When discussing the mid-1990s, Hamaguchi mentioned, “There’s practically no documentation left from that time, almost none at all.” He noted that developers back then didn’t focus much on preserving games. Because of this poor management of information, the team working on the Final Fantasy 7 Remake often had to depend on their own recollections.

    Experienced Team Members

    Yoshinori Kitase, who directed the original RPG, is now a producer for the remakes. Hamaguchi is also able to rely on the skills of artists like Tetsuya Nomura and writer Kazushige Nojima. Nevertheless, he expressed that having archived materials would be more beneficial. In the interview, Hamaguchi stated that he aimed for the new Final Fantasy games to avoid feeling like “fan fiction.”

    Availability of Playable Versions

    Before Square Enix initiated its remake projects, playable versions of the game were already accessible. However, these releases usually cannot replace the original source code or visual assets. Older gaming consoles did not support higher resolutions for images and videos, which affected the quality.

    The company encountered a similar issue with Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. Director Kazutoyo Maehiro revealed that the source code had been overwritten due to updates in language. In some instances, fan sites have stored information that helped fill in some gaps.

    Changes in the Remake

    Critics have noted the significant changes in Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Rebirth. These games feature expanded narratives and new areas to explore. However, not all fans are pleased with the alterations. Still, Hamaguchi aims to find a balance between staying true to the original and providing fresh gameplay experiences.

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  • Dragon Quest 1 HD-2D Remake to Add New Quests and Dungeons

    Dragon Quest 1 HD-2D Remake to Add New Quests and Dungeons

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upcoming Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake includes new questlines, encounters, and characters.
    2. New character Rubiss, a goddess of creation, plays a key role in the enhanced narrative.
    3. The remake introduces new characters such as a healing sage and dwarves.
    4. Players can explore new dungeons and experience events where monsters attack towns.
    5. The game will be available on multiple platforms, including Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on October 30.

    Dragon Quest is about to become a lot more quest-filled.

    The upcoming Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, scheduled for release at the end of this month, will include new questlines, encounters, and characters added to the original Dragon Quest game, which was also known as Dragon Warrior in North America. According to the publisher, Square Enix, these additions aim to enhance the narrative of the original game and create stronger links between the first two games and the third Dragon Quest, which received a remake last year.

    New Characters and Questlines

    Among the new elements introduced is the character Rubiss, who plays a key role in the stories of both Dragon Quest II and III. Rubiss is depicted as a goddess of creation within the Dragon Quest universe, but she does not appear in the original game and is only mentioned briefly in its smartphone remake. The HD-2D remake will feature a quest where the hero must find Rubiss and the faeries to gain their assistance.

    Fresh Adventures Await

    In addition, the remake will bring in new characters not seen in previous versions, such as a sage who specializes in healing specific illnesses and some dwarves. There will also be several new dungeons for players to explore, along with events where monsters can attack towns. This might be a welcome change for long-time players, as the original Dragon Quest was quite basic at its launch on the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System nearly 40 years ago, and many of its remakes and ports have kept that simplicity intact.

    Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is set to release on Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC (available via Steam and the Microsoft Store) on October 30.

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  • Dragon Quest IV, V, VI Remakes in Development, Creator Hints

    Dragon Quest IV, V, VI Remakes in Development, Creator Hints

    Key Takeaways

    1. Yuji Horii hinted at the possibility of remaking the Zenithian Trilogy (Dragon Quest IV, V, and VI) during a recent livestream.
    2. The focus on Dragon Quest VII Reimagined was explained as a priority, though earlier titles have not seen modern remakes in some time.
    3. Horii playfully avoided confirming or denying ongoing work on remakes for IV, V, and VI, suggesting some development may be happening.
    4. The interconnected stories of the Zenithian Trilogy could allow for a cohesive remake package, avoiding continuity issues.
    5. Square Enix has been actively remaking Dragon Quest titles, with recent successes and upcoming releases, including Dragon Quest VII Reimagined set for 2026.

    In the constantly growing realm of Square Enix’s beloved Dragon Quest franchise, Yuji Horii, its creator, has hinted at the possibility of remaking the much-anticipated Zenithian Trilogy, which includes Dragon Quest IV, V, and VI, potentially adding them to the list of modern classics.

    Recent Livestream Insights

    On September 15, 2025, during the monthly livestream “Yuubou and Mahirito no KosoKoso Housoukyoku,” co-hosted by Horii and manga expert Kazuhiko “Mashirito” Torishima, the discussion turned to the reasoning behind prioritizing Dragon Quest VII Reimagined while overlooking earlier titles in the series. Torishima inquired about the choice to focus on Dragon Quest VII rather than IV, V, and VI, which have not seen a modern remake in quite some time. Horii responded by saying, “A lot of things are moving around, but it was just done by the first chance.”

    Playful Banter and Speculation

    The conversation took a light-hearted turn when Torishima remarked, “It doesn’t mean that they aren’t working on 4, 5, and 6.” Horii cleverly sidestepped the question three times, stating, “I didn’t say it.” Their playful exchange continued until Naz Chris interjected, asking, “Does that mean VII is simply progressing smoothly?” Horii replied, “Well, yeah, there was also a period for its development… and we do have a lot of progress.” When Chris speculated about potential delays for a Dragon Quest IV remake due to its multi-chapter storyline, Horii chuckled and remarked, “Well, well…”

    Implications for Future Remakes

    Although Horii’s comments stopped short of giving a clear confirmation, they strongly suggest that some work has indeed been done on remakes for Dragon Quest IV, V, and VI, which could be nicely packaged together given their intertwined Zenithian themes. The interconnected narratives of Dragon Quest IV, V, and VI help explain why Dragon Quest VII Reimagined was given precedence, as it could be redesigned without causing continuity problems.

    Square Enix has been actively remaking Dragon Quest titles ever since the highly praised Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was released in November 2024, selling over 2 million copies within just over 20 days. Additionally, Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D Remake is set to be released on October 30, 2025. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is anticipated to launch in 2026. Lastly, Dragon Quest XII, The Flames of Fate, was announced in 2021 and is being developed using Unreal Engine 5. However, Square Enix has remained tight-lipped about this project as they continue to release Dragon Quest remakes.

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  • Square Enix Reveals Dragon Quest Smash/Grow for Mobile, Beta in October

    Square Enix Reveals Dragon Quest Smash/Grow for Mobile, Beta in October

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Spin-Off Announcement: Square Enix has revealed a new mobile game titled “Dragon Quest Smash/Grow,” set for release in 2026 on iOS and Android.

    2. Roguelite RPG Gameplay: The game features quick, action-filled combat and emphasizes short play sessions, differing from traditional JRPG entries.

    3. Unique Gameplay Mechanics: Players will face monster waves, collect new abilities, and use special “Coup de Grâce” attacks, with random power-ups for varied experiences.

    4. Closed Beta Test: A closed beta will take place from October 14 to 21, 2025, allowing players to sign up for feedback before the official launch.

    5. Free-to-Play Model: Smash/Grow will be free-to-play with optional in-game purchases, amid ongoing popularity of the Dragon Quest series.

    Publisher Square Enix has just revealed a new spin-off from the beloved RPG series Dragon Quest. Named “Dragon Quest Smash/Grow,” this mobile game is scheduled to be released in 2026 for both iOS and Android platforms. Unlike the usual entries in this classic JRPG series, the developers have described the game as a roguelite RPG that emphasizes quick, action-filled combat, allowing players to enjoy the game in short sessions on their mobile devices.

    Unique Gameplay Elements

    The gameplay of Smash/Grow combines well-known features from the series with fresh mechanics. Players will face waves of monsters, gather new abilities to enhance their character, and take down foes using special “Coup de Grâce” attacks. The inclusion of random power-ups at the beginning of each round makes each playthrough feel distinct and exciting.

    A Different Approach

    Smash/Grow brings in gameplay features that are not present in the main series titles. Interestingly, almost all main entries in the franchise are now playable on mobile, as many have been ported to platforms like Game Boy Advance or Nintendo 3DS, covering titles I to VI, VIII, and X.

    Upcoming Closed Beta

    To give fans a preview of Dragon Quest Smash/Grow, Square Enix will conduct a closed beta test from October 14 to 21, 2025. Players who are interested can sign up on the official website until October 2. The developers plan to gather feedback from players to enhance the gaming experience prior to the 2026 launch.

    The finished game will be available as a free-to-play option, with optional in-game purchases. The mobile-exclusive Smash/Grow will arrive during the ongoing popularity of the main series, which has been boosted by remakes such as Dragon Quest 2D-HD I-III and the recently announced Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined (available for preorder on Amazon), alongside various spin-offs. We will likely need to wait for the full release to see if Smash/Grow will include pay-to-win elements that are often seen in mobile games.

     

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  • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Remake Part 3: Switch 2, Xbox Release

    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Remake Part 3: Switch 2, Xbox Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will launch on Switch 2 on January 22nd, 2026.
    2. Square Enix aims for a multi-platform release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Part 3, including Switch 2, Xbox, and PC.
    3. No specific release date for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been announced, but hints suggest it may arrive on multiple platforms by the end of 2026.
    4. Development challenges may arise due to the recent shift in strategy for multi-platform launches by Square Enix and PlayStation.
    5. Xbox players can access Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on January 22nd, and it will be Play Anywhere compatible.

    The September 12th Nintendo Direct showcased more details about Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. Gamers have learned that the Switch 2 version will be available starting January 22nd, 2026. However, Square Enix has also announced that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and the unnamed Part 3 will be released on various platforms. This means that the Final Fantasy titles will be available on the Switch 2, Xbox, and PC, which opens up the possibility for a simultaneous launch.

    Availability on Current Platforms

    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Rebirth can already be found on the PS5 and Steam. Nevertheless, Square Enix released these games as timed exclusives for PlayStation. Both Square Enix and Sony have expressed their goals to embrace a multi-platform strategy. As a result, fans of the Final Fantasy series are curious whether Part 3 will also be accessible on launch day across platforms, not just on a Sony console.

    Release Date Speculations

    Unfortunately, the social media update from Square Enix didn’t provide a specific release date for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. However, NateTheHate2 hinted that the remake would arrive on the Switch 2 and Xbox in 2026. If all platforms receive the game by the end of 2026, it might catch some fans off guard, especially since there was a longer wait for the PC versions of the first two games in the remake series.

    Development Challenges

    One counterpoint to a simultaneous multi-platform launch could be the lengthy development times. The shift in strategy by Square Enix and PlayStation is fairly recent. To hit the 2026 target, Square Enix would likely have to have begun work on the ports for the Xbox and Switch 2 well in advance, keeping the new timelines in consideration.

    Xbox Compatibility

    Xbox players will also be able to enjoy Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on January 22nd. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Xbox version will be Play Anywhere compatible, allowing for a seamless gaming experience.

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