Ben Dutka: Square-Enix has been trying to appeal to a wider worldwide audience for quite some time now; this new emphasis on expansion has resulted in their new Los Angeles studio, the acquisition of Eidos, and a more adult/mature-oriented focus in projects like Nier. It may take a definite backseat to the likes of Final Fantasy XIII and maybe even Level 5's White Knight Chronicles but if you're looking for something fresh, it might be a mistake to ignore Nier. An action/RPG that should feature an engaging storyline, fast-paced combat and a unique set of characters with a lot of added flash, this one might become a massive sleeper hit. There will also be some platforming and we expect to see some puzzle solving as well; as for the setting, that'll be dark, gritty and loaded with a ton of attitude. This may or may not be up your alley, but people are always saying they want something different from Square-Enix…
With the recent cancellation of the Xbox exclusive, Scalebound, what does it mean for Platinum Games? Are they spreading themselves too thin?
Not really. They just need better producers or directors. I'm not sure.
They made Bayonetta and Vanquish in succession and they both turned out amazing!
When they work with Japanese Publishers everything is fine.
They fine with Sega, Nintendo, Konami and now Square Enix.
Microsoft and Activision aren't even trying to help. They just say hey here the money make something big.
This is one of those "Colin was right" moments. Platinum went from being a consistently good developer to mediocre in the blink of an eye. And its because they've elected to take on too my projects in my opinion. Though I'm not sure how large or small the studio is, it's never a good sign when they're putting out 5-7 titles a year. Lets hope they reorganize and rebound from this.
Jae Lee writes: What if I told you that you actually didn’t know all that much about some of your old favorite games? Why it resonated with you so much or perhaps even what made them so great in the first place? What if there were some aspects in those very games that you took for granted, when in actuality they were flashes of brilliance in game design?
That is exactly what I’m telling you right now.
Don’t believe me? Read on and welcome to “Brilliance in Gaming.”
Xbigygames writes: Square Enix JP have just opened their first music streaming website. Fans can listen to their favourite music from Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XII-2, Sengoku IXA Dissidia, El Shaddai, Xenogears, Saga, Neir, and DRAG-ON Dragoon. Best of all, Square Enix have made the service free!