Before E3 really got under way, the only games we were really expecting to show up, for sure, were Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, Project Avengers and possibly Outriders, the newly-announced IP from Square Enix.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
The show kicked off with a trailer showcasing cinematic footage from the upcoming game, with short glimpses of orchestrated music from the game.
22 years later, Final Fantasy VII is returning. Honestly, by this point, you’re either sold on it or you’re not. We have a few new details as well. The game will launch on two discs, with the first installment focusing largely on Midgar and its history an backstory.
The show featured a combat explanation, where an onstage presenter explained the ins and outs of Cloud’s combat. The combat seems to combine the speed of action JRPGs like Final Fantasy XV and the ATB system of earlier Final Fantasies. The result looks captivating and engrossing. Players are able to switch between party members, and gameplay showed off Cloud and Barrett.
The gameplay demo ended with the iconic scene where Cloud and Barrett take down the Scorpion Sentinel. I gotta say, even as someone who will die on the hill that final Fantasy VII is vastly overrated, this fight brought a smile to my face.
Life is Strange 2
Life is Strange 2 got an interesting trailer featuring various voice actors reacting to the story. The first portion is available now.
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition
A remake of the popular Final Fantasy game is coming to smartphones, PS4 and Switch.
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler, which first released on Switch, is now available on Steam.
The Last Remnant Remastered
Available tonight on the Nintendo Switch.
Dragon Quest Builders 2
A new trailer explaining the premise of the second Dragon Quest Builders was shown.
The game touts a new story and the ability to build bigger than ever in a huge world. It really seems like fans of the original Builders will have a lot to look forward to. Even as someone who didn’t play the original, this one looks cool, as long as you aren’t put off by a somewhat childish presentation.
The game adds cooperative internet play, and honestly, this looks like the closest thing to Minecraft, aside from Minecraft, we have seen yet.
Dragon Quest Builders 2 releases June 14, with a demo releasing June 24.
Dragon Quest XI Definitive Edition
The Switch version of Dragon Quest 11 got a trailer showing the ability to switch between classic and contemporary presentation styles. I have been looking forward to this one.
It arrives this fall.
Circuit Superstars
From Square enix Collective, this top-down, tactile racing game is arriving next year. It is coming to PS4. Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch.
Battalion 1944
This competitive World War II shooter is another one published by Square Enix Interactive. It looks to combine a number of gameplay modes including ranked modes, 1 versus 1 and competitive seasons.
Final Fantasy Soundtracks
are now available on streaming services.
Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC
A brief trailer featuring characters from Kingdom Hearts 3 was shown. Kingdom Hearts 3 Re Mind was announced.
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
Final Fantasy XIV’s third expansion, Shadowbringers, is coming July 2.
The new expansion represents an entirely new batch of content and acts as an entirely new game, according to the director who spoke on stage. This bit finished with the world premier of the game’s launch trailer.
Dying Light 2
Dying Light 2 got a trailer, and it is coming in Spring 2020.
SaGa Scarlet Grace Ambitions, Romancing SaGa 3
These acclaimed JRPGs were never released in the west, but are coming to the west soon.
War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius
A new spinoff from FFBE, War of the Visions and FFBE look like they will set up a new mythology for Final Fantasy stories to take place in. The trailer looks.
War of the Visions is now in development.
Outriders
The previously-announced new IP from Square Enix got a new trailer showing some badass cinematics. The game is launching September 2020.
There is more information coming this winter, but developers refer to the game as a strong story to be enjoyed with friends or solo set in a dark, motor-shooter setting.
Oninaki
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
I am pretty mad about this one, but Final Fantasy VIII is finally being remastered. This one is landing next year and is coming to consoles and PC.
Marvel’s Avengers
At long last, we get our first look at the Avengers game Square Enix has been long at-work on.
The trailer is worth watching for yourself, but there is some pretty bleak imagery in the first trailer. It looks as though players can control Iron Man, Bruce Banner (and the Hulk!), Black Widow, Thor and Captain America.
The game is not a tie-in with the movies, and represents Crystal Dynamics’ own vision of the heroes.
In addition to the single player content, the game will feature an online component where new characters, maps and missions will be free DLC. No random lootboxes or pay-to-win scenarios will be present. Over time, many characters and heroes will be added to this online, PvE component.
Marvel’s Avengers is launching worldwide on PS4, Xbox One, PC and Stadia May 15, 2020. PS4 players get early beta access and other unique benefits.
A final trailer showed Hank Pym (the original Ant Man) using a shrink ray on a giant robotic enemy. The trailer hooked me.