Table of Contents:

Overview
History
Subsidiaries and Acquisitions
Major Franchises
Recent Developments and Controversies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Table of Contents

Overview

Square Enix is a renowned Japanese video game company known for its exceptional RPGs and iconic franchises. With a library of over 1,000 games and numerous spin-offs, Square Enix has established itself as a global gaming powerhouse. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and has branches worldwide.

History

Early Years (1975-1991):

1975: Founded as Enix Corporation
1986: Developed "Dragon Quest," a groundbreaking RPG
1987: Established Square Co., Ltd.

Merger and Expansion (1991-2010):

1991: Square and Enix merged to form Square Enix
2003: Acquired Eidos Interactive, a British developer known for "Tomb Raider"
2009: Released "Final Fantasy XIII," a critical and commercial success

Recent Years (2010-Present):

2013: Acquired Crystal Dynamics, a developer behind the "Tomb Raider" reboot
2015: Released "Final Fantasy XV," a highly anticipated open-world RPG
2019: Announced "Final Fantasy VII Remake," a reimagined version of the 1997 classic
2020: Released "Final Fantasy VII Remake," receiving widespread acclaim

Subsidiaries and Acquisitions

Square Enix has a diversified portfolio of subsidiaries and acquired companies, including:

Subsidiary / Acquired Company	Notable Franchises
Eidos Interactive	Tomb Raider, Hitman, Deus Ex
Crystal Dynamics	Tomb Raider, Legacy of Kain
Io Interactive	Hitman
Taito	Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble
Tokyo RPG Factory	Octopath Traveler
Luminous Productions	Forspoken

Major Franchises

Square Enix is renowned for its iconic franchises that have captivated gamers for decades:

Final Fantasy: A sprawling RPG series spanning over 35 mainline entries and countless spin-offs
Dragon Quest: A classic JRPG franchise featuring charming characters and turn-based battles
Kingdom Hearts: A cross-over RPG series combining Final Fantasy characters with Disney icons
Tomb Raider: An action-adventure series starring the iconic Lara Croft
Hitman: A stealth-action series revolving around the professional assassin Agent 47

Recent Developments and Controversies

In recent years, Square Enix has faced challenges and controversies, including:

Controversial DLC Practices: Complaints over excessive and expensive downloadable content for major releases
Delays and Quality Issues: Several highly anticipated games faced delays and criticism for technical issues
Cancellation of Promising Projects: The cancellation of projects like "Final Fantasy Versus XIII" and "Shenmue 3" disappointed fans

Despite these controversies, Square Enix remains committed to delivering high-quality gaming experiences to its vast fanbase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Square Enix’s most popular franchise?
A: Final Fantasy

Q: When was Square Enix founded?
A: 1975 (as Enix Corporation)

Q: What is the name of Square Enix’s development studio responsible for the Final Fantasy VII Remake?
A: Luminous Productions

Q: Which Final Fantasy game is considered the most critically acclaimed?
A: Final Fantasy VII

Q: What is Square Enix’s first game?
A: Dragon Quest (as Enix Corporation)

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a role-playing video game developed by Square Enix. It is a reimagining of the 1997 PlayStation game Final Fantasy VII. The game was released for the PlayStation 4 in 2020, and for the PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S in 2022.

The game follows the story of Cloud Strife, a mercenary hired by the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to stop the Shinra Electric Power Company from draining the life force of the planet. Cloud and his allies travel across the world, fighting Shinra and trying to save the planet.

The Remake features updated graphics and gameplay, as well as a new story that expands on the original game. The game received critical acclaim for its graphics, gameplay, story, and music.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Release Date

The highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake is finally set to release on April 10, 2020. The remake is a faithful reimagining of the original 1997 classic, featuring stunning graphics, an expanded story, and revamped combat system. Fans of the original game will be delighted with the nostalgia and attention to detail, while newcomers will be able to experience the beloved story and characters in a whole new way.

Gameplay of Final Fantasy VII Remake

Battle System

Real-time combat with ATB (Active Time Battle) gauge that determines action speed.
Command menu for selecting attacks, abilities, items, and materia.
Switch between characters on the fly for different abilities and perspectives.
Staggering enemies fills the Pressure Gauge, allowing for powerful finishing moves.

Materia System

Materia are orbs that grant magical abilities and enhance characters.
Equip materia to weapons, armor, and accessories to customize playstyles.
Combine materia to create powerful linked attacks.

Exploration

Explore a fully realized and interactive world, including the sprawling metropolis of Midgar.
Engage in side quests, mini-games, and discover hidden secrets.
Use the Assess Materia to gather information about enemies and the environment.

Progression

Level up characters to unlock new abilities and upgrade base stats.
Invest experience points in materia to enhance their power.
Acquire powerful weapons, armor, and items to strengthen the party.

Other Features

Dynamic camera angles and visually stunning cinematics.
Epic boss battles with unique mechanics and challenges.
Immersive soundtrack that adapts to gameplay situations.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Characters

The Final Fantasy VII Remake introduces a cast of memorable and complex characters:

Cloud Strife: A former member of SOLDIER, an elite military unit, Cloud is a skilled swordsman with a troubled past.
Tifa Lockhart: Cloud’s childhood friend and a kind and compassionate martial artist who runs the Seventh Heaven bar.
Barret Wallace: The leader of the eco-terrorist group Avalanche, Barret fights to protect the planet from Shinra’s exploitation.
Aerith Gainsborough: A mysterious flower girl with a connection to the planet’s life force, Aerith possesses healing abilities.
Red XIII: A member of the Nanaki tribe, Red XIII is a wise and intelligent creature with a mysterious connection to Shinra.
Vincent Valentine: A mysterious SOLDIER with a dark past, Vincent possesses unique firearms skills and transformations.
Yuffie Kisaragi: A skilled ninja from Wutai, Yuffie is a treasure hunter with a cheerful disposition.
Cait Sith: A robotic cat piloted by Reeve Tuesti, Cait Sith provides reconnaissance and moral support.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Story

Final Fantasy VII Remake retells the story of the original 1997 classic, following Cloud Strife, a mercenary hired by an eco-terrorist group called AVALANCHE to fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, a corporation draining the planet’s energy. As Cloud and his allies confront Shinra and its machinations, they uncover a sinister plot involving ancient beings, a cosmic threat, and the fate of the planet and its inhabitants.

The remake expands upon the original narrative, exploring the characters and world in greater depth. It adds new areas, bosses, and plot points, while also offering updated visuals and a revamped battle system that seamlessly blends action with the classic materia-based gameplay.

The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Cloud and the enigmatic Sephiroth, as they battle for the future of the planet. Along the way, they confront their pasts, learn to accept their destinies, and ultimately make choices that will shape the fate of their world.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Combat

The combat system in Final Fantasy VII Remake is a hybrid of real-time action and traditional turn-based gameplay. Players control one character at a time, while the other two are AI-controlled.

Key Features:

Real-time combat: Players can move freely around the battlefield and attack enemies in real time.
ATB Gauge: Characters build up an ATB (Active Time Battle) gauge, which allows them to execute abilities and spells.
Staggering: Damaging enemies builds a stagger meter. When full, enemies become vulnerable to critical attacks and status effects.
Tactical Mode: Players can pause the action to plan their next moves and issue commands to their AI-controlled party members.
Materia: Crystals that grant characters abilities and spells. Each character can equip up to two Materia at a time.
Summoning: In certain battles, players can summon powerful creatures to aid them. Summons have unique abilities and can significantly turn the tide of combat.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Graphics

Final Fantasy VII Remake features stunning graphics that enhance the original game’s visual appeal. The game utilizes the Unreal Engine 4, which allows for high-quality textures, detailed character models, and impressive lighting effects. The environments are particularly impressive, with lush forests, bustling cities, and intricate dungeons brought to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. The character designs have been updated to reflect modern graphical standards while still retaining the iconic look of the original game. The game also features real-time cutscenes that seamlessly blend into gameplay, further enhancing the immersive experience.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Voice Actors

The English voice cast for Final Fantasy VII Remake features a mix of veteran and newcomer voice actors. The main characters are voiced by:

Cloud Strife: Cody Christian
Tifa Lockhart: Britt Baron
Barret Wallace: John Eric Bentley
Aerith Gainsborough: Briana White
Sephiroth: Tyler Hoechlin

Notable supporting voice actors include:

J.G. Hertzler as President Shinra
Patricia Summersett as Biggs
Matt Jones as Wedge
Sarah Amiri as Jessie
Erika Harlacher as Marlene

The Japanese voice cast is largely composed of the same actors who have voiced the characters in previous Final Fantasy VII games.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Mods

Mods for Final Fantasy VII Remake enhance the game’s graphics, gameplay, and content. They include:

Visual mods: Improved textures, lighting, and effects.
Gameplay mods: Adjusted difficulty, character abilities, and combat mechanics.
Content mods: New weapons, armor, enemies, and areas.

Prominent mods include:

ReShade: Enhances graphics with realistic lighting and effects.
Fancy Graphics Mod: Overhauls textures and shaders for improved visual fidelity.
Expanded Remake Mod: Introduces new areas, characters, and gameplay elements, including the original Midgar Zolom boss fight.
Tifa’s Mini Skirt Mod: Adjusts Tifa’s attire for a more revealing look.
Cloud Strife Firion’s Buster Sword Mod: Replaces Cloud’s Buster Sword with the iconic Firion’s Sword from Final Fantasy II.