Early Beginnings
Square Enix emerged as a merger between Square and Enix, two legendary Japanese game developers. Square, established in 1983, gained acclaim for its innovative RPGs, including the Final Fantasy series. Enix, founded in 1975, was renowned for its sports titles, such as Dragon Quest.
The Merger and Expansion
In 2003, Square and Enix merged to form Square Enix, creating a gaming powerhouse with a vast portfolio. The company expanded its reach into global markets and began exploring new genres, including action, adventure, and mobile gaming.
Iconic Franchise Success
Square Enix is the mastermind behind some of the most iconic gaming franchises in history. These include:
Franchise | Years Active | Number of Games |
---|---|---|
Final Fantasy | 1987-Present | 16 Mainline Games |
Dragon Quest | 1986-Present | 12 Mainline Games |
Kingdom Hearts | 2002-Present | 11 Mainline Games |
Tomb Raider | 1996-Present | 28 Mainline Games |
Deus Ex | 2000-Present | 4 Mainline Games |
Technological Advancements
Square Enix has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming technology. The company developed the Luminous Engine, a proprietary engine that allows for stunning visuals and expansive worlds. It also pioneered the HD-2D style, which combines 2D spritework with 3D environments for a unique aesthetic.
Beyond Gaming
In addition to its gaming prowess, Square Enix has ventured into other entertainment fields. The company has established a presence in film, anime, and music, producing popular adaptations of its iconic games and creating new original content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Square Enix best known for?
A: Square Enix is renowned for its iconic gaming franchises, including Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Kingdom Hearts.
Q: When was Square Enix founded?
A: Square Enix was formed in 2003 through the merger of Square and Enix.
Q: What is the Luminous Engine?
A: The Luminous Engine is a proprietary engine developed by Square Enix that enables advanced graphics and immersive experiences.
Q: What other forms of entertainment does Square Enix engage in?
A: In addition to gaming, Square Enix produces films, anime, and music related to its franchises and creates original content.
Q: What is the HD-2D style?
A: The HD-2D style is a unique visual approach that combines 2D spritework with 3D environments, creating a distinct and captivating look.
References:
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a role-playing game developed by Square Enix and released in 2020. It is a reimagining of the original Final Fantasy VII released in 1997, featuring updated graphics, gameplay, and a re-orchestrated soundtrack.
The game follows the story of Cloud Strife, a former member of SOLDIER, a special forces unit of the mega-corporation Shinra Inc. Cloud joins a group of rebels, including Barret Wallace, Tifa Lockhart, and Aerith Gainsborough, to fight against Shinra’s oppressive rule and prevent the destruction of the planet by the planet’s life force, Mako.
The gameplay is focused on action-RPG elements, with a real-time combat system and a variety of abilities, spells, and weapons to use. The game also features a new summon system, allowing players to summon powerful creatures to aid them in battle. The game is episodic, with the first installment covering the events of the original game’s opening hours.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an enhanced version of the 2020 action role-playing game Final Fantasy VII Remake. Released in 2021, Intergrade features improved graphics, faster loading times, and a new story episode titled "INTERmission".
INTERmission follows the story of Yuffie Kisaragi, a ninja who infiltrates the Shinra Corporation’s headquarters in Midgar alongside Sonon Kusakabe. The episode expands on Yuffie’s character and provides new insights into the story of the main game.
Intergrade also includes new gameplay features such as the Fort Condor minigame, where players engage in tactical battles, and a new difficulty mode called "Hard Mode". It supports the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, providing haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive experience.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Yuffie DLC
The Final Fantasy VII Remake Yuffie DLC, titled "Episode INTERmission," introduces a new playable character, Yuffie Kisaragi, and expands on the events of the main game.
Story: Yuffie infiltrates Midgar together with the Wutai resistance group, Avalanche, on a mission to steal the Ultimate Materia from the Shinra Electric Power Company. Along the way, she encounters new allies and adversaries, as well as uncovers secrets about Avalanche’s past.
Gameplay: Yuffie’s gameplay style differs from the main characters. She fights with a throwing star called "Elemental Shuriken" that can be infused with different elemental attacks. She also has a unique ability called "Banish" that allows her to reflect enemy attacks and deal massive damage. The DLC features new bosses, mini-games, and a unique story path.
Characters: Yuffie is accompanied by Sonon Kusakabe, a skilled Wutai warrior who becomes her ally. The DLC also introduces new characters, such as Weiss the Immaculate, a high-ranking Shinra executive, and Nayo, a member of the Wutai resistance.
Setting: The DLC takes place in Midgar, focusing on areas that were not seen in the main game. Players will explore the slums, Shinra headquarters, and new locations such as the Corneo Colosseum and Fort Condor.
Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy VII Remake
Cloud Strife is a former member of the elite SOLDIER unit who was recruited by the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to help them in their fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, a corrupt corporation that is siphoning the life force of the planet. Despite his rebellious nature, Cloud initially struggles with his identity and memories.
As the story progresses, Cloud’s past is gradually revealed. It is discovered that he was a victim of Shinra’s experiments and that he has been living in a fabricated reality. Through his journey with AVALANCHE, he confronts his past and embraces his true identity.
Cloud is a complex and enigmatic character who is both flawed and heroic. He is haunted by his past but also driven by a desire to protect the innocent. As a skilled swordsman and strategist, Cloud plays a crucial role in AVALANCHE’s fight against Shinra and becomes an inspiration to those who seek to challenge the corrupt system.
Tifa Lockhart in Final Fantasy VII Remake
Tifa Lockhart is a key character in Final Fantasy VII Remake. She is a close friend to Cloud Strife and works as a waitress at Seventh Heaven, a bar in the Midgar Slums. Tifa is skilled in martial arts and uses her abilities to fight against Shinra Electric Power Company, which is exploiting the world’s energy source, Mako.
In the Remake, Tifa is more prominently featured than in the original game. She plays an active role in Cloud’s quest to stop Sephiroth and Shinra. Tifa is also shown to have a deeper understanding of Cloud’s past and helps him come to terms with it.
Aerith Gainsborough
Aerith Gainsborough is a playable character and a major protagonist in the role-playing game Final Fantasy VII Remake. She is a flower seller who possesses the ability to commune with the planet’s life force. Aerith is a kind and compassionate person, but she is also strong-willed and independent. She is determined to protect the planet from the evil corporation Shinra, which is draining its life force.
Aerith’s journey in the Remake takes her through many different challenges. She must confront her past, learn to control her powers, and find her place in the world. Along the way, she forms close bonds with the other members of her party, including Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, and Barret Wallace.
Aerith is a powerful and complex character who plays a vital role in the Final Fantasy VII Remake. She is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Barret Wallace in Final Fantasy VII Remake
Barret Wallace is a prominent character in Final Fantasy VII Remake. As the leader of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, he is determined to fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company’s exploitation of the planet’s life force.
Appearance and Personality:
Barret is a muscular, imposing figure with a distinctive gun-arm. He is passionate, brash, and fiercely protective of his allies. Despite his tough exterior, he also has a soft spot for orphans and cares deeply about the future of the planet.
Role in the Story:
Barret initially joins forces with Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart to infiltrate Shinra’s headquarters. As the group uncovers the truth about the company’s unethical practices, Barret’s determination to save the planet intensifies. He plays a pivotal role in destroying the Midgar Plate, liberating the city from Shinra’s control.
Abilities and Skills:
Barret specializes in ranged attacks, utilizing his powerful gun-arm, named "Big Bertha." He possesses high strength and endurance, making him an ideal front-line fighter. Additionally, he has proficient knowledge of explosives and demolition tactics.
Character Development:
Throughout Final Fantasy VII Remake, Barret undergoes significant character development. As he witnesses the consequences of AVALANCHE’s actions, he questions his own methods and learns the importance of finding peaceful solutions. His bond with Cloud and the other party members also deepens, as they work together to protect the planet.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Sephiroth
Sephiroth is the main antagonist of Final Fantasy VII Remake. He is a legendary SOLDIER and the product of the Jenova Project, a scientific experiment to create the ultimate weapon. Sephiroth is a skilled swordsman and possesses immense power, including the ability to manipulate materia.
In the Remake, Sephiroth appears in visions and flashbacks, foreshadowing his eventual confrontation with Cloud Strife, the game’s protagonist. He manipulates events from behind the scenes, setting up a confrontation with Cloud and his allies at the end of the game.
Sephiroth’s motives are complex, but he ultimately seeks to destroy the world and gain control of its life force. He believes that by doing so, he can become a god and transcend his humanity. His nihilistic worldview and desire for power make him a formidable and terrifying villain.
Reno Sinclair
Reno Sinclair is a member of the Turks, an elite unit within the Shinra Electric Power Company. Reno is a seasoned operative and has been involved in many missions for Shinra. He is known for his ruthless efficiency and his cool demeanor. Reno carries a distinctive pair of revolvers and is proficient in hand-to-hand combat. He is also a skilled tracker and infiltrator. In the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Reno plays a major role as one of the main antagonists alongside Rude. He is tasked with hunting down Cloud Strife and his companions and preventing them from interfering with Shinra’s plans.
Rude Heiderich
Rude Heiderich is a supporting antagonist in Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII Remake. He is a member of the Turks, a special ops unit working for the Shinra Electric Power Company. Rude is a skilled marksman and a formidable fighter, using his powerful fists and a variety of weapons. He is also known for his cold and ruthless demeanor.
In Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rude plays a more prominent role than in the original game. He is tasked with hunting down and capturing Aerith Gainsborough, a flower girl who has become a target of Shinra’s interest. Rude pursues Aerith relentlessly, but he eventually comes to respect her strength and determination.
Despite his loyalty to Shinra, Rude has a sense of honor and fair play. He refuses to kill Aerith in cold blood and helps her escape from Shinra’s clutches. In the end, Rude leaves Shinra and goes his own way, becoming a powerful ally to Cloud Strife and his friends.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Jessie Rasberry
Jessie Rasberry is a playable character in the 2020 action role-playing game Final Fantasy VII Remake. She is a member of AVALANCHE, an eco-terrorist group fighting against the Shinra Electric Power Company.
Jessie is a skilled engineer and demolitions expert. She created the bomb that AVALANCHE uses to attack the Shinra headquarters in Midgar. She is also a skilled fighter, using her twin pistols and grenades to take down her enemies.
Jessie is a compassionate and determined fighter. She believes in AVALANCHE’s cause and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the planet. She is also a caring friend and mentor to her fellow AVALANCHE members.
Jessie’s role in the story is expanded in the Remake compared to the original game. She is given more backstory and development, and she plays a more active role in the plot. She is also one of the few characters who survives the events of the game.
Wedge Shinra
Wedge Shinra is a supporting character in the Final Fantasy VII Remake. Originally appearing in the original Final Fantasy VII as a member of the Shinra Electric Power Company’s military, Wedge returns in the Remake as an independent contractor working with the anti-Shinra organization AVALANCHE.
Wedge is a skilled demolitions expert and a close friend of Biggs and Jessie. Despite his initial reluctance to join AVALANCHE, he eventually comes around and becomes a valuable asset to the team.
In the Remake, Wedge plays a more prominent role than in the original game. He is present for many of the game’s key moments, and his interactions with the other characters help to flesh out his character. Wedge’s bond with Biggs and Jessie is particularly strong, and his determination to avenge their deaths is a driving force for him throughout the game.
Biggs Darklighter
Biggs Darklighter is a playable character in Final Fantasy VII Remake. He is a member of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE and a close friend of Cloud Strife. Biggs is a skilled sniper and a loyal ally, but he is also headstrong and reckless at times.
Appearance
Biggs is a tall and muscular man with short, dark hair. He wears a black leather jacket, dark jeans, and a red bandana around his neck. He also carries a sniper rifle on his back.
Personality
Biggs is a brave and determined man who is fiercely loyal to his friends. However, he is also headstrong and reckless, and he often rushes into danger without thinking. He has a strong sense of justice and believes that AVALANCHE is fighting for a good cause.
Abilities
Biggs is a skilled sniper, and he is also proficient in hand-to-hand combat. He is a valuable asset to AVALANCHE, and he is always willing to put himself in danger to protect his friends.
Marlene Wallace
Marlene Wallace is an orphan and the adopted daughter of Barret Wallace, a leader of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, in Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Depicted as a shy and innocent young girl, Marlene brings joy and warmth to Barret’s rugged exterior. She is deeply attached to her father and AVALANCHE’s members, whom she considers her family. Despite her vulnerability, Marlene possesses a strong will and determination, as seen in her fearless defense of Barret during a dangerous escape.
Marlene plays a vital role in Barret’s personal growth, softening his hardened heart and inspiring him to fight for a more just world. Her presence provides a beacon of hope and love amidst the chaos and conflict that plague the world.
Cloud’s Buster Sword in Final Fantasy VII Remake
In the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Cloud Strife’s iconic Buster Sword has been meticulously redesigned, retaining its signature look while enhancing its details and functionality.
The sword now features a more intricate design, with a sharper, more angular blade and intricate carvings along its length. The hilt has been updated with a more ergonomic grip and a glowing crystal orb at its base, which serves as a materia slot.
In terms of gameplay, the Buster Sword remains a versatile weapon, capable of both devastating melee attacks and powerful magical abilities. Its weight and reach make it a formidable weapon for close-quarters combat, while its materia customization allows Cloud to tailor it to his specific combat style and party needs.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Chocobo
In Final Fantasy VII Remake, the Chocobo is a large, flightless bird that serves as a mode of transportation for the party. Chocobo can be found in the Corneo Colosseum minigame, where they can be used to race against other Chocobos. The party can also rent Chocobos at specific Chocobo Post locations around the world, allowing them to travel quickly between locations.
Chocobos can be customized with different colors and accessories, and their stats can be improved by winning races and completing side quests. Once the party has unlocked the Chocobo Draftboard, they can also participate in Chocobo races against other players online.
The Chocobo is a valuable asset to the party, providing a fast and efficient way to explore the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Midgar
Final Fantasy VII Remake Midgar is the first installment in the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, a reimagining of the original 1997 PlayStation game. It follows the journey of Cloud Strife, a former SOLDIER operative turned mercenary, as he joins an eco-terrorist group called Avalanche to fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, which is draining the lifeblood of the planet Gaia.
The game focuses on events that take place in the city of Midgar, expanding and refining the story and characters from the original game. Players control Cloud and his companions as they navigate Midgar’s sprawling slums, infiltrate Shinra headquarters, and confront formidable enemies. The combat system has been updated to a more action-oriented style, with a blend of real-time and turn-based elements.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Midgar was released on April 10, 2020, and received widespread critical acclaim for its story, characters, graphics, and soundtrack. It is the first part of a multi-part remake project that aims to retell the entire narrative of the original game with expanded content and gameplay.