Square Enix is a Japanese video game developer and publisher responsible for some of the most iconic titles in gaming history. The company has a rich history spanning over 40 years, and its games have sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
Origins and Early Success
Square Enix was founded as Square Co., Ltd. in 1983 by Masafumi Miyamoto and Hironobu Sakaguchi. The company’s early games were released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), including the critically acclaimed "Final Fantasy" and "Chrono Trigger" series.
The Merger with Enix
In 2003, Square merged with Enix Corporation, another prominent Japanese game developer. The merger created a new company called Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., which became one of the largest video game companies in the world.
Key Franchises
Square Enix is known for its popular video game franchises, including:
Franchise | First Release | Description |
---|---|---|
Final Fantasy | 1987 | A role-playing game series known for its epic storylines and memorable characters |
Dragon Quest | 1986 | A role-playing game series known for its classic turn-based combat and charming characters |
Kingdom Hearts | 2002 | An action role-playing game series that combines characters from Disney and Final Fantasy |
Tomb Raider | 1996 | An action-adventure game series starring the iconic archaeologist Lara Croft |
Just Cause | 2006 | An action-adventure game series known for its explosive open-world gameplay |
Global Expansion
Square Enix has a global presence, with offices in Japan, the United States, Europe, and Canada. The company has also partnered with other developers worldwide to create and publish games.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Square Enix has played a significant role in shaping the gaming industry. The company’s innovative games have pushed the boundaries of technology and storytelling. Square Enix has also fostered a passionate community of fans who have supported the company for decades.
Corporate Culture and Values
Square Enix is committed to creating high-quality games that entertain and inspire players. The company values innovation, creativity, and teamwork. Square Enix also places great importance on its employees and encourages a positive and inclusive work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Square Enix’s most popular game?
Square Enix’s most popular game is "Final Fantasy VII," which has sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
- Who founded Square Enix?
Square Enix was founded by Masafumi Miyamoto and Hironobu Sakaguchi.
- When did Square Enix merge with Enix?
Square Enix merged with Enix in 2003.
- What is Square Enix’s corporate philosophy?
Square Enix’s corporate philosophy is to "create exceptional entertainment experiences that inspire the world."
- How many games has Square Enix sold worldwide?
Square Enix has sold over 100 million games worldwide.
Conclusion
Square Enix is a global gaming giant with a rich history and a bright future. The company’s iconic franchises and innovative games continue to entertain and inspire players worldwide. Square Enix is a true pioneer in the gaming industry, and its games have had a profound impact on the medium.
References
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 4. It is a remake of the 1997 PlayStation game Final Fantasy VII. The game follows Cloud Strife, a former member of an elite SOLDIER unit, as he joins an eco-terrorist group known as Avalanche to fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, which is draining the planet of its life force.
The remake features updated graphics, gameplay, and story elements. It covers the events of the Midgar section of the original game, which has been expanded and enhanced. The game received generally positive reviews, with praise for its graphics, gameplay, music, and story. It was a commercial success, selling over five million copies worldwide.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Characters
- Cloud Strife: The game’s protagonist, a former member of the elite SOLDIER unit who left after a traumatic event.
- Tifa Lockhart: A close friend of Cloud who runs the Seventh Heaven bar.
- Aerith Gainsborough: A flower girl with a mysterious past and a connection to the planet’s lifeforce.
- Barret Wallace: The leader of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, fighting against the Shinra Corporation’s exploitation of the planet.
- Reno: A member of the Turks, an elite group of assassins working for Shinra.
- Rude: Another member of the Turks, specializing in hand-to-hand combat.
- Red XIII: A mysterious, intelligent creature who was once kept captive by Shinra.
- Sephiroth: A legendary SOLDIER who disappeared and is rumored to be behind the events of the game.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Gameplay
Final Fantasy VII Remake offers a captivating and seamless gameplay experience, blending the beloved elements of the original game with modern advancements.
- Real-Time Combat: Engage in exhilarating real-time battles, controlling a single character while party members execute AI-driven abilities.
- Tactical Turn-Based Elements: Utilize the ATB (Active Time Battle) system to pause combat and issue commands to your party, strategizing attacks, abilities, and item usage.
- Character Switching: Seamlessly switch between party members in real time to take advantage of their unique abilities and playstyles.
- Summons: Summon powerful creatures to aid in battle, devastating enemies with their destructive abilities.
- Exploration and Interactivity: Traverse Midgar’s vast and detailed environments, interacting with NPCs, completing side quests, and discovering hidden secrets.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Story Summary
The game follows Cloud Strife, a former SOLDIER operative, as he joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE in their fight against Shinra, an evil energy corporation that is draining the planet’s life force. As Cloud and his companions fight against Shinra, they uncover a dark secret about Cloud’s past and the nature of the world they live in.
The game expands upon the original story by fleshing out the characters and adding new plot elements. It also features a new combat system that is a blend of action and strategy.
The story is set in the city of Midgar, a sprawling metropolis that is home to Shinra’s headquarters. Cloud and his companions must battle their way through the city’s slums, industrial districts, and the Shinra Tower itself. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of enemies, including Shinra soldiers, monsters, and even the game’s iconic villain, Sephiroth.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Review
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a faithful reimagining of the classic RPG that expands upon the original story with stunning graphics, refined combat, and an engaging narrative. While it doesn’t cover the entire original game, Part 1 offers a comprehensive and satisfying experience that captures the essence of the beloved RPG. The game’s engaging characters, immersive world, and dynamic combat system make it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Mods
Graphical Enhancements:
- Enhanced textures, lighting, and models provide a more immersive experience.
- ReShade presets and lighting mods allow players to customize the game’s visuals.
Gameplay Modifications:
- Difficulty mods adjust enemy stats, challenge levels, and character abilities.
- Cheat engine mods grant unlimited items, abilities, and resources.
- Camera mods and gameplay enhancements improve camera angles and control.
Cosmetic Changes:
- Character appearance mods alter the appearance of main characters.
- Weapon and accessory mods replace the default weapons with custom designs.
- Lighting mods change the appearance and atmosphere of certain locations.
Community Creations:
- Custom maps and scenarios allow players to create their own unique experiences.
- New weapons, abilities, and characters can be added through mod files.
- Fan-made quests and storylines expand the game’s content.
Note: Modding Final Fantasy VII Remake requires technical proficiency and may void warranties or conflict with game patches.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Materia
In Final Fantasy VII Remake, Materia orbs grant various magical and supportive abilities to your party members. There are 44 types of Materia that can be equipped into Materia slots on weapons and armor.
Elemental and Summon:
- Fire, Ice, Lightning, Wind, Earth, Water: Deal elemental damage or modulate enemy resistance.
- Summon: Summon powerful creatures to attack.
Support:
- Cure, Regen, Raise: Heal or revive allies.
- Barrier, Wall: Protect against damage.
- Status Up, Status Down: Boost or reduce stats or resistance.
- ATB Assist: Reduce ATB costs or speed up gauge recovery.
Utility:
- Attack Up, Magic Up: Increase attack or magic power.
- Enemy Skill: Learn and cast enemy abilities.
- EXP Up, AP Up: Enhance experience or ability point gain.
- MP Up: Increase maximum MP.
Combination:
- Combining specific Materia can create new abilities, such as Firaga or Blizzara. For example, combining Fire and Magnify Materia creates Firaga.
Upgrading:
- Materia can be upgraded by using it in combat or resting at inns. Upgrading increases its potency and unlocks new abilities.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Weapons
The Final Fantasy VII Remake features a wide variety of weapons for each character, each with their own unique abilities and stats. Weapons can be obtained through various methods, such as purchasing them from shops, finding them in treasure chests, or completing certain quests.
Cloud Strife:
- Buster Sword (Default): A large, two-handed sword that provides high attack power.
- Hardedge: A shorter, single-handed sword that grants increased agility and critical hit rate.
- Apocalypse: A powerful, energy-based sword that deals damage with a combination of physical and magical attributes.
Tifa Lockhart:
- Leather Gloves (Default): Lightweight gloves that increase attack speed and critical hit damage.
- Fist of Fury: A pair of reinforced gauntlets that significantly boost attack power.
- Celestial Glove: A powered-up version of the Leather Gloves that combines high attack speed with magical enchantments.
Barret Wallace:
- Gatling Gun (Default): A heavy machine gun that deals high damage at medium range.
- Big Bertha: A massive cannon that fires explosive rounds with devastating power.
- Fist of the Beast: A transforming weapon that combines a powerful arm cannon with a close-quarters combat mode.
Aerith Gainsborough:
- Staff of Wisdom (Default): A magical staff that enhances spell power and grants access to healing spells.
- Silver Staff: A stronger version of the Staff of Wisdom that increases both Aerith’s attack and magic stats.
- Spectral Staff: A powerful staff that allows Aerith to summon a spectral double to assist her in battle.
Red XIII:
- Claws (Default): Sharp claws that provide a balanced mix of physical and magical attack power.
- Gaia’s Breath: A set of enchanted claws that boost Red XIII’s attack power against specific enemy types.
- Revitalizing Claws: Claws that grant Red XIII increased healing abilities and the ability to revive fallen allies.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Final Fantasy VII Remake is a captivating blend of reimagined classics and new compositions that enhance the game’s epic narrative. Nobuo Uematsu, the original composer, collaborates with Masashi Hamauzu and Mitsuto Suzuki to create a dynamic score that seamlessly integrates with the gameplay.
The remake’s soundtrack retains the iconic themes from the original while expanding upon them with orchestral grandeur. "One-Winged Angel" is a particularly notable example, with its powerful chorus and haunting melodies. Additionally, new tracks like "Hollow" and "The Prelude" add depth and atmosphere to the game’s world.
The soundtrack not only complements the visuals but also serves as a driving force behind the game’s emotional impact. It conveys the characters’ struggles, the intensity of battle, and the epic scale of the narrative. Overall, the Final Fantasy VII Remake soundtrack is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the original while introducing new elements that enhance the game’s immersive experience.
Final Fantasy VII Remake DLC
The Final Fantasy VII Remake DLC, titled "INTERmission," delves into the backstory of Yuffie Kisaragi, a charismatic thief from Wutai. The DLC follows Yuffie and Sonon Kusakabe as they infiltrate the urban metropolis of Midgar to steal a powerful material sought by their homeland.
Key Features:
- Exclusive Storyline: Explore Yuffie’s past and her motivations for joining the fight against Shinra.
- New Playable Character: Experience the unique combat style of Yuffie, who uses shurikens and materia.
- Episodic Release: The DLC is released in two episodes, with the second one expanding on the story and adding new gameplay elements.
- New Area: Discover the Sector 7 Slums from a different perspective, including new locations and characters.
- Fort Condor Mini-Game: Engage in the classic strategy mini-game from the original Final Fantasy VII.