Square Enix is a renowned Japanese video game company that has been at the forefront of the industry for decades. Known for its iconic franchises and innovative storytelling, Square Enix has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.
Early Beginnings:
- Founded in 1975 as Square Co., Ltd. by Masafumi Miyamoto.
- Initially developed and published role-playing games (RPGs) for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Breakthrough Success:
- 1997: Released Final Fantasy VII, which became a global phenomenon, establishing Square as a major player in the gaming world.
- The Final Fantasy series continued to gain immense popularity, with titles such as Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy XV.
Expansion and Mergers:
- 2003: Merged with Enix Corporation, another prominent Japanese game developer.
- The merger created Square Enix, one of the largest video game companies in the world.
- Acquired Eidos Interactive in 2009, expanding its portfolio with franchises like Tomb Raider and Deus Ex.
Key Franchises:
- Final Fantasy: Epic RPGs with intricate storylines and memorable characters.
- Kingdom Hearts: Action RPG series featuring characters from the Final Fantasy and Disney universes.
- Dragon Quest: Classic RPG series known for its charming world and turn-based combat.
- Tomb Raider: Adventure series starring the iconic archaeologist Lara Croft.
- Deus Ex: First-person RPGs with a focus on player choice and hacking.
Recent Developments:
- Expansion into mobile gaming with titles such as Final Fantasy Brave Exvius and Kingdom Hearts Union χ.
- Collaboration with Marvel Games to develop the Avengers video game.
- Acquisition of Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montréal in 2022.
Financial Performance and Impact:
Square Enix has consistently been a profitable company, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. Its success is largely attributed to the popularity of its flagship franchises and strong brand recognition.
Year | Revenue (USD) |
---|---|
2021 | $3.2 billion |
2022 | $3.6 billion |
Innovations and Contributions:
Graphics and Technology:
- Pioneered 3D graphics in console RPGs with Final Fantasy VII.
- Introduced advanced particle effects and real-time lighting in later titles.
Storytelling and Character Development:
- Created memorable and relatable characters in its Final Fantasy and other franchises.
- Focused on intricate story arcs and emotional depth.
Crossover Games:
- Collaborated with Disney to create the Kingdom Hearts series, combining RPG elements with beloved characters.
- Developed Dragon Quest Builders, a spin-off that combines RPG and building mechanics.
Corporate Culture and Values:
- Emphasizes innovation and creativity.
- Encourages employee growth and development.
- Supports social responsibility and charitable initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Square Enix most famous for?
A: Square Enix is renowned for its Final Fantasy RPG series and other iconic franchises like Dragon Quest, Kingdom Hearts, and Tomb Raider.
Q: When was Square Enix founded?
A: Square Enix was founded in 2003 through the merger of Square Co., Ltd. and Enix Corporation.
Q: What other companies does Square Enix own?
A: Square Enix owns subsidiaries such as Eidos Montréal, Crystal Dynamics, and Luminous Productions.
Q: What are Square Enix’s plans for the future?
A: Square Enix has expressed a commitment to expanding its presence in the mobile gaming market and developing new innovative experiences for its players.
References:
- Square Enix Official Website
- Wikipedia: Square Enix
- Forbes: Square Enix Reports Solid Revenue Growth in 2022
Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS4
Final Fantasy VII Remake is an action 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, and retells the story of the original game with updated graphics, gameplay, and expanded story content.
The game was released on April 10, 2020, and received critical acclaim for its graphics, gameplay, and story. It is the best-selling game in the Final Fantasy series, with over 5 million copies sold worldwide.
The game follows the story of Cloud Strife, a former member of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, as he fights against the Shinra Electric Power Company, which is draining the life force of the planet. The game features a cast of returning characters from the original game, as well as new characters and expanded story content.
The gameplay in Final Fantasy VII Remake is a combination of real-time action and turn-based combat. Players control Cloud and his party members in real-time, and can use a variety of attacks and abilities to defeat enemies. The turn-based combat system is used for special attacks and abilities, and allows players to plan their attacks and strategies more carefully.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Review
The Final Fantasy VII Remake is a faithful and satisfying reimagining of the classic title, offering stunning graphics, an engaging combat system, and a deeply moving story. While it may not offer as expansive an experience as the original, the remake captures the essence of the beloved game and provides a fresh perspective on its characters and world. Its stunning visuals, epic story, and innovative combat mechanics make it an unforgettable experience that is both nostalgic and new.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Release Date
Final Fantasy VII Remake, a highly anticipated remake of the classic PlayStation title, was originally scheduled for release on March 3, 2020. However, Square Enix announced in January 2020 that it would be delayed until April 10, 2020. The company cited the need for additional time to polish the game and ensure its quality.
There was further delay announced on March 16, 2020 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the world. The new release date was set to be announced at a later stage.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Gameplay
Final Fantasy VII Remake features a hybrid battle system that combines real-time action with traditional turn-based elements. Players can control a party of three characters in fast-paced battles, using unique abilities and spells to defeat enemies.
The game introduces a new "Active Time Battle" (ATB) system, where players build up ATB charges to perform actions. Each character has their own unique set of abilities and limits, allowing for strategic gameplay and team synergy.
In addition to combat, the game also features exploration and puzzle-solving elements. Players navigate through a detailed and expansive world, interacting with characters and exploring various locations. The game also includes a Materia system, allowing players to customize their party’s abilities and stats by equipping different materia orbs.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Story
In the world of Gaia, the megacorporation Shinra exploits the lifeblood of the planet, Mako energy, threatening its existence. Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit, joins a group of rebels known as Avalanche to fight against Shinra.
As Cloud and Avalanche confront Shinra, they uncover a sinister plot involving the weapon Jenova and the ancient entity known as Sephiroth. Sephiroth seeks to destroy the planet to fulfill his twisted vision of a new world.
Through battles and revelations, Cloud and his allies confront their pasts and learn the true nature of their connection to the world. They face the iconic bosses and navigate the familiar locations of Midgar, including the iconic Reactor 5 and the Shinra Headquarters.
As the story progresses, Cloud and his companions embark on a journey to stop Sephiroth and save the planet, unravelling the mysteries of the Lifestream, the Planet’s lifeforce, and the ultimate fate of Gaia.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Characters
Cloud Strife:
A former member of SOLDIER, an elite military unit. He struggles with his past traumas and a mysterious voice in his head.
Tifa Lockhart:
A childhood friend of Cloud’s who runs the Seventh Heaven bar. She is a skilled martial artist and a pillar of strength for her friends.
Barret Wallace:
A leader of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE. He fights to protect the planet from the Shinra Electric Power Company.
Aerith Gainsborough:
A mysterious flower seller who possesses ancient knowledge and the ability to heal. She holds the key to saving the world.
Red XIII:
A wise and intelligent red lion from the ancients. He seeks to understand the modern world and his own place within it.
Sephiroth:
Cloud’s former mentor and a legendary SOLDIER. He became corrupted by darkness and now seeks to destroy the world.
Jessie Rasberry:
A young and enthusiastic member of AVALANCHE. She is a skilled demolitions expert and a close friend of Wedge and Biggs.
Wedge Bunkers:
A loyal and dependable member of AVALANCHE. He is a skilled engineer and provides technical support for the team.
Biggs Wedge:
Another member of AVALANCHE with a jovial and optimistic personality. He is an expert marksman and a valued comrade.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Materia
Materia are powerful orbs that grant various abilities to users in Final Fantasy VII Remake. They can enhance stats, cast spells, summon creatures, and provide unique effects.
Types of Materia:
- Elemental: Grants resistance or weakness to a specific element (e.g., Fire, Lightning).
- Command: Grants active abilities (e.g., Attack, Heal, Phoenix).
- Support: Provides passive buffs or debuffs (e.g., HP+, Magic Up).
- All: Provides various effects, including summoning creatures (e.g., Ifrit, Shiva).
Combining Materia:
Materia can be combined to create more powerful versions. By equipping compatible Materia in adjacent slots, players can create Materia Fusions that upgrade the base Materia’s power and add new abilities.
Materia Growth:
Materia gains experience as it is used in battle. Leveling up Materia improves its effects and unlocks new abilities. Players can also fuse Materia with specific items to unlock hidden abilities.
Strategic Importance:
Materia plays a crucial role in combat strategy. By choosing and combining Materia wisely, players can tailor their characters to specific combat situations, exploit enemy weaknesses, and overcome challenges.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Weapons
In Final Fantasy VII Remake, each character can equip various weapons to enhance their abilities and combat effectiveness. These weapons range from swords and staffs to firearms and machinery, each with unique stats, abilities, and upgrade paths. Notable weapons include:
- Cloud’s Buster Sword: A massive, iconic sword known for its strength and high attack power.
- Tifa’s Starlet Nunchaku: Nunchaku with a lightweight design and high critical hit rate.
- Barret’s Lightning Bolt: A powerful, long-range firearm that deals high damage over a wide area.
- Aerith’s Mythril Rod: A magical rod that grants increased MP and spellcasting abilities.
- Sephiroth’s Masamune: A legendary, katana-like sword with incredible speed and cutting power.
Weapons can be obtained through various methods, such as purchasing from shops, finding them in chests, or completing quests. They can be upgraded using Materia to enhance their stats and abilities, allowing characters to adapt to different combat situations and maximize their damage output.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Summons
The Final Fantasy VII Remake features 14 summons, each with unique abilities and appearances. They play a significant role in combat, providing powerful support and enhancing the player’s party. The summons include:
- Ifrit: A fiery behemoth with powerful offensive abilities.
- Shiva: An ice queen who can summon devastating blizzards and reflect enemy attacks.
- Ramuh: A lightning god who can unleash electrifying attacks and summon thunderstorms.
- Leviathan: A colossal sea serpent with water-based abilities, including tsunamis and healing waves.
- Titan: An earth titan with immense strength and the ability to summon earthquakes.
- Bahamut: The king of dragons, known for its ultimate attack, Megaflare.
- Phoenix: A legendary bird that can revive fallen allies and cast healing spells.
- Aero: A wind deity who can summon tornadoes and manipulate air currents.
- Carbuncle: A gem-shaped summon that provides defensive buffs and status protection.
- Cait Sith: A robotic cat with slots that offer various effects, including healing and item summons.
- Chocobo: A giant bird that can summon a group of smaller chocobos to attack enemies.
- Emerald: A mysterious and powerful weapon that can summon radiant energy.
- Ruby: A crystallized summon that grants invincibility for a short duration.
- Knights of the Round: A group of twelve powerful knights who unleash a devastating attack.