E3 2021 was a bit of a hit and miss in some areas. But given the state of the global pandemic we’re in we can see why some companies have toned down their big announcements and game teases. As we all learned from Cyberpunk and No Man’s Sky it’s better to have more details first. Nothing worse than when a developer ruins a hyped or beloved game.
At this year’s E3 2021 Square Enix has pulled out all the stops with the continuation and elaboration of their most popular franchises. As well as adding on a few of their own. Marvel’s Guardian’s of the Galaxy is arguably one of the company’s biggest announcements this year. As well as a slew of Final Fantasy titles and the long-awaited Babylon’s Fall. This was undoubtedly one of the best E3 years for Square Enix.
If you missed it last week, here’s everything you need to know from Square Enix.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
The world premiere of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy game kicked off the Square Enix show. This was teased a little when Eidos Montreal hinted at the game and happy to say the rumours are true.
Guardians of the Galaxy will be a narrative-driven, single-player, third-person action-adventure game that puts you in the jet boots of Peter Quill / Star-Lord himself. Varying a little bit from the movie, in this universe, Star-Lord started the Guardians to sell their services as heroes-for-hire and convinced Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot to join him along the way.
If you have the time there’s also an 11 minute first look at the Guardian’s of the Galaxy gameplay below.
Marvel’s Guardian of the Galaxy is coming out pretty soon on October 26th 2021! Get it on the PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC – Steam & Epic Games.
Marvel’s Avengers – Black Panther: War for Wakanda Expansion
War of Wakanda is the free expansion coming to Marvel’s Avengers. This brings the long-awaited Black Panther character to the game as well as a new Wakanda focused storyline. Involving Ulysses Klaue, a Vibranium heist and of course the main girl gang of Team Wakanda – Shuri and Okoye.
Square Enix already released a trailer for the Black Panther expansion, so many were hoping to see more for E3. Marvel’s Avengers got a shaky start, but the War for Wakanda expansion could bring new energy to the game. Fans are getting excited as more news about the Black Panther movie sequel is released, and seeing Black Panther (on-screen and in games) feels bittersweet following actor Chadwick Boseman’s death.
Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin
The second biggest news depending on who you are is the announcement of the Souls-like Final Fantasy game – Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin.
Made in collaboration with Team NINJA, the team behind Ninja Gaiden and Nioh this looks like a pretty intense action RPG. If you ever wanted more hack-and-slash in the world of Final Fantasy then this is where you might find it. I’m not too sure which Final Fantasy universe we’re in but they do mention the ‘Warriors of Light’ so it’s definitely a part of it.
Last week the playable demo was up for download on the PlayStation 5 but based on that the game still looks like it needs some work. Stranger of Paradise features an action-heavy battle system, where you play Jack. You have the ability to change Jobs and equip 8 different kinds of weapons. As well as travel in a party that consists of 3 characters at a time. Party members’ equipment can be changed and customised.
Stranger of Paradice Final Fantasy Origin will be coming out next year in 2022. On the PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC.
Final Fantasy VII – The First Soldier
It was only a matter of time before Square Enix jumped on the Battle Royale train but in a Final Fantasy setting? That’s interesting. Oh and this will be launched on mobile. In this game The Last Soldier you have to literally fight to be the last soldier standing.
Like most of the Final Fantasy JRPG titles, you can choose a job speciality such as Warrior, Sorcerer or Ranger. Each of the classes boasts a unique speciality and players will have access to a variety of magic, ranged and melee weapons. It won’t be just people you’re fighting though, on the outskirts of the city lies plenty of monsters out there for you to fight.
Final Fantasy The First Soldier will launch for iOS and Android this year.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series
Square Enix has been doing a lot of remasters in the last couple of years. A lot of people have been bitching I’ve been elated. The first original Final Fantasy games are getting a 2D remaster with Final Fantasy 1-5 coming as a Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series. While Final Fantasy VI will be released individually.
All the games will be coming to PC – Steam as well as mobile iOS and Android.
Babylon’s Fall
Developed in partnership with PlatinumGames, this is Square Enix’s next big action live-service co-op RPG. In Babylon’s Fall, you and your friends are sentinels – powerful warriors who must ascend – and survive a deadly tower.
With a group of other players, you’ll enter the titanic Tower of Babylon in search of a great legacy that sleeps within. Work together with your team in combat, lending your support as you combine your different weapons and abilities to conquer the many challenges of the tower.
The game is currently in development for the PlayStation 4|5 and PC – Steam. While there’s no actual release date if you’re excited about this game you can sign up for the beta right here.
NieR Re[in]carnation
Do we want more NieR? Yes! Do we want it on mobile? Maybe?. From the amazing genius of Yoko Taro is the world of NieR. In Re[in]carnation you play the story of a girl that awakens in a mysterious place known as The Cage. Guided by a creature who calls herself Mama, the girl sets off on a journey through The Cage to reclaim what she has lost and atone for her sins.
If you loved the NieR series you might love this. We don’t know when the game is coming out but the pre-registration is now available here for iOS and Android.
Hitman Sniper: The Shadows
Originally announced back in Spring 2021 under the working title Project Hitman Sniper Assassin, the new title introduces a wholly original story set in the Hitman Universe.
The game focuses on events following the disappearance of Agent 47 and the story of The Shadows, a group of highly skilled assassins – Soji, Kiya, Kolzak, Knight, and Stone – within the hidden world of assassination. When a new criminal network threatens global stability, Diana Burnwood and the International Contract Agency (ICA) activate Initiative 426, aka The Shadows, to eliminate this threat.
Hitman Sniper: The Shadows will release later in 2021, for iOS and Android.
Legend of Mana
One of the greatest games in the Mana series returns later this month! Legend of Mana is a remastered version of the fourth game in the series, and features enhanced visuals,
The new trailer shown by Square Enix gave fans a tantalizing look at the brand new opening movie. You won’t have long to wait to experience it – and the rest of this magical RPG – for yourselves. Legend of Mana releases on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PC – Steam this week on the 24th of June!
Life is Strange Remastered
Life is Strange and Life Strange: Before the Storm are coming back better than ever in the Life is Strange Remastered Collection. You can see the games in action in the trailer above – you’ll notice the greatly enhanced visuals and improved facial animation that now uses mocap technology.
The Life is Strange Remastered Collection will be available as part of the Life is Strange: True Colors Ultimate Edition on September 10th 2021. As well as a stand-alone edition on September 30th.
Life is Strange: True Colors
Life is Strange: True Colors, gets their best look yet at this next full instalment of the Life is Strange series. For those who missed our reveal back in March, Life is Strange: True Colors follows Alex Chen, a young woman who has a supernatural ability to experience, absorb, and influence the emotions of others – which she sees as coloured auras.
When her brother dies under suspicious circumstances, Alex must call on these long-suppressed powers to find the truth and uncover the dark secrets of the town of Haven Springs. We showed how Alex is able to use her powers to influence those around her, and the risks of doing so. Her psychic power of Empathy affects every interaction in the game and is fully under the player’s control. It’s a vital tool for both exploration and decision-making.
Life is Strange: True Colors launches for PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Google Stadia and PC -Steam on September 10th 2021. To learn more about Life is Strange: True Colors be sure to check out our ‘Everything We Know’ article here.
There’s still a lot of games to digest from this year’s E3 2021! We’ve broken down our favourite indie titles from Wholesome Direct here. As well as one of our most anticipated upcoming release – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 here.
