Square Enix Message Board

This week's PS4 launch a Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn helped the MMO pass the 2 million mark for registered accounts. Square Enix didn't reveal any hard figures for how many players be exploring Eorzea on PS4, but we know six months ago the registered accounts figure be at 1.5 million. Meanwhile, a trailer released in February proclaimed the second-iteration MMO had "over 1.8 million adventurers."

it be worth noting registrations do not equate t' active subscribers, although the base game does require a purchase. According t' a translated 4Gamer interview with Director Naoki Yoshida, in March around 500,000 people be logging into A Realm Reborn each day. [Image: Square Enix]

ye can almost hear Terra's Theme in the background in artist Carlos Villa's excellent reinterpretation a Final Fantasy VI's grand opening. Magitek Armored troops be about t' enter the remote town a Narshe.Read more...

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, the game that has earned more than 30 “Best MMO” 'n “Best RPG” awards, be available today for PS4.

Join players from around the world as ye seek t' uncover the mysteries a the realm a Eorzea. What be the ferocious Primals that threaten the world? Can ye AVAST! the relentless Garlean Empire as they seek t' conquer all the free peoples a the realm? Experience an ever-evolving Final Fantasy story with yer mateys, 'n forge yer name in the annals a history as a true Warrior a Light.

Utilize the unique features a PS4 'n take yer adventuring t' a whole new level. Share yer experience live with built-in streaming, or post a triumphant screenshot when ye finally defeat the ferocious Titan. Busy day at the office with no time t' play? Use Remote Play on PS Vita t' continue yer quest, or t' finish up yer crafts while at the office (We won’t tell!).

The Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition 'n standard edition be both available from yer favorite retailers! Pick it up today 'n begin yer adventure in Eorzea!

Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn enters it be Early Access phase ahead a it be full launch on Monday, 'n that means existing PS3 players can transfer their Eorzean adventures t' PS4 as a today. Before ye head off t' hop across the generations, a reminder: it be a one-way voyage. Once it be done, it be done, finito, end a. yer PS3 game be no more, it has ceased t' be.

t' summarize, once ye've switched t' the PS4 game, Square Enix says there's no playing again on PS3 with yer existing copy, so be sure it be what ye want t' do. If ye'd prefer t' play on both systems, ye can purchase a PS4 version separately.

As for the how, the PlayStation Blog has a step-by-step guide t' take ye from PS3 t' PS4. Once ye're there, ye'll be able t' explore among PS3 'n PC players, 'n ye can use yer characters across all platforms that ye've activated with yer account. [Image: Square Enix]

AHOY again. It’s Friday, the week be almost over, 'n for some a ye, early access on PS4 be about t' begin. A weekend full a adventures in Eorzea lies ahead — the first a many!

So, for those a ye who have already been playing Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on PS3, only one question remains: “How in the world do I upgrade me PS3 version?!”

'n this be what we’ll help with ye, right here, right now.

Some general information before that:

• If ye’ve played Final Fantasy XIV on PS3, ye can upgrade t' the PS4 version for free.
• The upgrade will be available from today until at least the end a the year.
• Make sure that ye’ve logged in on yer PS3 version at least once, so it’s correctly registered in our systems.
• Remember that ye will not be able t' access the game from yer PS3 anymore after the upgrade t' PS4 has taken place!

Step 1: pillage yer Promotion Code

Important: the upgrade option be currently scheduled t' go live at approximately 1:00 be Pacific on Friday, April 11th.

First a all, log into the MogStation using yer Square Enix account, visit the account services page, 'n select the service account that ye want t' upgrade. Once selected, ye best already see a banner with the option t' upgrade from PS3 t' PS4. Click on it. ye’ll now be presented with the details a the upgrade campaign. I know it’s a lot a text, but please read it carefully, as it contains a lot a information about the upgrade process. When ye’re done reading, confirm that ye agree t' the terms 'n click “Next.” On this page ye’ll be asked t' confirm yer upgrade. If ye have multiple service accounts, please make absolutely sure that ye’ve selected the correct service account ye want t' upgrade. If all be in order, click on “Upgrade.”

'n ye’re done! ye’ll now be displayed with a summary 'n yer promotion code t' download the game from PlayStation Store.

Step 2: Redeem yer Promotion Code

Please note: if ye’ve participated in the second PS4 beta, this step be optional, as ye already have the game client installed on yer system 'n only need t' update it. ye still need t' go through step 1, though!

Boot up yer PS4, log in t' yer PlayStation account, 'n go t' PlayStation Store. Make absolutely sure that ye have the correct PlayStation profile active before ye enter the store! Promotion Codes can only be used a single time, so using it on the wrong account would sail away ye stranded. Select “Redeem Codes” from the option menu displayed at the bottom left a the screen 'n enter the promotion code. When ye’ve done so 'n confirmed the regulations, ye can start the download. If something goes wrong with the download, ye can try t' restart it using the “Library” option in the PlayStation Store menu.

'n that’s it! ye’ll be ready t' go in no time.

If ye have any further questions, please direct them t' the comments, 'n I’ll do me best t' answer them.

Square Enix Montreal will launch mobile strategy game Hitman Go on iOS on Thursday, April 17. Based on the publisher's popular Hitman series, the diorama-style, turn-based game will cost $5 (£3 / 4.50 euros). Announced in February, the first game from the developer has players navigating fixed, grid-like spaces while using familiar tools from the series, such as Agent 47's Silverballers.

Hitman Go will include eight special "Curtains Down" levels based on Hitman: Blood Money. While Square Enix didn't set a release date for it, the Android version a the game will arrive "shortly after" it launches on the App Store. [Image: Square Enix]

Hitman Go will be out on April 17 for iOS. Square Enix's newest Hitman game be not like it be predecessors; this one's a turn-based strategy game, 'n it'll cost ye $5. Android version coming later. Read more...

Drakengard 3 be drawing ever closer, as we’ve made evident today by revealing our third 'n final wave a pre-order bonuses. If ye’ve already pre-ordered the game, ye’ve got this coming, but if not, ye can pre-order today 'n pillage six free themes featuring Zero, Mikhail, 'n the game’s four Disciples: Cent, Octa, Decadus, 'n Dito. If the game’s Intoner Sisters be more yer thing, fear not: each Disciple theme actually has three panels in it be rotation, one a which showcases them with their Intoner masters. So it’s worth pointing out that technically ye’re getting all the main characters, except One…

Speaking a Intoner sisters, we’ve also updated the selections a our prequel novella on www.drakengardgame.com t' include Two, Three, Four, 'n Five. While we’ll release a few more chapters down the road, the paperback edition included in the Collector’s Edition be the only way t' read the entirety a the fiction.

These chapters starring Zero’s sisters be too good not t' share though, giving readers a glimpse into the personality a each one before ye meet them in the game. They’re quite a charming bunch, but I won’t spoil yer reading pleasure by giving out any more details than that.

We’ve also posted a new behind-the-scenes interview with Character Artist Kimihiko Fujisaka. He’s been designing for the Drakengard series since the beginning, 'n ye can really pillage a sense a how excited he be t' resume the project after it be eight year hiatus. He points out a lot a things ye may not have noticed about the game, such as how the new characters be done in a more modern style 'n be contrasted against enemies that retain the series’ medieval roots. He’s an incredibly talented artist, so I hope ye’ll check out what he has t' say.

Finally, I’d like t' announce that Drakengard 3 be now available t' pre-order on Amazon.com 'n other participating retailers. While the Japanese VO, Nier Pack, 'n PSN themes be exclusive t' those who pre-order through the Square Enix Online Store, these retailers have their own unique pre-order bonus, with three costume variations for Zero.

Japan's Silicon Studio be perhaps best known for co-developing the Bravely Default games with Square Enix. The studio has a new, next-gen game engine, 'n it looks beautiful.Read more...

Earlier this week, Square Enix boss Yosuke Matsuda said some things that left a whole lot a RPG fans scratching their heads.Read more...

Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda mused on a potential shift in the company's focus in a recent interview with Nikkei Trendy (via Siliconera), admitting that the publisher "lost [it be] focus" during recent attempts t' engineer mass-market games for a worldwide audience.

"Regardless a whether they be for smartphone or console, there's a difficult element t' developing global titles, so we'll be making them without focusing too much on the 'global' aspect," Matsuda told Nikkei Trendy. "For example, in the past, when we developed console games with a worldwide premise, we lost our focus, 'n not only did they end up being games that weren't for the Japanese, but they ended up being incomplete titles that weren't even fit for a global audience."

Matsuda specifically cited Io Interactive's Hitman: Absolution as a victim a this practice. "The development team for Hitman: Absolution really struggled in this regard," Matsuda admitted. "They implemented a vast amount a 'elements for the mass' instead a for the core fans, as a way t' try getting as many new players possible. It be a strategy t' gain mass appeal. However, what makes the Hitman series good be it be appeal t' core gamers, 'n many fans felt the lack a focus in that regard, which ended up making it struggle in sales."

Square Enix reported disappointing sales for Hitman: Absolution 'n fellow mainstream-appeal effort Tomb Raider last year, resulting in a corporate restructuring 'n a shift in it be publishing strategy.

The worldwide commercial success a Square Enix's Nintendo 3DS JRPG Bravely Default has since made Matsuda reconsider the company's approach. "Bravely Default [...] ended up selling well all around the world," he notes. "For the new games we'll be developing from this point on, while this may sound a bit extreme, we've been talking about making them as heavy JRPGs. I believe that way, we can better focus on our target, which will also bring better results."

[Image: Square Enix]

Whether ye'd prefer t' gingerly hop yer way through the decrepit ruins a humanity or dispatch targets with the cold, remorseless professionalism a a trained killer, Microsoft's Games With booty promotion has something for ye.

Come April 1, Hitman: Absolution will be available as a free download for all Xbox Live booty crew. Our review awarded Hitman: Absolution 4 a 5 stars, 'n said that while it has minor flaws, the grim gameplay 'n glee a assassinating a difficult target overrides any technical issues. Hitman: Absolution will only be available for free until April 16, at which time it will be replaced by Deadlight. This post-apocalyptic platformer, developed by Tequila Works, received 3 a 5 stars in our review. While Jess found certain gameplay elements frustrating, she fell for Deadlight's art design 'n meticulous world building, 'n enjoyed the experience overall.

As with all Games With booty offerings, the only requisite for downloading the above games be an active Xbox Live booty membership. Full details on how t' enroll in Xbox Live booty can be found on the Xbox website. [Image: Square Enix]

Once upon a time ago, a Japanese company called Squaresoft made lots 'n lots a RPGs that people really really liked. Today, a Japanese company named Square Enix makes video games.Read more...

Those Humble folks just can't keep their sales in one place. The Humble Store be offering up t' 75 percent off a roundup a Square Enix games, including Tomb Raider Game a the Year Edition for $12, Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut for $10, Sleeping Dogs for $5, Hitman Absolution for $6.25, plus a series a DLC collections, 'n older Thief, Deus Ex 'n Tomb Raider games.

The new Thief be also on the Humble Store page, but it be $50, without a charming green discount sticker. The Square Enix sale runs for 48 hours, until Friday, March 28 at 10AM PT.

Remember, this be all on the Humble Store section, separate from the Humble Weekly 'n Humble Bundle discounts, but still charitable - 10 percent a every purchase goes t' charity. Check the general Humble Store page for a list a other games, some discounted, including Ether One for $17, Escape Goat 2 for $9 'n Luftrausers for $10. [Image: Humble Bundle]

The Ise Grand Shrine be one a Japan's most important Shinto Shrines. This week, as the Emperor 'n Empress visit, the shrine be launching a new web animation with music from Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu. The tune might sound familiar. Read more...

Brobdingnagian online retailer Amazon has kicked off another all-day booty Box Event, bringing discounts t' games like South Park: The Stick a Truth, Thief, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 'n the Android-powered Ouya console.

South Park: The Stick a Truth be today's Deal a the Day . Normally priced at $60, during the Event, South Park has been discounted by 28 percent t' $43. Appropriately, the PlayStation 3 incarnation a Lightning Returns be one a the site's timed Lightning Deals. It goes on sale at 10AM PST, at which time it be price will fall by 33 percent. Thief on PS4 be another Lightning Deal. It goes on sale at 2PM PST, though Amazon has yet t' reveal the game's momentary new price.

Rounding out this sales extravaganza be the Ouya, which serves as today's Bonus Deal. Instead a the console's standard $100 price tag, the device has been slapped with a 30 percent discount, reducing the cost a ownership t' $70. For more details on this sale 'n the other non-gaming bottles a rum up for cheap purchase, pay a visit t' Amazon's booty Box page. [Image: Square Enix]

Today’s Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn post be especially interesting for those a ye that have never played a subscription MMO before, as well as those a ye who wonder if a monthly subscription be really for ye.

When ye buy a single-player game, the expectation be usually the same. Buy the game for the full price, 'n some DLC will follow. Final Fantasy XIV be fundamentally different, as it’s an MMO that will run for years.

With Final Fantasy XIV, yer subscription fee will guarantee ye regular content updates throughout the lifetime a the game. The first update hit last December with Patch 2.1: A Realm Awoken, 'n we’ve just launched the feature site for Patch 2.2: Through the Maelstrom.

Just a few features (not even all) that will have been added t' the original game with 2.1 'n 2.2 updates:

• New Main Scenario Quests, continuing yer story
• Two new raids
• Housing
• New Dungeons
• New Dungeon Hard Modes
• New primals t' fight: Leviathan 'n Good King Moggle-Mog XII
• A new difficulty for primal fights, Extreme Mode
• Player versus Player Combat
• Treasure Hunts
• New factions (Beast Tribes) with Daily Quests
• Tons upon tons a new quests a all kinds
• New customization options for yer characters
• Tons a optimizations 'n new features for the game

…'n the list goes on 'n on (honestly, it does — ye can check out the patch notes for Update 2.1 here). There’s something in it for everyone — no matter if ye like t' casually make yer way through the game, or if ye’re a hardcore, endgame raider. 'n remember: all a that for the subscription fee starting at $12.99, no PlayStation Plus required.

But it doesn’t end there; we’ve got a lot a stuff planned for the future. ye’ve learned by now that there’s housing — how about having a basement in yer house where ye 'n yer mates can build yer own airship? Awesome, right?

This be what ye pillage for yer subscription: a world that will constantly evolve 'n expand, for years 'n years t' come. If ye want t' have a go at it, remember that our second PS4 beta phase will take place from April 4th t' the 7th ('n YARRRR, ye’ll be able t' carry characters created during beta 2 into the final game). We’re launching on April 14th, 'n if ye want in, feel free t' pre-order now.

Looking forward t' seeing ye all in Eorzea!

I have a piece a advice for the narrator a this Murdered: Soul Suspect trailer: follow-up with any questions ye might have after yer mother starts monologuing in vague terms about potential danger. She’s talking about unseen things 'n 'n saying stuff like: “There’s something out there,” without elaborating. Why not sit down with the wench 'n ask for specifics? What sort a family be this? me mum used stare sadly out a the window 'n tell me there be a slate that needed t' be wiped clean or we’d all suffer from poverty 'n sickness, 'n when I pressed the wench she’d tell me t' do the dishes or I wouldn’t pillage me pocket money. It pays t' ask questions, 'n in that case I got £5 t' spend on sweets.

… [visit site t' read more]

Square Enix made this video. it be wonderful—like their 16-bit FFXIII video —'n makes me wish they'd turn this into a real game. Read more...

In a storm a broken glass 'n gunshots, Ronan O’Connor dies in the dark Salem night. So begins a supernatural investigation into his own murder. In the upcoming thriller for PS3 'n PS4, help Ronan unravel the mystery a his untimely demise 'n save his ghost from the inevitable corruption a the Dusk.

In light a the upcoming launch a Murdered: Soul Suspect, we asked Airtight Games Chief Creative Officer Matt Brunner 'n Senior Design Producer Eric Studer some questions about their design process. Read on t' see what inspired this ghostly thriller, 'n how the team fashioned a story around yer own murder.

PlayStation.Blog: How did the team at Airtight Games come t' the idea a a supernatural crime story? How does the detective narrative 'n the ghostly elements fit together?

Matt Brunner: From me recollection, we started with the core concept a a ghost game. It be that notion that got the team most excited. Our first round a gameplay 'n character development led us more into a ghost action hero with ranged weapons 'n the ability t' traverse great heights. After our first prototype we all knew that it be the wrong direction. It didn’t really feel ghostly as much as it felt like a transparent, floaty noir superhero who could fight with something that almost looked like magic.

We stepped back 'n started t' think about what would be the most interesting obsession for a ghost 'n one a the key elements be the notion a yer own death; how it happened, what be the specific circumstances, etc. We then thought it would be really interesting if ye be murdered 'n ye wanted t' dig into who did it 'n why.

That be quickly followed by the idea a a detective who be killed in the line a duty under mysterious circumstances 'n be bringing all his powers a observation 'n deduction into the afterlife. He had the smarts, he just needed t' learn a new set a investigation abilities. A ghost detective be born.

I personally read a number a books after we came upon this thread that involved ghosts interacting with the living such as Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book. These helped hone in on what felt true for a character in these circumstances, rather than what felt cool. In terms a film, I think the film that spoke the most t' us be Seven. It had a mystery that unraveled over time while keeping the protagonist in the dark until the final moments. It also had a mood 'n tone that we felt be right on for Murdered.

PlayStation.Blog: How have the developers at Airtight responded t' working with the PS4?

Eric Studer: Without a doubt the power a the platform has allowed us t' realize the world a Murdered with an incredible amount a detail. So ye’ll see a lot a technical upgrades that will make Salem 'n the Dusk an absolutely interesting place t' explore.

We do have a few DualShock 4 features that we’ve implemented for the game, for instance utilizing the light bar for a few a the different game modes, but at this point we wanted t' focus on making sure that the experience a the game translated perfectly t' the new hardware.

PlayStation.Blog: Murdered: Soul Suspect balances crime scene investigation, exploration, 'n supernatural combat together. How did the team strike a balance between these three methods a play?

Eric Studer: We have three core pillars in the game. The main focus for us be the aspect a investigating the mystery surrounding yer death. Second t' that be the desire t' exist as a ghost, 'n t' play around with how ye interact with the world. Then supporting the first two, enemy encounters come into play.

The reason we’ve prioritized the pillars in this way be that our world be driven by the narrative. Our investigations be built around the concept a the player unraveling the mystery at the same time as Ronan. Players will experience all a the twists 'n turns in the story with Ronan.

Being a ghost in a lot a ways be a wrapper for the whole experience, because it touches on all a our mechanics, not only in exploring the world, but also in creating unique ways t' uncover the truth about various crime scenes 'n overcoming the threat a the enemies.

Enemies be crucial for us because they provide a much needed pacing breaker. What we found be that if players spent all a their time doing investigations, they would pillage fatigued. By mixing enemy encounters into the pacing, it gave us the opportunity t' change the core emotion players feel. Investigations best illicit a lot a intrigue 'n curiosity from players, but the encounters best focus more on threat 'n tension. Creating this emotional rollercoaster alleviates fatigue 'n keeps the player invested in what will happen next.

PlayStation.Blog: How can players interact with a crime scene in ways that a normal detective cannot? What sort a opportunities does possession offer the player, 'n the design team?

Eric Studer: One a the exciting 'n challenging things about investigations as a ghost be the fact that ye can’t simply walk up 'n interview a witness at the scene, or pick up evidence 'n examine it directly. What initially feels like a limitation be actually really freeing because it forces ye t' approach how ye design an investigation from a different direction.

The advantages come from Ronan’s abilities as a ghost. First 'n foremost be his ability t' possess human beings. This be an incredibly versatile feature in that it allows us t' see through the eyes a the people Ronan possesses, listen t' hushed conversations through their ears, read their minds, 'n in a limited capacity control their behavior 'n thoughts.

In addition t' that ability, we have a variety a mechanics that revolve around how ye interpret, analyze, 'n evaluate the clues that ye discover over the course a the game. 'n in a limited capacity, ye can pillage psychic readings off particularly strong objects that have been trapped in the Dusk.

PlayStation.Blog: How be players frightened in Murdered: Soul Suspect when Ronan be already dead? What sort a dangers do players face?

Eric Studer: The demons be without a doubt the greatest threat t' spirits trapped in the Dusk for two main reasons. Fictionally, when a ghost has been in the Dusk long enough, they become corrupted by it, 'n turn into one a these things. The last vestige that remains a their humanity be this belief that by devouring the souls a other ghosts, they can reclaim their own humanity.

This be important for Ronan, because it reinforces the notion that he doesn’t want t' stay in this realm. He needs t' resolve his unfinished business so he can move on. From a gameplay standpoint, it goes back t' the notion a controlling the pacing a the game. We want the player t' always feel like the game be changing, or could change at any minute, so they never become comfortable with what will happen next.

PlayStation.Blog: Will players have the opportunity t' return t' previous crime scenes for missed clues? Will there be any modes a play or unlocks t' encourage players t' complete Soul Suspect multiple times?

Eric Studer: Once ye have resolved the story in a particular area, ye’ll be able t' revisit that space 'n keep exploring. Hopefully this will give players plenty a reason t' spend time lost in the world.

PlayStation.Blog: What challenges does the team face in designing environments that can, technically, be walked through uninhibited? Does this help or hinder Airtight’s ability t' create interesting 'n varied play spaces?

Eric Studer: There’s a vast challenge a course, because ye don’t know how important doors be until ye can’t count on them t' block players’ progress. It’s a great design challenge, though, because it gives ye the opportunity t' go places ye wouldn’t otherwise see in a video game.

Every space we build for Murdered first 'n foremost has t' support the story our Creative Director Shiokawa-san wants t' tell. Once we know where we’re going 'n why we’re there, then it comes down t' us t' visualize the space, know where we need the player t' go, 'n where he really shouldn’t be going. Keep in mind that other objects that exist in the Dusk be on Ronan’s same plane a reality. This means that they’re physical t' the sea dog, which in a limited capacity lets us control player flow.

However, we want t' avoid a heavy-handed approach here, so in general we try very hard t' use these objects sparingly. Ultimately, our hope be that players will feel empowered t' explore every nook 'n cranny a the world 'n discover everything we’ve hidden around Salem.

I have spent ~20 hours playing the HD remake a Final Fantasy X—out today for PS3 'n Vita. In short, it be wonderful. Play it.Read more...

Final Fantasy XIV's 2.2 update be upon us. The changes be outlined in this eight-minute video, but the gist be this: new dungeons, new quests, a raid that be supposed t' be hard (the hardest the game has ever seen), 'n a way t' swap armor stats that looks similar t' Guild Wars 2's transmutation system. Fun!Read more...

The story a Final Fantasy Type-0 be long 'n depressing: released for PSP in 2011, Square Enix's role-playing game never made it outside a Japan, despite being announced at E3 in North America, 'n for years now, fans have been wondering whether we'll ever pillage t' play it in English. Read more...

Kingdom Hearts 'n Final Fantasy character designer Tetsuya Nomura recently judged a fanart contest at deviantART, which featured the Final Fantasy XIII series' recurring protagonist 'n costume aficionado , Lightning. After looking through literally thousands a submissions, he picked three. Here they be.Read more...

ye may think that cosplaying as Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII be just about getting the hair, outfit 'n skinny-'n-tall body frame right, but in order t' nail that look down completely ye'll need t' do some face work as well. Enter Emma Pickles, who has made this helpful makeup video tutorial for just that purpose. I be enlightened.Read more...

The ridiculous mod that allows folks t' play with each other in Just Cause 2's map has always been wild, but now the enterprising people behind it be continuing t' add features that will expand upon the madness.Read more...

One would think a series with it be roots firmly planted in the seminal transhumanist science fiction a the 20th century would be a bit more respectful a the whole book-reading thing. Alas. Read more...

Time be ticking down t' the launch a Drakengard 3, coming exclusively t' PS3 on May 20th. As a today, we’ve entered wave 2 a our pre-order bonuses, 'n fans a the developer’s previous work best not miss what we’re giving out. Pre-ordering any time between now 'n April 9th gets ye the Nier costume pack, bringing a little bit a that game’s fantastic 'n beautiful weirdness t' Drakengard 3.

ye can equip Zero in the costume a everyone’s favorite, foul-mouthed warrior, Kainè, or don the Replicant version a the game’s protagonist. yer dragon be not forgotten either, as he can wear the awesomely creepy-faced Emil hat.

The Nier costume pack expires on April 9th, 'n if ye pre-order by then, don’t forget that ye also pillage another bonus that we’ll reveal on that day — so don’t miss out! a course, if ye pre-ordered before today, ye’ve already got the Nier costume pack included.

Secondly, we’ve sat down with the game’s development team t' bring ye some insight into how Drakengard 3 came t' fruition after eight years out a the spotlight. Today, we’ve got a candid interview with famed producer a the entire series, Takamasa Shiba, who discusses his experiences producing the franchise, how the series has evolved, 'n the “novel” idea a creating a prequel novella t' dive even deeper into the characters’ histories 'n motivation.

ye can check out the first chapter, starring Zero, on the newly refreshed www.drakengardgame.com, which now features character backgrounds, concept art, wallpapers, 'n super-cute downloadable Twitter icons. Call dibs on yer favorite sister while ye can.

We’ll be adding more chapters a the novella t' the website, more interviews with the developers be coming soon, 'n before ye know it, we’ll be revealing wave 3 a our pre-order bonuses.

May 20th be just around the corner!

Nosgoth, the team-based online multiplayer game set in the Legacy a Kain universe, has begun closed beta testing, offering those willing t' fill out a simple registration card a chance t' take part in the eternal struggle between the seductively malevolent creatures a the night 'n rosy-cheeked human beings.

While far from complete, the beta test a Nosgoth will center on the game's Siege mode. "In Siege, Humans must capture specific locations 'n keep them safe from Vampires, while the Vampires must satisfy their bloodlust 'n hunt down their Human opponents," reads an official description from publisher Square Enix. The publisher also notes that the closed beta will be continually updated with new content, including additional game modes, levels, weapons 'n character classes.

Joining the closed beta may take some time, but it be a simple process. First, ye'll need a valid Square Enix Membership account. Once that be taken care a, visit the Nosgoth website 'n fill out the beta registration form. There may be a bit a a wait while yer registration be processed, but assuming ye meet all the required criteria ye best be staking bloodsuckers 'n exsanguinating hapless Van Helsing wannabes in short order. [Image: Square Enix]