News.
Sunday March 22.
Square will be releasing Final Fantasy V for the Sony
PlayStation in Japan
through DigiCube distribution channels on March 19, 1998.
This title is a translation of the Super Famicom version (Japanese SNES)
which was released back in December, 1992 and has sold over 2,400,000 pieces
in Japan. FF V was the most demanding title out of all the Final Fantasy
games, as far as the scenario and game system itself were concerned.
Final Fantasy V made extensive use of an "Ability System," which allowed
characters to grow in power and change class to learn new abilities and
skills. There are more than 20 different jobs that you can choose from in
the game, ranging from Knight, to Monk, to Summoner, even the famous Black
and White Mages that can currently be seen in another Square title, Final
Fantasy Tactics.
The storyline, graphics, and music will be exactly the same as the Super
Famicom version, with the exception of newly-added CG FMV scenes at the
beginning and end of the game (similar to what was done with FF IV on the
PS). Releasing FF V on the PlayStation not only gives older Final Fantasy
fans a chance to re-live part of the series, but it also gives newer gamers
a chance to play a top-quality title that they may never have otherwise.
(http://www.gamefan.com/hotinfo/02_98/02_26e.htm)
Eidos speaks
No more Square games planned currently; FFVII coming this
summer
Eidos has announced that plans do not currently exist to bring more Square
games to the PC after the release of Final Fantasy VII, and has pushed the
release date for FFVII to an unspecified date this summer.
Contrary to earlier reports, apparently there are no plans to translate Final
Fantasy V and release it to the United States market, making up for not releasing
it years ago. Eidos does state that it would like to release more Square games,
hoping that "a successful launch of the PC version of FF VII will aid in the
realization of future PC titles developed by Square Soft."
In another contradiction of earlier reports, Eidos is no longer aiming for an
April release date for FFVII, now pointing at an unspecified summer date. On
brighter notes, a 3D accelleration card will not be required to play the game, yet
it will be recommended. Grammar errors will also be corrected, but the game
itself will remain unchanged plot-wise (yes, this means no revival of a certain
character).
Brave Fencer Musashiden debuts at Tokyo Game Show
Brave Fencer Musashiden appeared in playable form at the Tokyo Game Show
despite Square's announcement of the game's existance coming just a few short
weeks ago.
Brave Fencer, which, according to an earlier interview with Famitsu Magazine
is 65% complete, appeared very impressive to UGP Online
editor Randy
Nelson, who is covering the show. Unlike Square's previous action-RPG,
Secret of Mana, Brave Fencer is more platform based with various challanging
jumps, yet still an RPG, unlike a straight platform game along the lines of Super
Mario Brothers.
Parasite Eve set for Japanese release
Parasite Eve made its playable debut in the Tokyo Game Show just a few days
before it is scheduled to be released in Japan. Square's horror-RPG threatens to
compete with the Resident Evil series for control of the horror game genre.
According to UGP Online editor Randy Nelson,
covering the Tokyo Game
Show, Parasite Eve opens with the now-standard beautiful CG rendered
introduction, then puts the player into the shoes of Aya Brae, New York City
police detective.
Parasite Eve has been confirmed for U.S. release, although Square is no longer
hyping a simultaneous release for the U.S. and Japan, as they did when the game
was announced. It's expected to come to the U.S. later this year.
Saturday March 21.
THE SMASH ROLEPLAYING TRILOGY ARRIVES IN 3-D
The dragon is re-born! CAPCOM's eagerly-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed RPG saga now
arrives in a fully 3-D environment. With an engrossing plot, loads of secrets, more
powerful magic and intense fighting, this epic installment completes the trilogy. Breath
of Fire III continues the epic tale of the dragon people who gave their lives to destroy
the evil goddess of the land and bring peace back to their world. Now, hundreds of years
in the future, a baby dragon, Ru, is found in an abandoned mine. As the last survivor of
his race, Ru matures into a warrior who ponders his purpose. Has the evil goddess
returned?