Latest news with #SquareEnix
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Final Fantasy 14 patch 7.3 release date – when you can try its new PvP changes and trials
Final Fantasy 14 is still going strong, and its latest patch – the Promise of Tomorrow – is set to add a host of new features to its already bulging roster Final Fantasy 14 is set to receive new PvP changes, trials and dungeons in its latest patch, promising to give players even more reasons to invest countless hours into the game. You might be mistaken for thinking that Final Fantasy 14 had reached its peak, but it's still very much evolving. While the game's Seekers of Eternity patch provided players with plenty to delve into, we're now being served even more in patch 7.3, better known to fans as the Promise of Tomorrow update. A new Alliance Raid is on the horizon to keep players united against a new shared enemy, along with fresh main scenario quests and trials to give fans who need some solitude the opportunity to improve themselves with as many players as they wish. The update introduces the next PvP Series 9 issuing new adjustments that pave the way for new ranked tiers and a new Crystalline Conflict Arena. There's no doubt that players have been given plenty to immerse themselves in, and with so much still to come from future updates offering a new Deep Dungeon and a host of Weapon Enchantment quests, you're not about to run out of things to do. Final Fantasy 14 Online fans are incredibly dedicated to its MMO stylings, so these new features are bound to be well received – and even if they aren't, it certainly isn't as though players are immediately going to abandon ship. So, when exactly can we expect the new update? Here's what you need to know about the Final Fantasy 14 patch 7.3 release date. Final Fantasy 14 patch 7.3 release date The Final Fantasy 14 patch 7.3 release date is slated for Tuesday, August 5 at 3am PDT / 6am EDT / 11am BST. This date has been revealed directly by Square Enix, and the release time here is an estimation based on the official launch times of the game's last two updates for patch 7.2 and patch 7.1. The game is stacked up enough, but this extra content is going to do wonders with players who have been looking for an excuse to get stuck in all over again. It's a good chance as any, to be fair.
CNET
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
A Murderer Is Among Us in Square Enix's Killer Inn
Announced during this year's Summer Game Fest, Square Enix's next game is a little different from its RPG hits. Killer Inn is an upcoming murder mystery that pits 24 players against each other in a game of deception. I went hands-on with the title for a couple of hours before the launch of its closed beta, which is releasing Friday. Square Enix The game is very reminiscent of the breakout pandemic hit Among Us, with players performing mundane tasks as they try to avoid getting murdered. Two teams consisting of 18 Lambs (prey) and six Wolves (predators) will be set loose on the grounds of a large and labyrinthian mansion. The Wolves know the allegiance of everyone and their goal is to eliminate every Lamb before the timer runs out. Lambs are left clueless of who is friend or foe and must be cautious when encountering another player. The Lambs win by either eliminating all six Wolves or by escaping the island during the endgame phase (more on that later). But players won't be idly waiting to hunt or be hunted. The game's core loop involves all players receiving short quests from the in-game NPCs. These NPCs are usually merchants who also sell useful items such as health recovery, crowbars (to access certain rooms/boxes), weapons/armor, etc. The quests are pretty mundane and often require you to follow a glowing trail (like a waypoint in a driving game) until you come across a key. These keys can then be traded into various glowing chests around the map to unlock random items. Chests can either be random or specific to a certain type, such as assassin (traps), armor, weapon, etc. Square Enix A lot of these quests feel like busywork to power up your character so you have more of a fighting chance against attackers. At the same time, Wolves are also doing the same quests to get better weapons and traps to use against other players. It's still early for Killer Inn but I didn't find any of these quests to be particularly engaging. Apart from the odd match-these-shapes or a shooting mini game, the quests are extremely low stakes and uninteresting. This might also be because we played on the one map for the entire preview so I got pretty used to the same scenarios and obstacles. The game is early so hopefully Square Enix has more maps and challenges to come. Square Enix Killer Inn gets a lot better when you encounter another player. It features proximity voice chat so you're able to talk to your friend/foe when close to one another to try to find out their intentions. This is a great feature because it allows you to hold secret conversations away from others. Keep in mind, I was in a preview event where everyone was trying to have a good time, so people may have been engaging in better faith than your average online match. Voice chat with random public people on the internet can be a crapshoot so your mileage may vary. When a Wolf kills a Lamb, everyone gets a notification on their screen and a waypoint to locate the corpse. A corpse always leaves two clues to the killer's identity. In my preview it was often a piece of colored fabric or hair that corresponded to a few players each. Collecting enough of these will help you narrow down who might be a Wolf. If the Wolf is fast enough to mess with the corpse after a kill, they can remove one of the clues, letting the Lambs only find a single one. There are also single-use items in the game that can help each side hide or find more when searching a body. Square Enix To make things more interesting, the Lambs can't simply start killing random players, hoping they get lucky and eliminate a Wolf. If a Lamb kills another Lamb, the mistaken killer will also be eliminated from the game. This means you really need to collect clues and watch how players are reacting before taking your, sometimes literal, shot. When the game timer nears the end, the game switches into its end state where the Lambs must head to a huge ship to board and hopefully escape. There are six anchors locking the ship in place and they must slowly lift each one before winning. It's a slow process that really makes you sweat because it leaves you in quite a vulnerable position. This is the Wolves' last chance to win and luckily it puts a lot of the Lambs in one smaller area. However, it also means a lot of eyes will be watching. In my previews this is where the largest gun fights broke out because each team was making a last-ditch effort to win. In fact, most of the murders I came across were pretty standard stabbings or shootings. I'm sure in future games, when the players have more experience, I'll see a lot more stealth attacks and traps being laid for more intricate eliminations. There's a lot to learn from Killer Inn and it will definitely take a few rounds before you even begin to get a grasp of when to strike and when to blend in. Square Enix I found playing as a Lamb to be a lot easier. Having a larger team of players working together to discover the enemy allowed the pressure to be shared. As a Wolf, you're juggling a lot and trying to play both sides. In fact, during the three games I played, the Lambs won every time. I'm curious if this will remain as the game matures or will being a Wolf just require more experience with the game to succeed. Much like the board game Werewolf, classic card game Mafia, or Among Us, Killer Inn is best played with a group of people who are all in character and really leaning into the deceptive nature of the game. You have the option of turning voice chat off but you'd be missing out on the most interesting part of the game: the lying. Square Enix While the social guessing game is Killer Inn's greatest strength, its humdrum quests are its biggest weakness, and I came away from it a little skeptical of its long term replayability. I enjoyed my time but am unsure if I could see myself coming back for more of those boring quests. I would love to see more interesting challenges that force players into unique scenarios where staying hidden or breaking character means life or death. Killer Inn's closed beta goes live on Friday, July 25, on PC and currently has no final release date.
Metro
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
New Fire Emblem for Nintendo Switch 2 teased on LinkedIn claim fans
Ahead of a rumoured Nintendo Direct, a newly spotted LinkedIn profile sparks theories of a new Fire Emblem being in development. With any luck, rumours of a new Nintendo Direct dropping by the end of the month will prove true and hopefully include announcements for new first party Nintendo Switch 2 games. Nintendo has plenty in the pipeline already, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and a new Splatoon spin-off, but fans can't help but yearn for more. Especially when there's no sign of a new Animal Crossing or 3D Mario game. While such projects can safely be assumed to be in development somewhere within Nintendo, fans think they've found evidence that work has already begun on an equally inevitable new Fire Emblem game. This comes from the LinkedIn profile of Takeshi Maruyama, a freelance 3D character modeler with credits across multiple Japanese studios, including Square Enix and Sega. Most recently, Maruyama served as a contractor for Nintendo earlier this year, from January to April, at its Tokyo branch, where he worked on what he describes as 'the sequel of Nintendo's SRPG (tactical role-playing game) on Switch 2.' Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. It being a sequel immediately rules it out as a new IP, so the most obvious assumption is that Maruyama is referring to Fire Emblem, as it's the most prominent tactical role-player Nintendo has. The last entry was Fire Emblem Engage, at the beginning of 2023 and new titles have been releasing pretty consistently every two to three years. There's not been any leaks of a brand new title but there have been longstanding rumours of Nintendo planning a remake of Fire Emblem: Genealogy Of The Holy War. Maruyama's choice of the word 'sequel' has created some dispute as to whether he's referencing Fire Emblem, with some fans arguing that most Fire Emblem games are standalone stories, so it wouldn't be accurate to call a new one a sequel (especially if the next one's a remake). More Trending This seems more like splitting hairs though, and even if it wasn't, it's not as if the series hasn't had direct sequels before. For example, 2007's Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is set in the same world as 2005's Path Of Radiance and features several of the same characters. Another argument for why it can't be Fire Emblem is that Maruyama worked in Tokyo, but Fire Emblem studio Intelligent Systems is based in Kyoto. However, as one fan points out, remote work is a thing and Nintendo EPD (which has locations in Tokyo and Kyoto) has assisted on the series before. One fan posits that since Maruyama only worked on this project for four months, it could be a Switch 2 upgrade of a Switch 1 game (so either Engage or Fire Emblem: Three Houses) along the lines of the Switch 2 Editions for The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and its sequel – which is plausible. There are other theories, such as the game being a new Pokémon Conquest or Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE but this seem very unlikely, especially as none of them were made in-house at a Nintendo studio. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes review – Musou on fire MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 charity auction for 'Staplegate' stapler is already at £80,000 MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 has a secret problem that could cripple third party support
Time Business News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Chrono Trigger Walkthrough: The Ultimate Guide to an RPG Classic
Chrono Trigger, developed by Square Enix (formerly Square), remains one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. With its time-traveling narrative, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay, it has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. Whether you're diving in for the first time or revisiting this timeless adventure, this Chrono Trigger Walkthrough will guide you through every major chapter, boss battle, and secret. Your Chrono Trigger Walkthrough begins in the peaceful town of Truce. After naming your main character, Crono, you'll visit the Millennial Fair. Here, you'll meet Marle and participate in some fun mini-games. Be careful with your decisions; they affect a trial later in the game. After an accident with Lucca's teleportation device, Marle is pulled into the past. Your journey through time begins here. In this part of the Chrono Trigger Walkthrough, Crono travels to 600 A.D. to rescue Marle, who has been mistaken for Queen Leene. You'll explore the castle and nearby cathedral, which hides a secret about the queen's disappearance. This is your first major dungeon, and it introduces the game's signature combo system, where characters combine abilities for devastating effects. After recruiting Frog, a noble swordsman cursed with an amphibian form, you will fight your way to the legendary battle against Magus. This Chrono Trigger Walkthrough section marks a turning point in the story. You'll journey through haunted forests, a cursed castle, and finally, confront Magus in his dark lair. This fight tests your use of magic and party balance, a recurring theme throughout the walkthrough. In this Chrono Trigger Walkthrough, you'll be transported to 65,000,000 B.C., a time of dinosaurs and ancient tribes. Here, you'll meet Ayla, a powerful warrior and party member. You'll battle Reptites, search for the mysterious Dreamstone to reforge the Masamune, and uncover critical lore about Lavos, the game's ultimate threat. Be prepared for a series of long, challenging battles that test your endurance. Perhaps the most atmospheric section of the Chrono Trigger Walkthrough, the Dark Ages at 12,000 B.C. introduces the floating Kingdom of Zeal. A mystical and beautiful place hiding dark secrets, Zeal is ruled by Queen Zeal and heavily influenced by Lavos. This chapter is story-rich, and players must solve puzzles, complete elemental trials, and eventually confront powerful guardians. Schala, Janus, and the Golem Twins make important appearances here. In a shocking twist, Crono sacrifices himself to save his friends. Your mission becomes bringing him back. In this emotional part of the Chrono Trigger Walkthrough, you'll climb Death Peak using the Time Egg and Clone Doll. The snowy cliffs and harsh winds make it one of the more atmospheric areas of the game. Once revived, Crono returns with renewed strength, leading your team toward the final showdown. This Chrono Trigger Walkthrough now leads to the game's climax. You'll face the Black Omen, a massive floating fortress filled with powerful enemies and epic boss battles. Queen Zeal returns for a final confrontation before you enter the core of Lavos. The Lavos fight has multiple phases and endings, depending on how and when you choose to battle. Preparing your party with the right gear and abilities is crucial. No Chrono Trigger Walkthrough is complete without detailing the optional content. Side quests allow character development, unique items, and deeper lore. Some notable side quests include: Restoring the forest with Robo. Reuniting Frog with Cyrus's spirit. Finding Lucca's mother and uncovering her past. Retrieving the Rainbow Shell and confronting the Chancellor. These quests not only reward you with powerful gear like the Rainbow Sword and the Prism Dress but also enhance the emotional depth of the story. A hallmark of any Chrono Trigger Walkthrough is exploring its multiple endings. Depending on your decisions and the timing of your final battle, you can unlock over a dozen different endings. From comedic to tragic to triumphant, each offers a unique perspective on the events of the game. The New Game+ feature encourages players to explore them all. To make the most of your Chrono Trigger Walkthrough, consider the following tips: Use tech combos wisely. Each pair or trio of characters can unlock powerful combination attacks. Don't skip side quests—they often contain the best weapons and story moments. Save frequently, especially before boss fights or major decisions. Experiment with different party combinations to find what works best for each scenario. This Chrono Trigger Walkthrough offers just a glimpse into the depth of one of the greatest RPGs ever made. With unforgettable characters, rich time-travel storytelling, and satisfying gameplay, Chrono Trigger is a game that rewards exploration and experimentation. Whether you're revisiting it for nostalgia or playing it for the first time, following a detailed Chrono Trigger Walkthrough ensures you won't miss a moment of this legendary journey. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Geek Culture
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
'Astro Bot' Finally Gets Square Enix Representation In Free Update
All right, everyone, let's mosey, as a long-requested character is finally coming to Astro Bot . The latest free update for Team Asobi's adorable platformer will add five new challenge levels to the Vicious Void Galaxy map, bringing the total number of levels to over 90, with more secret bots to rescue. While the name of one stage remains a secret, the other four are confirmed to be Twin-Frog Trouble, Suck It Up, Handhold Havoc, High Inflation. Atsu, the protagonist from Sucker Punch's forthcoming Ghost of Yōtei , has been announced as part of the bot lineup (coinciding with the PlayStation State of Play presentation focusing on the highly anticipated sequel to 2020's Ghost of Tsushima ), alongside two all-too-familiar faces: Cloud and Sephiroth. The former shows up after completing High Inflation, and beating all five new levels unlocks the One-Winged Angel. The iconic Final Fantasy VII pair are hardly the only Square Enix representation — 2B from Nier: Automata and Chrono Cross ' Serge are also due for a cameo in the game. It's a (final) fantasy come true for fans, who have been clamouring for their addition since launch. Astro Bot debuted with a whopping 173 cameos across PlayStation history, from more niche titles like LocoRoco and Legacy of Kain to popular franchises spanning God of War , Uncharted, Horizon Zero Dawn, and more, so the lack of Final Fantasy VII , traditionally associated with the brand in both the 1997 oriinal and remake forms, came as a surprise then. It sure took a while, but hey, better late than never. Astro Bot has received multiple free updates since its release in September last year, and continues to be a shining example of success despite its apparent AA scale. The PS5 exclusive beat various AAA titles to clinch four awards at last year's The Game Awards, with Team Asobi president Nicolas Doucet attributing its success to smaller-scale development. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Astro Bot Final Fantasy VII Square Enix Team Asobi
