Every Square Enix Game Coming Out In 2021

2021 has been shaping up to be a great year for gaming. Square Enix has always been one of the most successful developers and publishers in the industry, especially when it comes to RPGs. Franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest have sold millions of copies, though Square Enix also has a lot of other, underrated titles.

This year, there are going to be a lot of new games for fans to enjoy before major releases like Final Fantasy XVI and Forspokoen come out. Though those titles may take a long time to release as Square Enix announce their games early in development, players won't have to wait long to get their hands on the following games.

Update June 17, 2021 by Mark Sammut: With 2021 entering its second half and E3 2021 done and dusted, Square Enix's line-up for the immediate future has mostly taken shape. Whether acting as a developer or publishing the projects of other studios, Square Enix basically always has something around the corner. Quite a few major franchises have or will be receiving attention during 2021, so fans of Final Fantasy and, to a lesser extent, Dragon Quest have a lot to sink their teeth into. What games will Square Enix be releasing in 2021?

Bravely Default 2

Release Date: February 26, 2021
Platforms: Nintendo Switch

One of the most successful games that Square Enix published on the 3DS was Bravely Default. Despite the name of the upcoming installment in the series, Bravely Default 2 is actually the third game. Rather than following the original characters again, players are introduced to new heroes.

Seth, Elvis, Adelle, and Gloria travel throughout Excillant, a brand new kingdom in the series. Boasting traditional turn-based combat and a solid class system, Bravely Default 2 released to a positive, if unspectacular reception. Fans of classic JRPGs are likely to greatly enjoy what this game has to offer.

Circuit Superstars

Release Date: March 5, 2021 (Early Access)
Platforms: PC (Early Access); PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Later Date)

Developed by Original Fire Games, Circuit Superstars was published as part of the Square Enix Collective. The game is currently only available on PC and in Early Access, with a date for a full release yet to be announced. Garnering generally positive reviews, Circuit Superstars is an enjoyable racing game that offers great driving and depth.

For those interested in trying out this game, please check out Circuit Superstars' Steam page.

Balan Wonderworld

Release Date: March 26, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima have worked on a lot of great games throughout the years, with the most popular being the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Unfortunately, Balan Wonderworld will not go down as one of the best projects by either person.

While the platformer clearly takes a lot of inspiration from their previous work, Balan Wonderworld blends baffling design choices with generally underwhelming platforming and non-sensical story beats to create a deeply disappointing experience. There are 12 chapters and over 80 abilities for players to check out, whether it be on their own or with a second player in co-op.

Outriders

Release Date: April 1, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Stadia

Developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix, Outriders is a third-person RPG that focuses on co-op gameplay. As with many of these types of shooters, players can decide whether they want to play on their own or join others and there are different classes that they can choose to play as.

The four classes in this game are the Technomancer, the Pyromancer, the Trickster, and the Devastator. Outriders delivered the goods in terms of gameplay and visuals, even if the game fell somewhat flat in its narrative.

SaGa Frontier

Release Date: April 15, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, iOS

With a non-linear storyline, seven protagonists, and a fresh take on turn-based combat, SaGa Frontier was certainly one of Square's most ambitious projects during the late '90s. 2021, Square Enix remastered this often overlooked JRPG, providing longtime fans with the option to play an improved version while newcomers get the chance to experience one of Square's classic titles for the first time.

A lot of improvements and new content have been added to make the game even better. There is a new protagonist named Fuse and cutscenes in the story that weren't shown before. While the game is still far from perfect, SaGa Frontier's positives outway its negatives, so JRPG fans should give it a try.

NieR Replicant Ver. 1.22474487139...

Release Date: April 23, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

The NieR and Drakengard franchise was underrated for a very long time. However, after the success of NieR: Automata, Square Enix decided to make the first NieR title more accessible for newcomers. There are some improvements compared to the original, especially with the gameplay.

Whether gamers have already played it before or are looking to experience it for the first time, this was one of the most highly anticipated Square Enix games of the year, and it may determine the fate of the franchise. NieR Replicant Ver. 1.22474487139... was developed by Toylogic inc.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Release Date: June 10, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5

An upgraded version of 2020's Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Intergrade's main selling point is its exclusive DLC starring Yuffie. This episode, entitled "INTERmission," offers a good few hours of gameplay, with the content being of a higher difficulty than the base title. New weapons, characters, and bosses make up this episode, and Yuffie is a fantastic protagonist.

Square Enix's remake took its classic JRPG in a different direction, and while there is still plenty of this story left to be told, Intergrade provides more than enough content to justify a spin.

NEO: The World Ends With You

Release Date: July 27, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC

2021 has been a great year for The World Ends With You fans. Not only did the year produce an anime adaptation based on the original game, but a second installment is set to drop in July. It has been over a decade since the first title released and fans have been wanting the series to continue ever since.

The gameplay looks very different compared to the original and characters like Neku and Joshua are not shown in the trailer, but fans are excited regardless. The shift to full 3D will naturally impact the combat, especially since the sequel won't need to work around the DS's two-screen capabilities.

Life Is Strange: True Colors

Release Date: September 10, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Stadia

Developed by Deck Nine and published by Square Enix, Life is Strange: True Colors marks the next entry in this beloved and emotional adventure series. This time around, Alex Chen will serve as the protagonist. With her psychic powers, Alex can not only decipher people's emotions but also influence them; however, they can also have an impact on her.

The Life is Strange games have become known for their likable characters and heartfelt storylines, two characteristics that will likely define True Colors.

Life Is Strange Remastered Collection

Release Date: September 30, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

September is going to be a huge month for the Life is Strange franchise, as Square Enix will also be publishing a remastered collection consisting of the first entry in the series and Before the Storm. While most fans have presumably already played the games, this release will also come with "Farewell," an episode that was released as part of Life is Strange: Before the Storm - Deluxe Edition.

This collection will also be packaged with True Colors to form the latter's Ultimate Edition, and this version will include an extra episode called "Wavelengths."

Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy

Release Date: October 26, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Cloud), PC

While Marvel's Avengers didn't completely deliver on its hype, Square Enix is not quite ready to call it quits on the superhero genre. This time, Eidos-Montréal, the developer behind the recent Deus Ex titles and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, will be taking a stab at replicating the MCU magic in game form.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy will be a single-player title that positions Star-Lord as the main character, with the rest of the guardians being controlled by AI. It remains to be seen whether this game fares better than Marvel's Avengers, but it does seem a bit more focused.

Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker

Endwalker Story - Final Fantasy 14 Expansions Ranked

Release Date: November 23, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Final Fantasy 14 has firmly established itself as one of the best MMORPGs on the market, particularly over the last few years. Towards the end of 2021, a new expansion, Endwalker, will be released for the game. Once again, the Warrior of Light must face a calamity that threatens to bring things to an end. In this expansion, players will get to travel to Garlemald's capital city, the moon, and Thavnair.

Endwalker is the latest chapter in a tale that has proven to be truly epic. Where will Final Fantasy 14 take players next?

Dying Light 2: Stay Human

Release Date: December 7, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC

After a long wait, Techland's Dying Light 2 is finally becoming a reality, with the game launching towards the end of 2021. Set in The City and 20 years following the events of the original game, Stay Human will be a standalone experience, only sharing a universe with its predecessor.

Dying Light 2: Stay Human follows Aiden Caldwell as he traverses The City's dangerous streets and deals with the factions that run the place. Naturally, the protagonist might stumble upon z zombie or two.

Babylon's Fall

Release Date: 2021 (TBC)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

PlatinumGames' Babylon's Fall returned to the spotlight during E3 2021, and the game is even preparing to stage a closed beta. A 2021 release date might seem a bit optimistic, but it is still on the cards.

Platinum Games is known for its tight combat, and Babylon's Fall's trailers have certainly highlighted as much. The visuals are also quite striking, as is the world this title is set in. The game will focus on multiplayer, allowing four players to team up to take on a tower.

Mobile Games Developed Or Published By Square Enix That Are Slated For 2021

Square Enix is going all-in when it comes to its mobile division, with a number of games expected to drop in the near future. While some are already available in Japan, their western releases only have a tentative release year of 2021.

Dragon Quest Tact

Though Dragon Quest Tact already came out in Japan over the Summer, mobile players around the world will be able to join in on the fun this year. Dragon Quest Tact requires more strategy than most of the other games in the franchise. There is also a story, but it is very simple compared to titles from the main series. Fans of mobile RPGs will surely have a lot of fun later this year.

Dragon Quest The Adventure Of Dai: A Hero's Bonds

A free-to-play action RPG with a familiar protagonist, Dai sets out on an adventure to defeat the revived Dark Lord. Along the way, friends are made, monsters defeated, and fate encountered. With two worlds, A Hero's Bonds will retell the story of the first Dragon Quest game while also including a brand new adventure featuring fresh characters.

Dragon Quest Keshi Keshi

Continuing the Dragon Quest-themed slew of mobile titles, Keshi Keshi is a puzzle game that incorporates Match 3 type gameplay. This title is expected to release in Japan by the end of the year, although it could take longer for Keshi Keshi to make its way to North America and the rest of the world. That's presuming it comes out in the west.

Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier

Square Enix is trying its hand at the Battle Royale genre, and Final Fantasy 7 is coming along for the ride. A free-to-play mobile game announced during E3 2021, Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier does not currently have a fixed release date, although it's expected to release by the end of the year.

Hitman Sniper: The Shadows

A follow-up to 2015's Hitman: Sniper, The Shadows shakes things up by going free-to-play. Unlike the main entries in the franchise, The Shadows does not feature Agent 47 as the protagonist, instead, players will have their pick from five different characters.

At the moment, Square Enix has revealed very little information about this mobile game, but its free-to-play status should entice plenty of people to give this a download. The gameplay should revolve around eliminating targets from a distance, similar to the original Hitman: Sniper game.

Just Cause: Mobile

Another free mobile game scheduled to come out in 2021 is Just Cause: Mobile. It was announced during The Game Awards 2020. The game will have four different modes, including a campaign and a co-op mode. Unfortunately, many fans have not been pleased with what has been shown so far. Fans who are interested, however, can look forward to its release on Android and iOS later this year.

NieR Reincarnation

NieR Replicant's improved version isn't the only game in the series that released this year. Square Enix has been publishing a lot of mobile titles, and that includes a game for Yoko Taro's series. Applibot's NieR Reincarnation introduces fans to new characters, such as Mama, and settings, such as The Cage, that are very mysterious.

The mobile game forms part of the NieR's universe, featured real-time battles, and also includes a gacha system. While a western release date has yet to be announced, NieR Reincarnation has been available in Japan since February 2021.

Every Game Coming Out In 2021 (And Beyond)

As a developer and publisher, Square Enix's 2021 calendar is stacked, and the company should be able to keep most people busy for the majority of the year. However, there are plenty of other titles coming out this year, with each major platform offering a couple of unique experiences:

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