Square Enix has been a trailblazer in the gaming industry since the merger of Square and Enix back in 2003. The publisher of world-renowned Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest franchises has consistently churned out quality content for the gaming community to enjoy since its inception, diversifying its reach into different categories to satisfy the wants of its fan base. Square Enix has received recognition for its contributions to the industry, recently carting home five awards at The Game Awards 2021. Despite its successes, Square Enix is not resting on its laurels, as it prepares for a busy few months ahead with several games currently in development.
2022 promised to be a loaded year for Square Enix, with notable franchises like Forspoken, Star Ocean: The Divine Force, and Valkyrie Elysium headlining the slew of gaming content scheduled to be released. Unfortunately, for some reasons, a few of these games got their timelines pushed back - with some titles like Forspoken suffering multiple delays. However, fans understand that delays can sometimes be necessary for Square Enix to produce its highest quality. The lineup of games on the way is enough to compensate for the delay, and if done right, Square Enix could find itself on the cusp of yet another award haul.
Octopath Traveler 2
Octopath Traveler's release marked Square Enix's return to its JRPG roots, which brought the company fame and fortune, a move that received praise from the giant publisher's fans. However, even this emotion-provoking nostalgic game couldn't escape criticism, as the storyline wasn't up to players' expectations and the characters seemed disconnected. Some speculated Square Enix had made a mistake revisiting the JRPG category, and others worried Octopath Traveler would not have a sequel due to its cold reception. Square Enix was determined to prove its naysayers wrong and announced it had started developing Octopath Traveler 2, with the game slated for release in February 2023.
Kingdom Hearts 4
Kingdom Hearts has not been the most welcoming franchise for new players, as its plot has been so intricate it becomes utterly confusing. The series finds itself in a situation no gaming franchise wants to be in - completely dependent on its existing fan base with little room for growth. Kingdom Hearts 4 could act as a restart for the franchise, as it begins the Lost Master Arc to make it more enticing to new audiences. There is no official release date available for Kingdom Hearts 4 at the moment, but fans are hoping the title will become available by late 2023.
Forspoken
Forspoken has been the unfortunate victim of a series of delays. Frey Holland and her incredible-looking story have had to wait for a protracted period to have their day in the sunlight, so Square Enix needs to make sure the release of Forspoken is memorable. Forspoken could become a central piece of Square Enix's puzzle, and the hype it has generated has been almost feverish. Fans could be in for a treat with this release, which barring any further delays, should be available in January 2023.
Final Fantasy 16
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Although the latest addition to the juggernaut Final Fantasy franchise has no official release date, fans are waiting with bated breath to explore the world of Valisthea through the lens of protagonist Clive Rosfield. Final Fantasy 16 is expected to be out sometime in the Summer of 2023, and the hype train is well on track for Square Enix's flagship franchise.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth may be the second chapter of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy project, but gamers do not have to play Final Fantasy 7 Remake to have a complete understanding of the game. Square Enix is keeping its cards close to its chest with this game, as there is precious little information available about what Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has in store for players. In a way, the lack of information increases fan anticipation even further, as speculation continues about this Winter 2023 release.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Remake
Fans still hold a certain sway in the gaming market, and after years of pestering Square Enix for a remake of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7, players will finally get their wish. The game comes before the launch of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, scheduled to be released in December 2022.
Front Mission Remakes
It's not often that two powerhouse developers come together to work on a project, but Nintendo and Square Enix are collaborating to remake the first two entries of Front Mission, the tactical JRPG series. The first of these, Front Mission 1st set in 2090, will release on November 30, 2022. Front Mission 2nd has no official release window at the moment.
Romancing SaGa - Minstrel Song - Remastered
Although Romancing SaGa received a remastered version in 2005 to cater to a North American audience after its initial release in Japan in 1992, Square Enix is not done with Romancing SaGa - Minstrel Song yet, as another remastered version is due to hit the gaming market by December 1, 2022.
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
Square Enix is displaying its development, with a new addition to the Theatre Rhythm Action genre. Theatrhythm Final Bar Line will feature 385 Final Fantasy tracks and 104 playable characters for fans of Final Fantasy to showcase their dancing skills in a musical battle.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
Old-school Dragon Quest fans are getting a lot of content as the franchise celebrates its 35th anniversary. Square Enix has announced the development of a stream of games to mark the event, including an HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3, Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai, and a spin-off called Dragon Quest Treasures.
Dragon Quest 12
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Square Enix's second most popular franchise is receiving yet another installment as part of Dragon Quest's 35th-anniversary celebrations. Dragon Quest 12 is set to feature more mature themes and some changes to the turn-based command system synonymous with the Dragon Quest franchise. Square Enix has not offered any clue to the release date, and some rumors indicate Dragon Quest 12 could still be some years away.