Square Enix
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'What the F*ck Are We Doing Here?': PS5 Fans Slam Square Enix for Sloppy Multiformat Strategy
PlayStation fans are expressing frustration with Square Enix's inconsistent multiformat strategy, citing recent releases like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster and Paranoramasight: The Mermaid's Curse skipping PlayStation consoles. Despite Square Enix's stated shift to a multiformat approach following disappointing sales of PS5 exclusives like Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, numerous titles have launched on other platforms without PS5 ports, leading to fan dissatisfaction.
The solution to staleness in modern gaming is cross-pollination - Reader's Feature
A reader proposes that cross-pollination of ideas between different genres and franchises is the key to combating staleness in modern gaming. The article provides numerous examples of successful genre blends, such as Castlevania becoming an RPG or Zelda incorporating rhythm mechanics, suggesting this approach can revitalize long-running series and create fresh experiences.
HD-2D Series 'Octopath Traveler' Hits Another Major Sales Milestone
The Octopath Traveler series has surpassed seven million copies shipped and digitally sold worldwide. Square Enix celebrated the milestone with a special illustration by Maika Minami. The series' latest entry, Octopath Traveler 0, released in December 2025, has contributed significantly to this achievement.
Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.5, Trail to the Heavens, Launches April 28
Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.5, "Trail to the Heavens," will launch on April 28, 2026, introducing new main scenario quests, a dungeon, an alliance raid, and a new Ultimate-difficulty raid. The update also adds the Beastmaster limited job and continues the Echoes of Vana’diel crossover series with Final Fantasy XI. The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.
2 years after its announcement, FF14's monster-taming Beastmaster job finally arrives this year, along with what looks like a Slay the Spire-esque roguelike mode
Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming patch 7.5 will introduce the Beastmaster job, a limited job focused on taming and utilizing creatures, and a new roguelike mode called Crucible of the Unbroken. Game director Naoki Yoshida confirmed that the Beastmaster job's development prioritized over updates for the Blue Mage job. The Beastmaster job is expected to arrive in a later update after patch 7.5, potentially in June or July.
Project Helix dev kits not going out until 2027 | TAG
Microsoft has revealed that developer kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will not be released until 2027, featuring custom AMD chips with advanced ray tracing and upscaling capabilities. Separately, a surprise public playtest for Secret Door and Dreamhaven's Shadowstone has launched, Nintendo is preparing an update for Pokémon Pokopia, and Square Enix has surprise-launched Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD on Xbox Series X/S and PC. Additionally, Jeff Kaplan explained his departure from Blizzard, and deals for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles and games are available.
Final Fantasy XIV 7.5 Gets an April Release Date, First Look at Beastmaster
Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.5, titled "Trail to the Heavens," will be released in two parts, starting April 28, 2026. The patch will introduce new main scenario quests, areas, a Crystalline Conflict stage, the final part of the Echoes of Vana’deil Alliance Raid, a new trial, and the limited job Beastmaster. Quality of life updates, including housing furnishing limits and Armoire storage, are also included. Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
First FFXIV Beastmaster Limited Job Details Shared
Square Enix has revealed details for the upcoming Beastmaster Limited Job in Final Fantasy XIV, which will function similarly to its past iterations. This melee DPS class will allow players to attack with monsters, with up to three active at once, and will be available later in the 7.5x series. The job requires a level 50 Disciple of War or Magic job, ownership of the Dawntrail expansion, and completion of the 2.0 Main Scenario Questline.
Octopath Traveler Series Hits 7m Sales Worldwide
The Octopath Traveler series has surpassed 7 million global sales worldwide. This milestone, likely boosted by the recent release of Octopath Traveler 0, suggests a strong future for the retro-style JRPG franchise. The series is known for its HD-2D art style and turn-based combat, with the first game releasing on Nintendo Switch in 2018.
Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.5 Begins in April, Brings Beastmaster and More
Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.5 will launch on April 28th, with a second part arriving in September. The update will include new main scenario quests, a new dungeon, a trial featuring Enuo, and the third part of the Dawntrail Alliance raid. Additionally, the Beastmaster limited job will be added in the Patch 7.5x series.
7.5 FFXIV Patch Part 1 and 2 Release Dates Set
Square Enix has announced the release dates for Final Fantasy XIV's Patch 7.5. Part 1 will launch on April 28, 2026, with Part 2 scheduled for early September 2026. The updates will include new main scenario quests, a FFXI crossover, new trials, a new ultimate raid, and housing updates.
FINAL FANTASY XIV PATCH 7.5: TRAIL TO THE HEAVENS REVEALED FOR 28th APRIL RELEASE
Square Enix revealed that Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.5, titled Trail to the Heavens, will be released on April 28th. The update will include new main scenario quests, the final alliance raid, a new dungeon, a new Ultimate raid, and the Beastmaster limited job. The broadcast also detailed the release schedule for the 7.5x series and mentioned upcoming events like The Primals performing at Download Festival.
Help, I can’t stop playing Pokémon Pokopia! And it's all thanks to one very clever difference from Animal Crossing
The author finds themselves unexpectedly engrossed in Pokémon Pokopia, attributing its addictive nature to its engaging restoration gameplay loop, which contrasts with the perpetual withholding of Animal Crossing. This focus on fixing and rebuilding the dilapidated world, reminiscent of Power Wash Simulator, provides a constant sense of reward and discovery.
Bravely Default series sales surpass four million, Octopath Traveler surpasses seven million
Square Enix announced that the Bravely Default series has sold over four million copies worldwide, while the Octopath Traveler series has surpassed seven million units sold. Bravely Default originated on the Nintendo 3DS and has seen three mainline titles on Nintendo platforms.
Nier Automata's Yoko Taro thinks his generation of directors has "a lot of weirdos", himself included, because "games weren't mainstream like they are now"
Nier and Drakengard director Yoko Taro believes his generation of game directors are 'weirdos' and 'selfish people' due to the less mainstream nature of games during their formative years. He suggests that directors who prioritize the game's vision over individual staff opinions are better suited for leadership roles, while emphasizing that this does not excuse poor communication.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster is Now Available on Xbox Series X/S and PC
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster is now available on Xbox Series X and PC, allowing players to experience the debut adventure of the Bravely franchise. The game features turn-based battles requiring strategic thinking and a charming story. While a PlayStation 5 version has not been announced, the developers have showcased the game's revamped visuals and biomes.
Evening Postmortems/Retrospectives
31 years ago, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII, a landmark title in video game history. The game is celebrated for its groundbreaking graphics, compelling narrative, and lasting impact on the RPG genre.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster Shadow Drops On PC and Xbox | Console Creatures
Square Enix has surprise-released the HD Remaster of Bravely Default Flying Fairy on PC and Xbox Series X|S, following its initial launch on Nintendo Switch last year. The JRPG is also supported on Steam Deck and ROG Ally, featuring quality-of-life updates and minigames. A 20 percent discount is available on Steam and Xbox, with a bonus digital art book.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster No Longer a Switch 2 Exclusive
Square Enix announced that Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is no longer a Nintendo Switch exclusive and is now available on Xbox Series X and PC for $39.99. The PC version includes a digital art album as a bonus, while the Xbox Series X version offers no additional content compared to the Switch release.
Everything announced at the Future Games Show Spring Showcase 2026
The Future Games Show Spring Showcase revealed numerous upcoming video games, including Cordura, Stupid Never Dies, Dave The Diver: In The Jungle DLC, and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Several titles like Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes and WILL: Follow The Light received specific release dates in 2026, while others are slated for later this year or have demos available. The showcase featured world premieres, gameplay deep dives, and developer interviews across various genres and platforms.
