Gaming Worlds Collide As Square Enix Unveils E3 2011 Titles

LOS ANGELES, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced today its videogame lineup for the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, June 7–9, 2011.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030403/SQUARELOGO)

This year, Square Enix brings some of gaming's hottest and most beloved franchises to the forefront. Some of gaming's biggest names spearhead the company's show offering.

• TOMB RAIDER®, from Redwood City-based studio Crystal Dynamics®, ratchets up the intensity and takes gamers into the world of Lara Croft as they have never seen before.
• A new tale continues the story of FINAL FANTASY® XIII. With new characters come new destinies in FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, which will be playable for the first time at E3.
• Gaming in 2011 gets augmented with DEUS EX®: HUMAN REVOLUTION™ from Eidos- Montréal, marking the series' triumphant return.
• Agent 47™ takes on his most dangerous contract to date in HITMAN® ABSOLUTION™ from IO Interactive A/S.
• The island of Banoi may seem like paradise — until players realize they are among a handful of survivors of a zombie outbreak in DEAD ISLAND™ from Deep Silver.
• Obsidian Entertainment's DUNGEON SIEGE® III offers intuitive action gameplay, a robust RPG system with an extensive selection of abilities, an endless variety of loot and an engaging storyline.
• WAKFU® is a fantasy MMO adventure with a tactical combat system and a unique anime style from Ankama Studio.
• HEROES OF RUIN™ is a brand new adventure for the Nintendo 3DS™ featuring a lineup of unlikely heroes and deep social functionality.

"We're thrilled to present a roster of games based on some of the industry's most acclaimed franchises as well as introduce exciting new titles," said Mike Fischer, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. "We are incredibly fortunate to work with a global network of world-renowned studio and development partners committed to creating outstanding interactive experiences. Our goal is to entertain and engage a wide range of consumers with the best experience possible, whether they are gamers who grew up playing our games or people just learning about our vast portfolio of titles."

To experience the latest offerings from Square Enix firsthand, visit booth 1647 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

For the latest information on Square Enix at E3, please visit http://na.square-enix.com/events.

E3 2011 Lineup

DEAD ISLAND*
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Deep Silver
Platform: Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC
Genre: Zombie Action/RPG
Players: 1-4 online cooperative
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: 2011 (NA)
*North America Distribution Only

Story Overview:

The island of Banoi is a lush, tropical paradise in the South Pacific where its flagship Royal Palms Resort serves as the ultimate getaway for vacationers with money to burn. However, all good things must soon come to an end – and the picturesque resort falls into madness and carnage after a mysterious zombie outbreak throws its once-peaceful atmosphere into chaos.

Four individuals who strangely find themselves not affected by zombification must utilize day-to-day items as weapons to fight off zombie hordes in intense, gruesome melee combat in order to survive.

The official website can be found at: http://www.deadisland.com.

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION
Developer: Eidos-Montréal
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC, OnLive®
Genre: Action RPG
ESRB: M (Mature)
Ship Date: August 23, 2011 (NA)

Story Overview:

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION marks the return of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises of all time. The year is 2027 – a time of great innovation in neuroprosthetics, but also a time of chaos, conspiracy and a new social divide. Adam Jensen, a man cybernetically augmented against his will, finds himself in the middle of a mysterious global plot to which he holds the key. By offering players the chance to advance through the game in multiple and different ways, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION challenges the foundations of gaming and provides an immersive experience, where every choice has a lasting consequence.

The official website can be found at http://www.deusex3.com.

DUNGEON SIEGE III
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment, Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC
Genre: Action RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: June 21, 2011 (NA)

Story Overview:

As one of the few remaining members of the 10th Legion, disgraced protectors of the land of Ehb, it is up to you to rebuild the once-great Legion and stop the land from falling into darkness. Joined by a group of unique companions, you will travel through a compelling world, defeating all manner of villains and beasts through a combination of heroic abilities, screen-shaking magic and pure cunning.

DUNGEON SIEGE III seamlessly blends intuitive action gameplay, a robust RPG system featuring a large selection of abilities and loot, an extensive multiplayer component, and Obsidian Entertainment's signature storytelling.

The official website can be found at http://www.dungeonsiege.com.

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system
Genre: RPG
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: This Winter (NA)

Story Overview:

Set a few years after Lightning and the others saved Cocoon, some survivors have decided to start over by rebuilding on Gran Pulse. Lightning, however, is nowhere to be found and thought dead by many, but Serah believes otherwise. When her town is suddenly overrun by monsters, a mysterious man named Noel appears to save her. Together, the two set off to find Lightning...

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is the follow-up to the 2010 hit title, FINAL FANTASY XIII, and the latest installment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series, which has shipped over 97 million units worldwide. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 features an all-star production staff including producer Yoshinori Kitase, director Motomu Toriyama, character designer Tetsuya Nomura and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2.

HEROES OF RUIN
Developer: n-Space Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS™ system
Genre: Action RPG
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: Early 2012 (NA)

Story Overview:

Brand-new for Nintendo 3DS, HEROES OF RUIN tasks players with lifting a deadly curse from Ataraxis, ruler of the city of Nexus…

Four mercenaries, each with their own strengths, weaknesses and motivations, answer the call. These unlikely heroes can choose to create a fearsome alliance or venture forth from the city alone. Beyond the safety of the city the land is filled with strange and dangerous creatures, but none as deadly as the evil force behind the curse, which the heroes must eventually confront and destroy.

The official website can be found at www.HeroesofRuin.com.

HITMAN ABSOLUTION
Developer: IO Interactive A/S
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC
Genre: Action Adventure
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: 2012 (NA)

Story Overview:

HITMAN ABSOLUTION follows cold-blooded assassin Agent 47 as he takes on his most dangerous contract to date. Betrayed by those he once trusted, and hunted by the police, he suddenly finds himself at the center of a dark conspiracy and must embark on a journey through a corrupt and twisted world.

Showcasing IO Interactive's new proprietary Glacier 2™ technology, the game has been built from the ground up. Boasting a cinematic story, distinctive art direction and highly original game design, HITMAN ABSOLUTION combines much-loved classic gameplay with features never seen before in the Hitman franchise.

The official website can be found at http://www.hitman.com.

TOMB RAIDER
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC
Genre: Action Adventure
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: 2012 (NA)

Story Overview:

TOMB RAIDER® delivers an intense and gritty story of the origins of Lara Croft and her ascent from frightened young woman to hardened survivor, armed with only raw instincts and the physical ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance.

Superb physics-based gameplay is paired with a heart-pounding narrative in Lara's most personal, character-defining adventure to date.

The official website can be found at http://www.tombraider.com.

WAKFU®*
Developer: Ankama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Windows PC, Mac and Linux
Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
ESRB Rating:  Not Rated by the ESRB
Ship Date: Open Beta Starting Summer 2011 (NA)
*North America Distribution Only

Story Overview:

WAKFU® is a vibrant, immersive world where player choices are paramount. The World of Twelve has fallen into chaos, and is in desperate need of heroes to help rebuild the world.

Players can customize one of 14 distinct character classes and declare allegiance to a nation. From there they can defend their nation against enemy attacks, conquer new territories and even run for governor! WAKFU is a tactical MMO, with a turn-based combat system, so strategy is essential for success in battle. In addition to a satisfying combat system, WAKFU also has a player-driven economy, an ecosystem shaped by player behavior, and a player-driven political system.  Participation in all of these has real, in-game consequences. Step into the World of Twelve and forge a path for yourself. In WAKFU, it's all up to you.

The official website can be found at http://www.WAKFU.com/.

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 97 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com.

AGENT 47, DEUS EX, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, DRAGON QUEST, DUNGEON SIEGE, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, HEROES OF RUIN, HITMAN, HITMAN ABSOLUTION, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. OBSIDIAN ENTERTAINMENT is a registered trademark of Obsidian Entertainment, Inc. ANKAMA and WAKFU are registered trademarks or trademarks of Ankama Games. DEAD ISLAND is a trademark of Deep Silver. Nintendo 3DS is a trademark of Nintendo. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. OnLive is a registered trademark of OnLive, Inc.

SOURCE Square Enix, Inc.