GOONL!NE

Square Enix has announced that it’ll be bringing Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIV to gamescom in Cologne next month.

It’s the first time Square Enix will be at the event under the monkier, Square Enix Europe, since the company’s buyout of Eidos earlier in the year. Batman: Arkham Asylum, Front Mission Evolved and Mini Ninjas are a couple of other games on the list that will be in Cologne next month.

“We are delighted to be a part of GamesCom 2009,” said Phil Rogers, the new CEO of Square Enix Europe.

“As the largest European games show it is the perfect event for our newly created European organisation to showcase the combined strength of our product line up for the very first time.”

Full PR is after the jump.

SQUARE ENIX EUROPE CONFIRMS EXCITING COMBINED LINE-UP AT GAMESCOM 2009

World Premieres and Internationally Developed Titles Take Centre Stage

London (28th July 2009) – Square Enix Europe, the business unit integrating sales and marketing forces of Square Enix Ltd. (Square Enix) and Eidos Interactive (Eidos), announced today its exciting line-up of combined titles which will be on show at GamesCom 2009, Cologne, August 19th – 23rd.

GamesCom 2009 will mark the first time Square Enix and Eidos titles will be showcased together; highlighting the growing diversity of the expanding global entertainment company. This year’s stand features games developed from around the world offering highly-anticipated experiences across genres and platforms.

The playable world premiere of SUPREME COMMANDER® 2 will be joined by the eagerly-awaited BATMAN™: ARKHAM ASYLUM, DISSIDIA® FINAL FANTASY®, FINAL FANTASY XIII, FINAL FANTASY XIV, KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS, MINI NINJAS™ and ORDER OF WAR™.

“We are delighted to be a part of GamesCom 2009. As the largest European games show it is the perfect event for our newly created European organisation to showcase the combined strength of our product line up for the very first time,” said Phil Rogers, chief executive officer for the new organisation.

“This year’s show promises to be unforgettable with world premieres and our most diverse range of titles to date,” said Larry Sparks, Vice President of Brand, Square Enix products. “GamesCom 2009 gives us a great opportunity to share our most exciting upcoming games directly with consumers.”

To experience the latest titles from Square Enix first-hand, visit booth B54 in Hall 6 of GamesCom 2009. To find out more about Square Enix’s titles at GamesCom, please visit our official website at http://www.eu.square-enix.com/gamescom

GAMESCOM 2009 LINE-UP

BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Brand: Eidos
Platform: PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system / Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft / Games for Windows® LIVE
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: 28th August, 2009
www.batmanarkhamasylum.com

Featuring the world-renowned characters of DC Comics, Batman: Arkham Asylum, developed by Rocksteady Studios, will offer show visitors a journey into the depths of Gotham City’s psychiatric asylum for the criminally insane as Batman faces his greatest challenge yet.

Visitors will also have the chance to experience a selection of the game’s extensive FreeFlow™ Combat and Invisible Predator™ Challenge Maps. Also playable will be one of the eight maps that allow fans to play as The Joker, a character that is playable exclusively in the PLAYSTATION®3 Challenge Maps that will be made available as a free download for owners of the game through PlayStation®Network.

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) system
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: 4th September, 2009
www.dissidia-finalfantasy.com

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY does what no other FINAL FANTASY title has done before, bringing together an all-star cast to give players a chance to see their favourite FINAL FANTASY characters engage in high-intensity battles. Experience this renowned franchise, which has shipped over 85 million units worldwide, in a brand new light with this dramatic 3-D action game. Soar through expansive environments and participate in gripping combat, all while enjoying RPG-based character development that adds a rich layer of depth to the story behind the clashing forces. The battle between good and evil begins – What will you fight for?

FINAL FANTASY XIII
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: RPG
Release Date: 2010
www.finalfantasy13game.com

Square Enix proudly presents FINAL FANTASY XIII, the latest instalment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series. To celebrate the 13th numbered release in the series, Square Enix has undertaken a colossal project involving the development of various content for multiple platforms. FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS®, defined in Latin as “the new tale of the crystal,” is made up of several different titles based on variations of the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. While each title in the project features different characters, different worlds and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

In FINAL FANTASY XIII, players will embark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse, encountering and fighting alongside a diverse group of allies. Execute powerful attacks with weapons and magic, and summon the enigmatic Eidolons with an evolved Active Time Battle™ system. Experience seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics. Do you have the courage to face your destiny?

FINAL FANTASY XIV
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Windows PC
Genre: MMORPG
Release Date: 2010
www.finalfantasyxiv.com

The surprise announcement of E3 2009 is set to be one of the main attractions at GamesCom 2009. An all new massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), planned for a simultaneous global release with language support in German, French, English and Japanese.

Adventure begins anew in the vast realm of Eorzea!

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS™
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: Wii™
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: This Winter
www.thecrystalbearers.com

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS provides a fresh take on the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of FINAL FANTASY with motion-driven, real-time action gameplay. In this world, realistic gameplay and fantastical art direction are brought together for a truly unique experience for Wii users around the globe.

FRONT MISSION EVOLVED™
Developer: Double Helix Games™
Brand: Square Enix
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft / Windows PC
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Release Date: TBA
www.frontmissionevolved.com

From the creative minds of Square Enix and Double Helix Games, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED brings the classic FRONT MISSION® franchise into an action-packed third-person shooter that gives players full control of a massive humanoid war machine—the wanzer. Players will battle through intense combat situations as they explore an immersive world in both the single player campaign and online multiplayer.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./h.a.n.d.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: Nintendo DS™
Genre: Action-RPG
Release Date: Autumn 2009
www.kingdomheartsdays.com

Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the “other” hero from KINGDOM HEARTS II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora, and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favourite Organization XIII members!

MINI NINJAS
Developer: IO Interactive
Brand: Eidos
Platform: Wii / Nintendo DS / Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft / PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Games for Windows
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: Autumn 2009
www.minininjas.com

Mini Ninjas, from IO Interactive, will take you on a journey to feudal Japan where you’ll join Hiro, Futo, and the rest of the ninja clan on their biggest ninja adventure ever, as they embark on an epic and electrifying quest to restore harmony to a world on the brink of chaos.

Visitors will have the chance to get a free PC DVD containing the very first demo of Mini Ninjas to enjoy at home.

NIER™
Developer: cavia, Inc.
Brand: Square Enix
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: 2010
www.niergame.com

Nothing is as it seems in Square Enix’s latest action adventure game, set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark, unrecognizable creatures. Players assume the role of the unyielding protagonist, NIER, resolute in his quest to discover a cure for his daughter, who is infected with the Black Scrawl virus. With powerful allies and a mysterious book, NIER encounters things that will confound even the mightiest of warriors.

ORDER OF WAR
Developer: Wargaming.net™
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Release Date: 18th September, 2009
www.orderofwar.com

Square Enix teams up with strategy game specialist Wargaming.net to present ORDER OF WAR, a brand-new IP set for a simultaneous release across multiple territories. Developed exclusively for Windows PC, the game features massive-scale battles brought to life with a cinematic intensity never seen before in a WWII strategy game. Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all-out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns – American versus German forces on the western front and German versus American and Russian forces on both fronts. Missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944.

PONY FRIENDS™ 2
Developer: Tantalus Games
Brand: Eidos
Platforms: Wii / Nintendo DS / Windows PC
Genre: Virtual Pet
Release date: Winter 2009
Official website coming soon.

Pony Friends 2 allows players the chance to create their perfect Pony and take part in fun activities. Featuring 12 Pony breeds players can customise every aspect of its appearance, along with its own unique personality. Players can choose all their Pony’s accessories and even design some of their own. Taking special care of their Pony to keep it clean and healthy, players can take it on trail rides across different landscapes and environments. Grab the reins, photograph wildlife and unlock a whole host of secrets on your journey.

Pony Friends 2 features an exciting and energetic competitive mode across all formats: players can compete in races and trick competitions alone or with a friend on the Wii and DS (single cart play).

SUPREME COMMANDER 2
Developer: Gas Powered Games®
Brand: Square Enix
Platforms: Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft / Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Release date: 2010
Official website coming soon.

Set 25 years after the events of the original game, Supreme Commander 2 begins with the assassination of the newly elected president of the Colonial Defense Coalition. The CDC members – the United Earth Federation, the Order of the Illuminate, and the Cybran Nation – deny involvement, blame each other, and a galactic war ensues! Experience brutal battles on a massive scale! Players will wage war by creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Take the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre, or fight the battle online. Where do your loyalties lie?

About Square Enix
Square Enix brings two of Japan’s best-selling franchises – FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 50 million units worldwide – under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. http://www.square-enix.com

About Eidos
Eidos is the creator of some of the world’s leading videogame properties, consisting of several development studios including Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive, Beautiful Game Studios, Eidos Game Studios, Eidos Hungary and Eidos Montreal. It has a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: Tomb Raider™, Hitman™, Deus Ex™, Championship Manager™ and Just Cause™.

BATMAN and all characters, their distinctive likenesses, and related elements are trademarks of DC Comics © 2009.
All Rights Reserved.
WBIE LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. in the United Kingdom and/or other countries. ACTIVE TIME BATTLE, CRYSTAL CHRONICLES, DISSIDIA, FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS, FRONT MISSION, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED, NIER and THE CRYSTAL BEARERS are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United Kingdom and/or other countries. Tomb Raider, Hitman, Deus Ex, Championship Manager, Just Cause, Mini Ninjas, Pony Friends, Eidos and the Eidos Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Eidos Interactive Ltd. All rights reserved. SUPREME COMMANDER is a trademark or registered trademark of Square Enix, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. KINGDOM HEARTS © Disney. Developed by SQUARE ENIX/h.a.n.d. Gas Powered Games is a registered trademark of Gas Powered Games Corp. ORDER OF WAR is a trademark of Wargaming.net. Published and distributed by SQUARE ENIX under license from Wargaming.net. “Double Helix Games” is a trademark of Backbone Entertainment.
BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM Software © 2009 Eidos Interactive Ltd. Developed by Rocksteady Studios Ltd. Co-published by Eidos, Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc. Rocksteady and the Rocksteady logo are trademarks of Rocksteady Studios Ltd. IO Interactive and the IO logo are trademarks of IO Interactive A/S. Nintendo Properties are trademarks of Nintendo. “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks and “PS3” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Games for Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.