TECHMASH

Tag: #SquareEnix

  • Time-Bending Action Meets HD-2D: Dive Into The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales on Nintendo Switch 2

    Time-Bending Action Meets HD-2D: Dive Into The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales on Nintendo Switch 2

    Nintendo Switch 2 owners, it’s time to fire up your eShops. Square Enix and Claytechworks have just dropped a brand-new Gameplay Trailer and a free playable Prologue Demo for one of the most anticipated action RPGs of the year: The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.

    Brought to life by Team Asano—the legendary minds behind Octopath Traveller and Bravely Default—this upcoming title takes everything you love about their signature HD-2D visual style and injects it with fast-paced, real-time action.

    Check out the stunning new gameplay trailer below to see the game in motion, and read on for what to expect from the freshly launched demo.

    Step into the Savage World of Philabieldia

    The game places you in the boots of the titular hero, Elliot, alongside his faithful fairy companion, Faie. Humanity is cornered in its last bastion, the Kingdom of Huther, protected only by the powerful barrier magic of Princess Heuria. When mysterious ruins are discovered just beyond the kingdom’s walls, Elliot is sent to investigate.

    What starts as a reconnaissance mission quickly spirals into an epic saga across time once Elliot discovers the Doorway of Time, a mysterious artefact connecting the past and present.

    Ditching the Turn-Based Grid for Real-Time Action

    If you’re expecting the traditional turn-based combat of previous Team Asano games, think again. The Adventures of Elliot delivers simple, intuitive, and highly rewarding real-time combat. Here is what makes the gameplay loop so compelling:

    • Seven Dynamic Weapon Types: Master everything from swords and bows to chains and sickles, each featuring unique abilities and combat effects. You can equip two weapons at a time and swap between them seamlessly mid-battle.
    • Tactical Fairy Support: Your companion Faie isn’t just for show. In a brilliant twist, a second player can jump in via co-op mode to control Faie, helping to solve platforming puzzles, retrieve items, and cast crucial support abilities during fights.
    • Warp & Dash Mechanics: Elliot can dash to avoid danger or instantly teleport straight to Faie’s location using a warp mechanic, adding a thrilling layer of verticality and speed to exploration.
    • Weapon Enhancement: Deep within the game’s dungeons and puzzle shrines, you’ll discover magicite fragments used to upgrade and imbue your weapons with devastating elemental effects.

    Play the Prologue Demo Today (And Keep Your Progress!)

    The best news? You don’t have to wait until launch day to get a taste of Philabieldia. The newly released Prologue Demo is available to download right now on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop.

    The demo covers the entire opening chapter of the game, offering you total freedom to progress the main quest, hunt for hidden weapons, blow open secret pathways with bombs, and experiment with the real-time combat system. Best of all, your save data will carry over to the full game, meaning all the magicite and loot you grind for right now won’t go to waste.

    Mark Your Calendars

    The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is shaping up to be an absolute must-play experience that perfectly showcases how beautiful HD-2D art looks on Next-Gen Nintendo hardware.

    The full game officially launches on June 18, 2026. Go grab the demo, test out the co-op with a friend, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

    Source – https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-adventures-of-elliot-the-millennium-tales-switch-2/

    #NintendoSwitch2 #TheAdventuresOfElliot #SquareEnix #HD2D #GamingNews

  • Wrap Up Warm: SQUARE ENIX Announces Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold

    Wrap Up Warm: SQUARE ENIX Announces Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold

    Brace yourselves, Warriors of Light. The tropical sun of Tural is setting, and a bitter chill is rolling in. During the FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Anaheim, Producer and Director Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida officially pulled back the curtain on the game’s sixth expansion: FINAL FANTASY XIV: Evercold.

    Set to launch in January 2027, Evercold marks the beginning of a bold new narrative era titled The Godless Realms Saga. If you thought the stakes couldn’t get higher after the finale of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark arc, think again.

    Journey to the Fourth Reflection

    While Dawntrail provided a much-needed “summer vacation” vibe, Evercold looks set to return to the high-stakes emotional weight the series is known for. Players will travel to The Fourth, one of the surviving reflections of the sundered world of Etheirys.

    Unlike the thriving civilisations we’ve seen before, the Fourth is a world in ruin, slowly being consumed by a phenomenon known as the “Ever-Spreading Ice.” The teaser trailer showcased hauntingly beautiful landscapes, including:

    • Floating glacial islands (reminiscent of the Sea of Clouds, but far more treacherous).
    • Ruined crystalline cities trapped in permafrost.
    • The “Arcane Giants”: Massive, mysterious constructs that roam the frozen wastes. Are they protectors, or the cause of the world’s demise?

    A Massive Battle System Overhaul

    Perhaps the biggest surprise of the keynote was the announcement of the Reborn and Evolved modes. As part of the 8.0 update, Square Enix is overhauling the battle system to better facilitate player choice:

    • Reborn Mode: Maintains the core combat and job mechanics players have used for years.
    • Evolved Mode: A new way to play that places a greater emphasis on individual Job Identity, offering unique mechanics for each role that change the flow of combat.

    What Else is Coming?

    Square Enix isn’t just stopping at a new story and combat tweaks. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect when 8.0 drops:

    FeatureDetails
    New Level CapLevel 100 to Level 110
    New JobsTwo new roles: A Tank and a Physical Ranged DPS
    Alliance RaidEVANGELION: Ghosts of Desire (Crossover with khara, Inc.)
    PlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and the newly confirmed Nintendo Switch 2

    “A Reflection fallen into ruin, ravaged by ever-spreading ice… this is where the Godless Realms Saga begins.” — Naoki Yoshida, Producer & Director

    The Road to 2027

    For those eager to start the journey, you won’t have to wait until 2027 to see the seeds of this new story. Patch 7.5, which launches tomorrow, April 28, 2026, will begin the narrative bridge into Evercold.

    Additionally, for Nintendo fans, the wait is almost over. FFXIV will officially debut on the Nintendo Switch 2 in August 2026, complete with a free trial period to test the waters before the frost sets in.

    Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates as we head toward the Berlin Fan Festival this July!

    Find out more here – https://sqex.to/lTRLy

    #SQUAREENIX #Evercold #expansion #FINALFANTASYXIVOnline #update #videogames #gamers #gaming #FFXIV

  • Solo Adventurers Rejoice: Final Fantasy XI March 2026 Update is Live!

    Solo Adventurers Rejoice: Final Fantasy XI March 2026 Update is Live!

    It’s March 2026, and while many MMOs from the early 2000s have long since faded into digital memory, SQUARE ENIX continues to prove that Final Fantasy XI Online is the immortal titan of Vana’diel. The developer has officially launched the March 2026 version update, and it’s a big one for those who prefer the “lone wolf” lifestyle.

    This month’s update isn’t just a routine maintenance patch; it marks a fundamental shift in how the game handles its Trust magic system.

    The Trust System Renewal: Level Up Your AI

    The headline feature is undoubtedly the first phase of the Alter Ego Upgrade System. For years, Trusts have been the backbone of solo play, allowing you to summon famous NPCs to fill out your party. Now, you can actually make them stronger.

    Alter Ego Points: Players can now earn and spend these points to permanently boost the basic stats of their Trusts, such as HP and Strength.

    The Solo Shift: Square Enix noted that this is the beginning of a broader effort to transition Trusts from “party support” to a system that truly empowers solo players to tackle high-level content.

    How to Start: You’ll need to grab the “cypher bracelet” key item from Syndella in Ru’Lude Gardens (H-5) to unlock the stats menu.

    Ambuscade and Event Highlights

    If you’re looking to test those newly buffed Alter Egos, the Ambuscade challenges have been refreshed for March.

    New Foes: The Velkks and Treants have returned to the arena.

    Vana’Bout is Back: Starting March 21, the large-scale “Vana’Bout” Records of Eminence objective returns. Whether you go solo or team up, there are massive community rewards on the line if the target objectives are met.

    Quality of Life: Chocobo Digging & Reives

    For the “life-skillers” out there, a long-requested feature has finally arrived: Wing Skill. You can now see a numerical value for your Chocobo Digging skill level, and you’ll even see a log entry when you level up.

    Additionally, the wait time to rejoin Colonisation and Lair Reives has been slashed from five minutes down to just one minute, significantly speeding up the grind in Seekers of Adoulin areas.

    Note: With the arrival of this update, the limited-time Alter Ego of Cornelia has been removed. Be sure to check your “Alter Ego Points” menu in the stats screen to begin your new progression journey!

    Whether you’re a 20-year veteran or a newcomer exploring Vana’diel via the latest crossover events, this update makes the world more accessible than ever.

    Find out more here – https://www.finalfantasyxi.com/

    #SQUAREENIX #FINALFANTASYXIOnline #Ambuscade #treasurehunter #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined is officially coming!

    DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined is officially coming!

    Piece together the world once more.

    The rumours are true: DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined is finally here! Experience the legendary journey of the Hero, Kiefer, and Maribel like never before.

    What’s new?

    • Stunning Modern Visuals: Explore the Estard Islands in a breathtaking, fully-realised 3D world.
    • Streamlined Storytelling: All the depth of the original, with a refined pace that keeps the adventure moving.
    • Orchestral Score: A completely re-recorded soundtrack by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
    • Revamped Vocation System: Master your classes with new abilities and seamless transitions.

    The past is a puzzle waiting to be solved. Are you ready to restore the world?

    Find out more here – https://dragonquest.square-enix-games.com/games/en-gb/dragon-quest-vii-reimagined/

    #Games #gamers #gaming #DragonQuest #DQ7 #DragonQuestVII #JRPG #GamingNews #SquareEnix #FragmentsOfTheForgottenPast #videogames

  • OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 Demo: Starting From Scratch, Finding A New Home

    OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 Demo: Starting From Scratch, Finding A New Home

    The highly anticipated prequel, OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, has just dropped a generous demo, inviting players back to the beautiful, perilous world of Orsterra. For fans of the series, this isn’t just a nostalgic return to the stunning HD-2D aesthetic; it’s a completely new foundation, introducing player customisation, a fresh narrative focus, and a surprising new gameplay loop: town building.

    Here’s a look at what the demo offers and why you should jump in—especially since your progress carries over to the full game!

    My Story, My Hero: The New Protagonist

    The most immediate change is the departure from the eight preset heroes of the mainline games. OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 places you in the shoes of a customizable protagonist, a resident of the peaceful town of Wishvale.

    The demo begins with a heartbreaking prologue: a joyous festival is shattered by an attack that leaves Wishvale in ashes. This tragedy sets your new hero on an epic dual-quest: retribution against the mysterious Masters responsible and the restoration of your beloved home. This single, focused story of revenge and rebuilding is a welcome shift from the interconnected, yet often separate, narratives of the first two games, promising a more cohesive emotional core.

    A Tale of Three Masters & Town Restoration

    The demo offers up to three hours of gameplay with full save data transfer, giving you a substantial taste of the game’s new structure.

    • Three Paths to Vengeance: Once the emotional prologue is complete, you are free to pursue the first chapter of three different story arcs, each centring on a primary antagonist: the Master of Wealth, the Master of Power, and the Master of Fame. This choice-driven structure immediately offers great player freedom and replayability.
    • The Kindlers of the Flame: In a brand-new feature for the series, you can also engage in the Town Building arc right away. This involves literally rebuilding your destroyed hometown of Wishvale, placing structures, recruiting residents, and collecting materials. It’s a surprisingly serene and engaging side-loop that provides a calmer counterpoint to the high stakes of your revenge quest.

    Evolved Combat: An Eight-Person Frontline

    The demo wastes no time in re-introducing the series’ acclaimed Break & Boost turn-based battle system—but with a strategic twist inherited from the mobile predecessor, Champions of the Continent.

    In OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, you can field a party of up to eight characters in combat, split between a four-person vanguard (frontline) and a four-person rearguard (backline).

    • The Backline Advantage: Characters in the rearguard are protected from attack and naturally recover HP and SP each turn. This new system adds an exhilarating layer of on-the-fly strategy, forcing you to constantly manage your party’s health, resources, and attack rotations.
    • More Boost Points, More Damage: With eight characters contributing to BP accumulation, the pace of battle is faster, and the satisfying “break” moments—where you stun an enemy by exploiting their weaknesses—feel even more explosive.

    Final Thoughts on the Demo

    OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 is not resting on the series’ laurels. It takes the beloved HD-2D art style and phenomenal music and pairs them with significant, story-driven improvements. By giving the player a personal stake in the world through character creation and the Wishvale restoration, the narrative feels more focused and intimate.

    If you enjoy classic, tactical JRPGs or simply the gorgeous visual design of the series, this demo is a must-play. It offers a promise of a more unified and emotionally resonant adventure when the full game launches on December 4, 2025.

    OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 – https://www.square-enix-games.com/games/octopath-traveler-0

    #OCTOPATHTRAVELER0 #jrpg #tactics #2dpixelart #demo #trailer #SquareEnix #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation #Xbox #PC #Steam #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Investment should accelerate Vaultbreakers development

    Investment should accelerate Vaultbreakers development

    Sometimes games can take a while to come to market and in the case of the Vaultbreakers this should not be a problem as recent investment from Square Enix will enable the developers, BetaDwarf, to release a trailer and even launch a playtest for players to get to know the game.

    To find out more about the Vaultbreakers, go to the official game website here vaultbreakers.com or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/mFmql

    #Vaultbreakers #games #gaming #newgames #actiongames #rpg #brawlercombat #lostrelics #PvE #PvPvE #BetaDwarf #Playtest #gametrailer #gamedemo #SquareEnix #indiegame

  • Vaultbreakers gameplay trailer and playtest

    Vaultbreakers gameplay trailer and playtest

    There is a lot happening in the development of Vaultbreakers. First up, the developers, BetaDwarf, have received an investment from Square Enix. This means the games development can be accelerated; furthermore, there is a new gameplay trailer and players can take part in the public playtest too until the 9th of July.

    To find out more about Vaultbreakers, go to the official game website here http://vaultbreakers.com or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/DG8kD

    #Vaultbreakers #BetaDwarf #games #gaming #gamers #rpg #actiongames #pve #pvpve #brawler #gamedevelopment #newgames #Gameplay #GameTrailer #Playtest #SquareEnix

  • Square Enix launches Future Funk for Foamstars

    Square Enix launches Future Funk for Foamstars

    If you are looking for something to brighten up your gaming experiences, well look no further because here is something from Square Enix that will do just that and a bit more too. It’s the Future Funk for the Foamstars game and it adds some interesting maps, challenges and other offerings for players that just want that little more extra from their gaming and who wouldn’t want that? This is available for the PlayStation as a game purchase or as a game pass and it is out now, are you ready to party on?

    Find out more about the Future Funk for the Foamstars game here; https://foamstarsgame.com

    #ps5 #ps5games #ps4 #ps4games #FOAMSTARS #SquareEnix #FutureFunk #FoamstarsFutureFunk #Games #ExtremeParty #Music #Fashion #Games #Gaming #Gamers